The Sarnia Sting Hockey Club has announced that former forward Matt Martin will be the latest inductee into the Sarnia Sting Hall of Fame. The on-ice ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at Progressive Auto Sales Arena before the Sting host the Barrie Colts. A native of Windsor, Martin’s journey to professional hockey […]
The Sarnia Sting Hockey Club has announced that former forward Matt Martin will be the latest inductee into the Sarnia Sting Hall of Fame. The on-ice ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at Progressive Auto Sales Arena before the Sting host the Barrie Colts.
A native of Windsor, Martin’s journey to professional hockey is a testament to perseverance. After being passed over in the OHL Priority Selection, he earned a spot on the roster as a walk-on during the team's 2006 training camp. He eventually played three seasons in Sarnia from 2006 to 2009, serving as team captain in his final year.
During his tenure with the Sting, Martin transformed from an undrafted hopeful into a dominant power forward. He appeared in 166 games, recording 73 goals and 46 assists for 119 points. His physical presence was a hallmark of his game, providing the leadership that paved his way to the National Hockey League.
Selected by the New York Islanders in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Draft, Martin went on to play 987 professional games. While he spent the majority of his 15-season career with the Islanders, he also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs between 2016 and 2018. He retired from the NHL in 2025 and currently serves as Special Assistant to the General Manager for the Islanders.
The induction, presented by All Seasons Trophies, recognizes Martin’s lasting impact on the Sarnia-Lambton hockey community. His transition from a training camp walk-on to an NHL mainstay remains one of the most significant developmental success stories in the organization's history.
