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ECHL Wichita Thunder

Thunder Captain Martens Calls It a Career

October 16, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release


Wichita, KS (Oct. 16th) - Andrew Martens has been an anchor on the Thunder blueline for the past four seasons and today the veteran defenseman officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. Martens, who is near the top of every statistical category in Thunder history for a defenseman, hangs up the skates after an impressive nine-year career.

"This is an ending of a chapter of my life with my second family," commented Martens. "There are so many people I want to thank from Kevin McClelland to the fans as well as my teammates. But most importantly, my friends and family that have stood by my side. I just hope I don't miss anyone."

Martens, 33, had one of his best seasons last year 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 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 don't even know where to begin. To Mac, thank you for always demanding the most out of us, pushing us harder than we have ever been pushed and never letting us take short cuts or days off. It has truly been an honor playing for you and I have a friend for life. To all my teammates, thank you for always making seasons enjoyable. I am going to miss you all. To the city of Wichita, thank you for everything you have done to make my family feel at home. There have been a lot of sad goodbyes and we appreciate knowing in our hearts we feel like one of your own. To the Wichita Thunder Organization from ownership to management, thank you for making it possible to help us as players try to reach a dream, for making us feel welcome and at home, and last of all, taking care of all of us."

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.

"And now to the FANS, without you there isn't an us. Whether you are a fan for the Thunder or a fan against us or just a hockey fan in general, continue to cheer on your team louder and heckle the opposing team more, because you guys make it enjoyable to be part of this great game. To all my coaches growing up, thank you for help mold me into the hockey player that I was, and enabled me to have success in my career as an athlete. To all the kids out there who one day have a dream to be a professional athlete, whatever your dream is... DREAM BIGGER, because the only person who is able to stand in the way of your success is yourself."

Season tickets will be available to pick up on Wednesday, October 22nd starting at 6 p.m. at Pucks Sports Bar at the Wichita Ice Center. Players will be on hand to meet and greet season ticket holders. Small appetizers and a cash bar will be available during the event.

Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 26th for the home opener. Don't delay! Tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Arena Box office, by calling 755-SEAT or go online at www.selectaseat.com. Stay up-to-date on all the news during the season by visiting www.wichitathunder.com.

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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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