Thunder Re-Sign Summers and Martens
Published on August 7, 2013 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
Wichita, KS - The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League announced today the re-signing of forward Matt Summers and defenseman Andrew Martens. Summers returns to Wichita for his third season while Martens returns for his fourth.
Summers, 27, returns for his seventh pro season. Since coming to Wichita, Summers has set new personal bests recording at least 60 points in the first two seasons in a Thunder uniform. He recorded 61 points (19g, 42a) in 2011-12 and 66 points (17g, 49a) a year ago. In 356 games as a pro, he has amassed 305 points (105g, 200a).
"I am really excited about coming back to Wichita," said Summers. "This will be my third season here and I look forward to coming to training camp with nothing but winning a championship on our minds from day one. Losing Game 7 the way we did is one heck of a motivating tool for the off-season and the upcoming season and a chance to redeem ourselves. This city deserves a championship and I am proud to be back to try to get back and win one this time."
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Summers has played his whole career in the CHL since turning pro in 2007-08 with the Laredo Bucks. In his rookie season, he registered 12 goals and 23 assists in 57 games. In 2008-09, Summers began the year in Laredo before being traded to the Mississippi RiverKings. He then went on to record 13 goals and 35 assists in 51 games. Summers spent three seasons with the RiverKings before making his way to the Air Capital last year.
Martens, 32, enters his ninth year as a pro. Last season, Martens assumed more of a leadership role as he was named captain. He recorded 42 points (7g, 35a), which was tied for fourth amongst defensemen. He added a career-high 10 points (2g, 8a) in the Thunder's post-season run a year ago. The Friendswood, TX native was honored as the 2010-11 CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman after recording 54 points in 65 games. Overall, he has tallied 273 points (58g, 215a) in 484 professional games.
"I am really excited to be coming back to Wichita, a place me and my family call home, and a world class organization," commented Martens. "I am really excited for another chance to take this team to championship status. With us coming so close the last two years, it's time for us to step up and bring the cup home to the best fans in the CHL! It's something special coming back to Wichita and knowing that we have the support of the fans and city of Wichita backing us along our journey to the cup."
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Martens began his pro career in 2005 with the ECHL's Greenville Grrrowl. He spent two years with the Johnstown Chiefs from 2006-2008, scoring 68 points in 142 games with a +5 rating and 123 penalty minutes. He split time in the ECHL (Ontario) and AHL (Manitoba, Toronto) in 2008-09, combining for 75 games and 42 points. Prior to turning pro, Martens anchored the blue line at Bemidji State University to two consecutive CHA Championships. In just three seasons, Martens tallied 40 points in 101 games at BSU.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 7, 2013
- Thunder Re-Sign Summers and Martens - Wichita Thunder
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