Martino to guide Killer Bees

Published on May 19, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


Hidalgo, Texas --- The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (Central Hockey League) today announced that Tony Martino has been named the second head coach in franchise history. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Tony is a fierce competitor, and will do what it takes to bring a championship to the Rio Grande Valley," said Killer Bees General Manager Grant Buckborough. "He has won wherever he has gone. His record speaks for itself and he is respected throughout hockey. Tony is also a solid community leader and will be highly visible to the fans."

The 41-year-old Montreal native brings seven years of head coaching experience to the Killer Bees along with a career record of 211-116-25-15. In his most recent role, he guided Varese HC in Italy for the last three seasons.

Martino is no stranger to the Central Hockey League or Western Professional Hockey League, however. He began his coaching career with the New Mexico Scorpions in 1999 in what was then the WPHL. He helmed the franchise for three seasons, during which time the WPHL and CHL merged, and compiled a 126-66-13 (.620) record. He brought the Scorpions to the WPHL finals, and lost, during his first season behind the bench. He then moved on to Knoxville (Atlantic Coast Hockey League) in 2003-04 and coached the Ice Bears to a loss in the finals before heading overseas.

As a player Martino spent most of his career in the CHL/WPHL, including four seasons with the Tulsa Oilers and two with the Scorpions. The goaltender's most notable season, statistically, came in 1996-97 when he went 33-13-1 and piled up 179 PIM. He was also a member and key contributor of the 1992-93 Tulsa Oilers club that won the first championship in the "new" CHL (the original CHL operated from 1963-84).

"I'd like to acknowledge my appreciation to Grant Buckborough and the ownership of the Killer Bees for having the trust in me to lead this team to a championship," said Martino. "I will do everything in my power to make this team successful. The goal is always to win a championship"

Fans can meet the Killer Bees' new coach at Fanatics inside Valley Bowl in Mission (on Business 83) this Friday from 4- 6 p.m. Martino will be a guest on ESPN 1240's Sportsline with Tony Forina, which will be broadcast live from the restaurant.

The Killer Bees begin their fourth season of play in the CHL at Dodge Arena this fall.

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