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Salmon Kings add big blueliner and swift centreman

September 20, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC- The Victoria Salmon Kings, proud affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks and Manitoba Moose, announced today that the team has agreed to terms with two University seniors seeking their professional hockey debut, Defenseman Corey Sabourin and Centreman Chris Martini.

Sabourin, a 6'2", 222-lb native of Orleans, Ontario, joins the Salmon Kings after a four year stint with the Brock University Badgers of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport league (CIS). The 25-year-old led the Badgers blueliners last season with 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) in 23 games, and in 2003-04 was among tops in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) for Defenseman scoring with 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 24 regular season games.

"In Corey we have picked up a defenseman with good size who skates well, and can move the puck if needed," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach, "He comes from a solid University program and he is extremely anxious to play pro hockey. I think he will adapt to the pro game quickly."

In January 2005, Sabourin represented Brock as a member of Team Canada in the Winter Universiade in Innsbruck, Austria.

Before his college career, Sabourin spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. He was a first round draft pick (#8 overall) of the Sudbury Wolves in 1998, and also played for the Ottawa 67's, Kingston Frontenacs, and Mississauga Ice Dogs. Over four seasons, Sabourin tallied 36 points (3 goals, 33 assists).

"After talking with Tony (MacAulay) and realizing the presence and professionalism of the Salmon Kings organization, it was a no-brainer that Victoria was the best choice," said Sabourin. "I am looking forward to playing pro hockey and contributing to what should be a successful season."

Martini, a 6'0", 185-lb native of Calgary, Alberta, joins the Salmon Kings after three seasons with the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers of the NCAA. The 24-year-old posted a total of 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in his four years of college, with his best season as a Senior in 2005-06 as he scored 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 34 games.

In his Junior year, Martini helped the Chargers to the College Hockey America (CHA) Tournament Final, and was named to the CHA All-Academic Team. He played his Freshman year with the Iona College Gaels and tallied 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists), and played all 35 games.

"Chris is a hard-working and energetic centreman, who with his size and scoring abilities shows great potential as a professional player," said Tony MacAulay, Salmon Kings Head Coach.

Before his college career, Martini played three seasons with the Canmore Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and was named to the AJHL Prospects game in 2001-02. He finished his junior hockey career with 121 points (44 goals, 77 assists).

"Now that I am done my college career, I am looking forward to a professional career, and the ECHL is the best fit for me," said Martini. "I have heard so many good things about Victoria, and I am very excited about this opportunity."

The Salmon Kings regular season begins on Friday October 20th in Anchorage, AK against the Aces. Their first home game at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre is on Wednesday October 25th against the Idaho Steelheads.

Salmon Kings ticket Mini-Packs start at only $99. Call today (250) 220-7888. We're ready for hockey. How about you?

Support your Salmon Kings through our Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities. Contact Tom Sponarski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at (250) 220-2605 or Dave Des Roches, Account Executive, at (250) 220-7890.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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