Martin and Slaker went to South Carolina to start professional careers
12/30/2020 10:00:00
// Kristy McNeil
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Former University of Michigan ice hockey players Luke Martin and Jake Slaker signed with ECHL’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Both served as alternate captains of the Wolverines in 2019-20 before graduating – Slaker in international studies, Martin in psychology.
Swamp Rabbits, based in Greenville, SC, is scheduled to open the season on Friday (January 1) against the South Carolina Stingrays.
A 2017 NHL draft by Carolina Hurricanes, Martin was twice the alternate captain of the Wolverines. He led the team in blockades in three of his four seasons and was the country’s second in blockages last season, at 85, before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Martin scored nine points in 2019-20 and finished in +10. He ended his career with 138 games, three goals and 27 assists.
“I am excited about the opportunity to play the game I love again and look forward to starting in Greenville soon,” said Martin. “I fell in love with Michigan the instant I stepped on campus and that love will only deepen as I continue to realize how much it has changed my life. Being able to represent this distinguished university has been the greatest pleasure of my life, and I will continue to use the M block with pride as long as you live. A humble thank you to everyone who taught me what it means to be a Michigan man. I hope to see you soon, Ann Arbor. Forever, go to the blue. “
Top scorer for the Wolverines last season, Slaker had 31 points with the team’s best score in goals (14) and assists (17). He was named the second All-Big Ten team, playing 33 games and scoring three goals in victory. Elected three times honored by the Academic All-Big Ten, Slaker ended his career with 104 points in 143 games, totaling 47 goals and 57 assists. The Michigan Athletics debutant of the year in 2016-17, Slaker led the team in scoring with 21 points and had a showdown win percentage of 0.502.
“I am excited about the opportunity that Greenville is giving me to start my professional career,” said Slaker. “I think Michigan really helped me prepare to make my transition to professional hockey. I look forward to playing again.”
The duo helped the Wolverines to an appearance on the Frozen Four in 2017-18 and four consecutive D-title duels over rival Michigan State
All nine members of the 2020 class signed professional contracts. They include: Will LockwoodVancouver 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).