Great news for Leafs as Martens returns to Green and White
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr
The Nelson Daily Sports
Frank Maida has been desperately trying to replace sniper Patrick Martens since the sophomore center left the Leafs for the greener pastures of the B.C. Hockey League in November.
Maida needs to search no longer for a player to replace Martens.
Because just when it appeared a deal could not found Martens became available and has agreed to return to the Green and White starting Saturday against the Fernie Ghostriders.
“It’s a great boost to our team,” Maida told The Nelson Daily Wednesday after his star sniper was released by the Langley Rivermen of the BCHL at the roster deadline.
“It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out for Patrick in the BCHL but we’re happy to have him back.”
“We’ve added an real depth player and a great team leader and we’re all looking forward to having him back in the lineup,” added Maida, receiving the news Tuesday.
Martens, recording three goals for 10 points in 21 games for the Langley Rivermen, appeared to be a mainstay with the BCHL club during the first 12 games. But during the past nine contests the native of Moncton registered one assist.
“I think having Patrick back is going to be a huge confidence booster in the dressing room,” Maida confessed. “Patrick is a hard working player now with Junior A experience and will really help our young team.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound speedster left Nelson as the scoring leader with 22 goals and 17 assists in 21 games.
Martens also had a 14-game scoring streak during his 21-game stint in Nelson.
Maida also added defenceman Andy Miller to the roster. Miller, who started the season off with the Leafs, was released but remained as an affiliate player with the Trail Midget Reps.
Miller is expected to return to Nelson after he completes high school mid-term exams.
The Leafs, 21-14-0-3, are currently locked into third place in the Murdoch Division, trailing the Beaver Valley Nitehawks by 16 points and second-place Castlegar by 12.
The margin increased during the past month of the season due to the Leafs inability to keep pace with the front runners — Nelson is 4-5-0-1 in its last 10 games while both Beaver Valley and Castlegar are 8-1-0-1.
“We need to focus on the little things in our game,” Maida explained. “I know we have the players who can score but we’ve got to work on our zone and prevent more goals which will turn into scoring opportunities at the other end.”
Saturday’s game time is 7 p.m. at the NDCC Arena.
ICE CHIPS: After Fernie, Nelson has 13 games remaining in the season before the start of post season. . . . Martens is expected to be on the ice for Wednesday night practice with the Leafs.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
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