Ethan Martins hasn’t missed a beat on the ice since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2015. After being awarded the GTHL Special Recognition Award in 2015 for his perseverance, Martins continues to advocate and raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes. As part of Diabetes Awareness Month this November, Martin has taped his stick with blue tape before the start of each game with his North Toronto AA Minor Bantam team.

“This is our third year taping sticks,” explained Martins. “This is something we are doing on our own every year. We just took it as an opportunity to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes.”

Despite playing for a new team this season, Martins dedication to the cause stuck in the minds of his former West Hill Golden Hawks squad. Scheduled to face his former team on November 15, the Golden Hawks approached Martins with an idea.

“A Father from the West Hill team approached me at the rink in October and said he was going to buy tape for their team and tape their sticks when we played them in November,” explained Ethan’s Mother, Brenda. “I was surprised but so happy that they even remembered. We are very humbled by this and are proud to know such amazing people.”

Martins continues to wear a glucose monitor at all times and keeps a close eye on his diet to manage his diabetes.

“There are more and more people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes playing highly competitive sports,” said Martins. “I want every kid to know that being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t do everything you did before you were diagnosed.”