Goaltender Joel Martin To Join Jacks From AHL Toronto RoadRunners
October 23, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
The Jackalopes' affiliation with the National Hockey League Edmonton Oilers today has brought a new member to the Jacks, as Joel Martin has been assigned to the club from the Toronto RoadRunners, Edmonton's American Hockey League affiliate.
Martin joins the club initially on a 5-game, tryout contract, during which time he will be evaluated by Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations, Don McKee. He will practice with the Jacks Thursday and is expected to see significant time in net this weekend, when the Jacks play two important games against division rivals (Lubbock at home Friday and San Angelo on the road Saturday).
"We're really looking forward to seeing what Joel can do in net for us," McKee said. "He's a young (21) and very talented goaltender and we'll see very quickly just how much he can help the Jacks."
Martin attended NHL training camp with the Oilers before being assigned to Toronto of the AHL (the RoadRunners are in their first season and are Edmonton's top affiliate). He has been the RoadRunners' # 3 goaltender, so a move to the Jackalopes should benefit both the club and goaltender.
"We felt we needed to explore our goaltending options and Edmonton knows Joel needs minutes in net to develop," McKee said. "That makes this a very logical move, and its' important that our fans realize this is part of our working agreement with the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto RoadRunners."
Martin joins Jeff Blair and Mark Cairns in the goaltending "rotation." Since he joins the club on a "tryout" contract, no other roster moves are necessary. If he plays (or is on the 18-player line-up card) in each of the Jacks' next five games, Martin's "tryout" contract would run through November, which is also the end of a brutal, 3-game road trip to Memphis and Indianapolis.
"The five games will give us enough time to evaluate his (Martin's) performance and our goaltending situation," McKee said. "At that time, we'll make our decision (on which two goaltenders remain with the club)."
The Jacks, off to an uncharacteristic 0-3-0 start, have allowed 12 goals in three games, although the club played a very solid game against the powerful Colorado Eagles on Tuesday, dropping a tough, 3-2, decision.
"Defense is part of our overall team performance, it's not simply the goaltending," McKee added. "But anytime you have the opportunity to make your hockey club stronger, you do it. We're anxious to see what Joel Martin can do."
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