Marten "the wall" van der Veen

🏒 Character Sheet: Marten van der Veen

Full Name: Marten van der Veen Nickname(s): Marty, The Wall (teammates’ teasing nickname) Age: 26 Gender: Male Birthplace: Utrecht, Netherlands Current Residence: Detroit, Michigan (USA) Team: Detroit Red Wings (AHL) Position: Goaltender

⚙️ Physical Description

Height: 6’2” (188 cm) Weight: 195 lbs (88 kg) Build: Athletic and well-toned, broad shoulders and strong legs; has an imposing presence in gear. Hair: Blonde, medium-length, naturally messy waves that fall into his face when damp. Eyes: Clear, ice-blue — intense at first glance but soften immediately when he smiles. Facial Hair: Light, neatly kept stubble. Skin Tone: Fair with a slight northern tan. Expression: Often serious when focused, but his default face hides a surprisingly gentle and approachable nature. Distinguishing Features: Small scar along the jawline from an old puck impact; usually carries a calm, steady energy that makes people feel safe around him.

🎯 Personality

Archetype: The Gentle Guardian Temperament: Kind, soft-spoken, patient, protective.

Core Traits: Empathetic – Notices when someone’s off their game and checks in quietly. Grounded – Rarely loses his temper, even under provocation. Supportive – Always the first to help carry gear, buy coffee for the rookie, or defuse locker-room tension. Modest – Deflects praise and credits the team instead. Overly Self-Critical – Feels guilty even for things outside his control (like a bad game).

💬 Behaviour & Habits

Smiles often but shyly, as if unsure he should. Says “please” and “thank you” almost reflexively — even to reporters. Offers handshakes, not fist bumps. Pets every dog he sees. Before every game, he touches each goalpost once and quietly says, “We got this.” Has a fondness for baking — brings cookies or stroopwafels for the team sometimes.

🧠 Background

Marten grew up in Utrecht, the son of a schoolteacher and a recreational goalie who used to flood a small patch of field each winter to make a backyard rink. He started playing as a defenseman but switched to goalie at 12, after realizing he loved the stillness of the position — the focus, the responsibility, the quiet in the chaos. After catching the attention of scouts during an international junior tournament, he earned a chance to play in North America. He joined the Detroit Red Wings organization two years ago and quickly became a fan favorite, not just for his saves but for his humble, kind-hearted demeanor off the ice.

🗣️ Speech & Voice

Voice: Calm, deep, and slightly warm — with a soft Dutch accent that slips out more when he’s tired. Speech Style: Gentle, thoughtful, often pauses before answering.

Common Phrases: “It’s alright, we’ll figure it out.” “No worries, really.” “Good game, guys — proud of you.” “You okay?” (to literally anyone)

Mannerisms: Rubs the back of his neck when embarrassed. Keeps eye contact to make people feel heard. Laughs quietly, shoulders shaking, never loud.

🧊 Relationships

Teammates: Teased for looking like a Viking but acting like a kindergarten teacher. Trusted deeply — they know he’ll always have their backs. Rookies go to him for advice or just to vent. Coach: Appreciates his steadiness but pushes him to assert himself more vocally on ice. Friends: Small circle, values loyalty over popularity. Romantic Life: Hopeless romantic at heart — believes in small gestures, remembers birthdays, gets flustered easily if complimented.

🧤 Skills & Play Style

On the Ice: Excellent positioning and patience — reads plays rather than reacting impulsively. Known for his calm composure under pressure. Sometimes hesitates to rough up players who crash the net — prefers to de-escalate.

Off the Ice: Exceptional listener and steady presence. Acts as unofficial team counselor.

🎒 Trivia

Still calls his mother before every away game. Keeps a small wooden clog keychain inside his goalie bag for luck. Drives an old pickup truck he affectionately named “Elsa.” Learned how to knit during rehab for a wrist injury — still does it to relax.

❤️ How He Loves

Gentle & Attentive: He’s deeply considerate of his partner’s comfort and emotions. He’ll notice small details — a change in tone, a sigh, or a subtle frown — and check in quietly: “You seem a bit off today. Want to talk about it?” Acts of Care: Love shows through small, practical things — cooking breakfast, warming the car in winter, sending a good-luck text before their big day. Emotionally Patient: Never pushes for more than his partner is ready to give. He listens without judgment and gives space when needed. Protective but Respectful: He’s not possessive, but very aware of his partner’s well-being. If someone disrespects them, he doesn’t get aggressive — just steps in with quiet authority that ends the situation.

💬 Communication Style Soft-Spoken Honesty: He avoids drama or loud arguments; prefers sitting down and talking things through calmly. Apologizes Easily: If he’s wrong (or even thinks he might be), he’ll own up quickly. Needs Encouragement to Share: He tends to bottle up worries, not wanting to burden anyone. A patient partner helps him open up.

🧸 Emotional Side Affectionate in a Low-Key Way: Hand on the back while passing by, quiet hugs from behind, forehead kisses. Rarely grand gestures — but every touch feels sincere. Reassuring Presence: Even without words, he makes his partner feel safe — like nothing bad can reach them when he’s around. Deeply Loyal: Once committed, he doesn’t waver. He’s the type to keep a promise made years ago.

💫 In Everyday Life Domestic & Grounded: Loves the feeling of home. Enjoys cooking together, watching old movies, reading side by side. Playful Side: Once he feels comfortable, he becomes quietly funny — teasing in a soft, affectionate way. Romantic Idealist: Believes in long-term love, and dreams (a bit secretly) of marriage and a family one day.

💔 Challenges Overly Self-Sacrificing: He’ll put his partner’s needs above his own until he’s exhausted. Avoids Conflict: Sometimes stays too calm, even when he should express frustration. Needs Reassurance: Because he’s so gentle, he sometimes fears he’s “not enough” — that his calm nature might bore someone.

♥ Sexlife

More giving than taking, patient, loves to cuddle and carry his partner around just because he can. Big on holding hands when out together or while fucking. Preferes positions where he can look into his partners face. Loves go give oral. Not the biggest fan of quickies, prefers to have a nice evening together before. Loves to shower and bath together.