K-Wings' all-time winningest goaltender returns for ninth season

KALAMAZOO, MI—The Kalamazoo Wings, proud affiliates of the Vancouver Canucks, have re-signed goaltender Joel Martin to a standard professional contract, the team announced Tuesday.Martin, 34, returns to the Wings for his ninth season with the team and 14th professional campaign in 2017-18. The veteran goaltender appeared in 41 games last year, posting a 19-18-2 record, with a 3.18 goals against average and a .904% save percentage.The native of Three Hills, Alberta, has made the ECHL and K-Wings’ record books his second home, as the long-time Kalamazoo netminder is the franchise leader in wins (207), and shutouts (21), while ranking second in franchise history in games played (373) and minutes (21,825). Martin has also gotten comfortable in ECHL record books as well, as he ranks in the top five 15 separate times in 12 different categories.Over the course of 13 seasons with 13 separate teams in seven different leagues on two continents, Martin has accrued 294 career victories, 25 shutouts, a .910% save percentage and a 2.87 goals against average.Though Martin has made himself a household name throughout his decorated career, he returns to the Wings with the ultimate goal of winning another championship.“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Wings this season,” Martin said. “We have a really special group of guys coming back. I believe this is our year.”Martin backstopped Kalamazoo’s last title team, the 2006 Colonial Cup-winning Wings of the UHL. Martin has only missed the postseason in one season since turning pro.Prior to making his professional debut in 2003 with the Bakersfield Condors, Martin spent three seasons in the Western Hockey League with Lethbridge, Tri-City, Vancouver, and Calgary, where he appeared in 123 games, posting a 46-50-9 record, with a 3.24 GAA and a .893% save percentage.Where he ranks (Kalamazoo Wings history)-207 wins rank first-21 shutouts rank first-9 shutouts in 2005-06 rank first-10,914 saves rank second- 373 games played rank second-21,825 minutes played rank second-2,084 saves in 2015-16 rank secondWhere he ranks (ECHL history)-3,777 minutes played in 2015-16 rank first-9-time ECHL Goaltender of the Week ranks first-Three 30-win seasons rank first- 64 appearances in 2015-16 rank second, as do his 2,084 saves from the same season.-36 wins in 2015-16 rank second-2,084 saves in 2015-16 rank second-177 wins rank fourth-20,032 minutes played rank fourth-345 games played rank fifthThe best games. The best seats. The best eats. Order your 5-pack today and save nearly 45% off retail value. 5-packs can be purchased at http://kwings.com/ticketpackages.Wings Event Center, owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team and a full entertainment venue offering concerts, sporting events, family shows and trade shows. Built in 1974, Wings Event Center values partnerships with the community to bring events and attractions that enrich the lives of residents in the Kalamazoo area.###