BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University men?s ice hockey team has announced the addition of Eric Martin (F, Calgary, Alberta) to its 2019-20 signing class. Martin joins a group of five others who inked the necessary NCAA paperwork earlier in the NCAA signing period and plan to begin their Beaver Hockey and collegiate academic careers at BSU in the fall of 2020.
All signees are contingent upon admission to BSU and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
* Eric Martin (F, 5-10, 154; 6/5/2000; Calgary, Alberta recently completed his second full season of junior hockey with the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. In 57 appearances this season, he logged 80 points (26g-54a) to lead the Dragons and sit 11th amongst all AJHL skaters. His 26 goals placed him in the top 20 scorers in the league, while his 54 assists was a team-best and ranked him sixth in the AJHL. A member of both of Drumheller?s special teams units, Martin?s eight power-play goals was third on the team, while he has added a short-handed goal. In addition, Martin recorded a team-high 10 points in five postseason games, logging a team-best three goals and seven assists.
In parts of four seasons and 119 games in the AJHL, Martin has piled up 33 goals and 75 assists for 108 points. In addition, he has 13 points (4g-9a) in 10 playoff contests.
Drumheller finished the 2019-20 season with a 37-18-3 record to rank third in the AJHL?s Viterra South Division. Advancing to the post season as the third seed in the south, the Dragons defeated the Olds Grizzlys, 4-1, in a best-of-seven series to advance to the second round to face the No. 2 seeded Brooks Bandits before the season came to an abrupt and unexpected end March 12.
?Eric is a dynamic two-way centerman who plays in all situations,? commented BSU Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Eddie Olczyk. ?His speed, agility and motor give him the ability to create ice and push the pace with and without the puck. He hunts pucks on the forecheck, takes away time and space from the opponent and competes tirelessly to win 50/50 puck battles. His skill, hockey sense and creativity allow him to make plays and create in all three zones. Eric has a really quick stick and a sneaky release, which makes him a threat in offensive situations.? Olczyk added, ?His high character and work ethic will be a great addition to next year?s freshmen class. We are extremely excited to get Eric to campus this fall.?
Martin joins Gavin Enright (G, Farmington, Minn.), Austin Jouppi (F, Duluth, Minn.), Aaron Myers (F, Thief River Falls, Minn.), Jack Powell (D, Alexandria, Minn.) and Lukas Sillinger (F, Regina, Saskatchewan) in the Beavers? 2020 freshman class.
The Beavers, 22-10-5 overall, finished the 2019-20 regular season second in the WCHA standings going 20-5-3-2 versus WCHA competition. BSU clinched the No. 2 seed in the league?s postseason tournament and defeated Lake Superior State University in a best-of-three quarterfinal playoff series before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
For more information on the Bemidji State men?s hockey program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeavers), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) or sign up for the TXTUpdates from BSUBeavers.com text-messaging system through the “Multimedia” pull down menu on the main page of BSUBeavers.com.
Nestled in Northern Minnesota?s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men?s and women?s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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