K-Wings Sign Joel Martin

The Kalamazoo Wings have agreed to terms with goaltender Joel Martin for the 2015-16 season, the team announced today.

Martin, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, enters his 13^th full season as a professional, and his seventh with Kalamazoo.

“Joel Martin is a true professional,” said Nick Bootland, head coach and director of hockey operations. “At the age of 32, Joel continues to be the hardest working player on our team.”

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound goalie appeared in 58 games last season, racking up 30 wins and posting a goals against average of 2.94 while compiling a save percentage of .908%.

Martin’s career highlights include a Colonial Cup championship in 2005-06 with Kalamazoo in the United Hockey League, and being named the Central Hockey League’s Most Outstanding Goaltender in 2009-10 with the Odessa Jackalopes.

“Joel is a leader of this organization,” added Bootland. “All of his teammates can learn from his daily work ethic.”

Martin’s work ethic and durability have etched him into the ECHL record books, as his 3,739 minutes played in 2012-13 stand as the most in a single season in league history. He registered 2,051 saves in that same year, good enough for second most all time. Currently at 152 career wins with Kalamazoo, Martin is 42 behind Georges Gagnon (196) for the team record (IHL, UHL, ECHL).

For the official 2015-16 K-Wings season schedule, visit kwings.com. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are available through the K-Wings front office by calling (269) 743-6011. For more information about the K-Wings and Wings Event Center, please contact Joe Roberts at (269) 226-0394.