Mike Martin Selected as US Airways-PHPA Player of the Year

June 19, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Saint John Flames News Release


St. Catharines, ON – The Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) announced today that Mike Martin of the Saint John Flames (American Hockey League) has been awarded the 2002 US Airways Player of the Year Award. The US Airways Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the PHPA Member exemplifying outstanding charitable efforts in his playing community.

For much of the season, Martin worked tirelessly with his Mike Martin's Auction for Cancer Research, which was successful in raising over $13,000 for cancer research. The funds were donated to the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, a charitable cause that has inspired him. After learning of his mother's affliction with cancer early in the 2001-02 season, Mike went to work immediately to help his mom and others affected by the disease. Working with Flames management, the Mike Martin's Auction for Cancer Research was established and auctions were arranged at each remaining Saint John home game. Further to that, Mike was asked to help promote the Saint John Relay for Life, an event created to celebrate the lives of those lost to cancer and those that have survived it.

"I am honored to be recognized for this Award," stated Martin. "As a professional athlete, I am fortunate to be in a position where I can positively impact the lives of many people. This is a responsibility I embrace and truly enjoy."

In addition to his efforts for cancer research, Mike was a key participant in the Hockey for Everyone Program run by Hockey Ministries International, which was designed to teach underprivileged children how to play hockey. At each Saturday home game, Mike selected ten children who were given the opportunity to practice their on-ice skills, attend the game, receive autographs from Mike and his teammates, and get a personal visit from Mike during the game. Over 100 children were touched by Martin's efforts.

Mike has also spent countless hours working with the Flames' Stick to Reading Program, as well as visiting community hospitals and schools. The City of Saint John has honored Mike's efforts by naming him the Community Service Award winner the past two seasons. Martin, a defenseman, started the season strongly with one goal, eight assists and 14 penalty minutes in 13 games before a knee injury and subsequent operation kept him out for the remainder of the season. Over his six-year professional career, Mike has accumulated 108 points (29 goals, 79 assists) in 360 games.

The PHPA and US Airways established the Player of the Year Award to highlight the off-ice contributions of PHPA Members in their respective communities. For his contributions, Mike will receive two (2) tickets to anywhere US Airways flies in North America or the Caribbean, and the US Airways Player of the Year Trophy, created from the Darlington Crystal Rock Collection. The tickets and trophy will be presented to Martin at the PHPA Charity Golf Classic, being held July 23rd in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Previous US Airways Player of the Year Award winners have included:

2001 – Wendell Young, Chicago Wolves
2000 – Mike Minard, Hamilton Bulldogs
1999 – Jock Callander - Cleveland Lumberjacks



American Hockey League Stories from June 19, 2002


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