(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Kim Martin-Hasson Inducted into IIHF Hall of Fame After Historic Career
Swedish goaltender Kim Martin-Hasson was honored last May at the IIHF Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Stockholm, joining a group of legendary athletes for her contributions to women’s hockey.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized and to be inducted with all these amazing athletes,” Martin-Hasson said during her speech.
Early Years and Breakthrough
Martin-Hasson began her international career at just 15 years old, making her debut at the 2001 Women’s World Championship in Minneapolis. She played her first game against Canada and secured her first start with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan.
In the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Sweden’s women’s hockey program was still developing, yet Martin-Hasson played a pivotal role in the team’s bronze-medal win. Facing 33 shots against Finland, she stopped 32 and helped Sweden claim a historic upset. “I will never forget that moment,” she said, recalling the game as her international breakthrough.
Rising Through the Ranks
After a hiatus due to the 2003 Women’s Worlds cancellation, Martin returned in 2004, helping Sweden finish fourth. The following year, she guided the team to another bronze after a close semi-final loss to the U.S. This set the stage for the 2006 Turin Olympics, where Sweden stunned the world by beating the United States 3-2 in the semi-finals and reaching the gold-medal game against Canada. This remains the only Olympic women’s final without a North American team.
College Career in the U.S.
In the fall of 2006, Martin-Hasson joined the University of Minnesota-Duluth, helping the Bulldogs win a national championship in her first year, including a shutout in the final against Wisconsin. Over four years, she amassed a record 67 wins and cemented her reputation as one of the top goaltenders in college hockey.
Continued Success and Retirement
Martin continued to lead Damkronor, Sweden’s national team, securing her final international medal—a bronze—in 2007. She later played a season in Russia before finishing her career in Linköping, Sweden, retiring in 2015. Over her career, she competed in four Olympics and seven Women’s Worlds, winning four medals in 35 games.
Legacy and Influence
Known for her agility, fearlessness, and instinctive play, Martin-Hasson played at the highest level while still a teenager, inspiring countless young players. Today, she serves as the general manager of Frolunda’s SDHL team.
“Looking at where women’s hockey is today, I’m in awe,” she said. “It’s incredible to see the growth, recognition, and passion surrounding the sport. I feel fortunate to have played a role in its development. For any young girl dreaming of playing hockey, know that anything is possible.”
