Thunder Re-Sign Martens; Add Hosmer
August 13, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS (August 13th) - Andrew Martens has been a fixture on the Thunder blue line for the last four years. Today, the team announced that he would be back for a fifth season along with the signing of forward Todd Hosmer to the roster for 2014-15.
"Andrew has been a leader for us on our blue line," commented Head Coach Kevin McClelland. "I'm glad he's coming back and hopefully Marty can duplicate what he was able to accomplish this past season. Todd has been very productive with the RiverKings. I am looking forward to see what he can do at this level."
Martens, 33, had one of his best seasons in terms of point-production. The former CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman finished second in the league in scoring by a blue liner with 50 points (12g, 38a) including three game-winners and five that came on the power play. Martens was honored by the league as a finalist for this past season's Most Outstanding Defenseman Award. Two of his highlight moments finished in the Top 10 Plays of the Year that were voted on by Thunder fans as his game-winner against Denver on January 28th was #5. His game-tying goal with eight seconds remaining in regulation against Allen on March 23rd finished at #3. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Martens has tallied at least 30 points in seven of his nine professional seasons. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Martens is near the top of each statistical category for a Thunder defenseman, sitting in second in assists (129), third in goals (43), and second in points (172).
"I'm excited to be getting another opportunity to play here in Wichita," commented Martens. "This is a place that my family and I call home. I will do my best to get our team into a position to play for another championship. Coach has put together a team that will be exciting to see on the ice and get us where we need to be."
Martens anchored the blue line at Bemidji State University to two consecutive CHA Championships. In just three seasons with the Beavers, Martens tallied 40 points in 101 games. He turned pro in 2006 with the ECHL's Greenville Grrrowl. Martens saw extensive time in the AHL during the 2008-09 season with Manitoba and Toronto. He also earned a call-up during the Thunder's run to the CHL Finals in 2011-12 season with the Oklahoma City Barons and the Toronto Marlies. In 2011-12, he was named to the CHL All-Star Game
Hosmer, 26, comes to Wichita after spending the last two seasons with the Mississippi RiverKings of the SPHL. The third-year pro was named to the SPHL All-Rookie Team in 2012-13 after collecting 34 points (15g, 19a). Hosmer improved on those numbers last year and then some, racking up 55 points (37g, 18a) in 40 games. He was named to the SPHL First All-Star Team and led the league in goals scored this past season. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound forward earned a call-up to the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL in January and scored twice on January 14th against South Carolina. He finished with three goals and four points in 14 games before returning to Mississippi.
"I'm extremely excited to be joining the Thunder this season and playing in front of some of the best fans in minor league hockey," said Hosmer. "I am looking forward to working with Coach and doing our best to bring home a championship this season."
A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Hosmer was a stand-out for SUNY Potsdam before transferring to Morrisville State College. He registered 27 goals and 62 points and was tied for eighth in overall points in the SUNYAC in his last full season at Potsdam. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound forward collected 17 goals and 12 assists as a senior with the Mustangs to go along with his 95 penalty minutes. Coming out of college, Hosmer attended Thunder training camp before heading to the RiverKings.
2014-15 season tickets are on sale now! All it takes to get started is $50 deposit per seat. Don't delay! Contact the Wichita Thunder Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at (316) 264-4625. Stay up-to-date on all the news this off-season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.
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