April 29, 2008

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with defenseman Alec Martinez, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced Tuesday.

Martinez was the club's fourth-round selection (95th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Martinez, 20, recently finished his junior season with Miami University (Ohio) where he recorded 32 points (9-23=32) and 42 penalty minutes in 42 games. He also this past season earned CCHA All Tournament honors; was named the CCHA Best Defensive Defenseman; led all CCHA defensemen in goals and points; and was fourth among all CCHA defensemen in assists while his 32 points and his 23 assists were personal highs.

The 6-1, 207-pound native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, compiled 67 points (21-46=67) and 113 penalty minutes in 123 career games during his three collegiate seasons. During the 2004-05 season, Martinez played for Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League, where in 58 games he recorded 21 points (10-11=21) and 30 penalty minutes.

Miami University head coach Enrico Blasi had this to say about Martinez leaving school a year early to pursue a professional career.

"Alec's decision to sign a professional contract one year early is a tough loss for our program. He was a big part of our team. We wish him well in his desire to play in the National Hockey League."

By signing with Los Angeles, Martinez joins former RedHawk teammate Jeff Zatkoff as a member of the Kings organization. Zatkoff signed an entry-level contract with the team on April 10.