Standout Kootenay Ice defender James Martin has signed a $575,000 a year (for three years) two-way contract with the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames.

The 6’1”, 200 pound defenseman was drafted by the Flames July 1 after helping lead the Western Hockey League champion Ice to within one game of the Memorial Cup last spring.

“James Martin has made a positive impression on the coaches, scouts and management team every time he has stepped on the ice, beginning in Penticton and continuing through main camp and his pre-season game here in Calgary,” said Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster on the team’s web-site. “He has good size and strength, very good hockey sense and awareness in all three zones, and he is a high character, take-charge person.  He worked hard to earn a contract with our organization and we are thrilled to have him signed as this once again improves our organizational depth at a critical position.”

Martin’s two-way contract likely means he will end up playing with the Flames’ American Hockey League squad in Abbotsford, short of an amazing run that lands him in the top seven on the parent club’s line-up.

The Winnipeg product produced 11 goals and 18 assists last season to go along with a natty +18.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

Image from Kootenay Ice website

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