KALAMAZOO, MI— Kalamazoo Wings legend Joel Martin has announced his retirement as a player and has been named assistant coach of the Kalamazoo Wings, head coach Nick Bootland announced Monday.
Martin, 35, ends his playing career as the franchise’s all-time leader in wins, shutouts, games played, minutes played, and saves. His fourteen-year career spanned over 13 teams, seven leagues, and two continents.
“Every ride has to come to an end,” Martin said. Physically, my body is at the end of the ride. I’m excited to be a part of the day-to-day responsibilities and learn from one of the best in Nick Bootland. My family and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity to stay in Kalamazoo and with the Kalamazoo Wings organization.”
“Joel Martin is fueled by an unrivaled passion,” head coach Nick Bootland said. “He has watched the game from a different perspective, and he is a wealth of knowledge who will provide great insight.
“As a player, he showed an unbelievable attention to detail, and nobody could ever outwork him. I fully anticipate those traits carrying over into his coaching career.”
Martin spent nine seasons in Kalamazoo, and he backstopped the franchise’s last title team by earning a 12-1 playoff record in 2006 while leading the club to the Colonial Cup as members of the UHL.
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)
-229 wins rank first
-21 shutouts rank first
- 422 games played rank first
-24,755 minutes played rank first
-12,310 saves rank first
Where he ranks (ECHL history)
-9-time ECHL Goaltender of the Week ranks first
-Three 30-win seasons rank first
-394 games played rank second
-22,962 minutes played rank second
-199 wins rank fourth
Kalamazoo Wings season tickets are available now and start at less than $13 per game with parking included and one-of-a-kind benefits. More information can be gathered at www.kwings.com/seasontickets.
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.
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