Martin and Slaker Headed to South Carolina to Start Professional Careers
12/30/2020 10:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Former University of Michigan ice hockey players Luke Martin and Jake Slaker have signed with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL.
Both served as alternate captains of the Wolverines in 2019-20 before earning their degrees -- Slaker in international studies, Martin in psychology.
The Swamp Rabbits, based in Greenville, S.C., are scheduled to open the season on Friday (Jan. 1) vs. the South Carolina Stingrays.
A 2017 NHL draft selection by the Carolina Hurricanes, Martin was a two-time alternate captain for the Wolverines. He led the team in blocked shots in three of his four seasons and was second in the nation in blocked shots last season with 85 before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the season. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Martin had nine points in 2019-20 and finished at +10. He closed his career with 138 games played, three goals and 27 assists.
"I'm excited for the opportunity to be playing the game that I love again, and I look forward to getting started in Greenville soon," Martin said. "I fell in love with Michigan the instant I stepped on campus, and that love will only deepen as I continue to realize just how much it has changed my life. Being able to represent this distinguished university was the greatest pleasure in my life, and I will continue to wear the block M with pride for as long as I live. A humble thank you to everyone who has taught me what it means to be a Michigan man. I hope to see you soon, Ann Arbor. Forever Go Blue."
The Wolverines' leading scorer last season, Slaker had 31 points with team highs in both goals (14) and assists (17). He was named second-team All-Big Ten, playing in 33 games and tallying three game-winning goals. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Slaker finished his career with 104 points in 143 games, totaling 47 goals and 57 assists. The Michigan Athletics Rookie of the Year in 2016-17, Slaker led that team in scoring with 21 points and had a .502 faceoff win percentage.
"I'm excited for the opportunity Greenville is giving me to start my professional career," Slaker said. "I think Michigan really helped me prepare to make my transition into pro hockey. I'm looking forward to playing again."
The duo helped the Wolverines to a Frozen Four appearance in 2017-18 and four consecutive Duel in the D titles over rival Michigan State
All nine members of the class of 2020 have signed professional contracts. They include: Will Lockwood, Vancouver Canucks (NHL); Nick Pastujov, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL); Griffin Luce, Rapid City Rush (ECHL); Hayden Lavigne, Rapid City Rush (ECHL); Jacob Hayhurst, Worcester Railers (ECHL); Shane Switzer, Tulsa Oilers (ECHL); and Adam Winborg, Segeltorps IF (Stockholm).
