It's tough to put into words how much a professional athlete can effect someone's life, but Marty had a huge impact on mine. I was a young goalie growing up in Chicago, and when everyone else was big Belfour fan, I rooted for Marty. I'll never forget the day when he actually wrote back to me, a letter that included a signed picture, after I sent him a letter. What a huge impact on an 8 year old kid. Luckily enough I ended up in New Jersey because of my father's job, and that is when I was truly able to appreciate him as an athlete.
You can debate all day if he was the best goalie to ever play the game, and in my opinion he was, but you can't debate how big of an impact he had on me. He was the most entertaining goalie to watch and it was truly a honor and a privilege to be able to watch him night in, and night out. He has always been the face of the game to me, and it is sad to see him hang 'em up. I wish he was able to go out on top, or with the Devils, but I'm happy he ended his career on his terms.
Thank you for all that you have done for the game of hockey, the New Jersey Devils, the fans, and myself, Marty, you will be missed!
P.S. Can't wait for the retirement ceremony, I will be there!
P.S.S. I really hope he adds to his biography.