Jill and Terry L. Martin stand near a new statue of Terry. The bronze likeness was donated in honor of Terry's successes as a coach and mentor.

CANTON -- SUNY Canton is celebrating men’s hockey coach Terry Martin with a life-size bronze statue.

Martin, head coach of the SUNY Canton men’s hockey program for 25 years, was honored on Saturday with the unveiling of the college’s new monument at the entryway of the college’s athletic facilities.

The ceremony took place outside the doors to the ice arena of the Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center (CARC), Roos House.

“What a humbling experience,” Martin said at the event. “But what a great day for my family, for my hockey family, my lacrosse family, my soccer family and all the faculty and staff here when I taught and coached. Seeing you all here today, former players and their families, it makes my heart feel good.”

Martin was at the helm for the Northmen and later the Northstars from 1974 to 1999, compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His teams won 12 national championship titles throughout his Canton College coaching career.

Martin also served as men’s athletic director, women’s soccer coach, men’s lacrosse coach, and taught in the physical education department.

The statue came to fruition through the vision and generosity of alumnus Richard F. Layo, who played for the Northmen from 1974-76. He has remained active since he graduated from SUNY Canton, attending alumni events and maintaining correspondence with the Office of Alumni Affairs.

“You always hear ‘Terry Martin, what a great coach!’“ Layo said. “Terry Martin is a great man. I think that’s something that speaks louder than just a great coach. His level of dedication was humbling to me as a freshman. His passion for the game is like no one else I’ve ever seen. He continually builds character in every hockey player he works with.”

SUNY Canton Acting President Joseph Hoffman spoke at the event along with Canton Town Supervisor Dave Button and long-time professor and Canton town board member Dan Fay. Button and Fay presented a town board resolution honoring Martin’s extraordinary accomplishments and service to the college and community.

The SUNY Canton Foundation and Alumni Offices welcomed more than 100 alumni, friends and guests to campus this weekend for “Terry Martin Weekend,” including Northmen Night during Friday’s hockey game.

“It was a great weekend honoring Terry,” said Vice President for Advancement Dave Gerlach. “He deserves this type of recognition. And his former players showed how much he means to them by traveling from all over North America to be in attendance at the unveiling.”