by Robert Kirchner

This year’s Dayton Demonz free agent camp was very competitive, especially the battle for a second goaltender.  Matthew Kinsella the dynamic and quick Demonz goaltender already had a roster spot.  But the need to find a second goalie to fill the void from last year’s Commissioner’s Cup most valuable player, goalie Jeff Rose would be a difficult decision with several goaltenders looking to move on to the Demonz training camp.  Battling for the most important position in hockey the goaltending position, only one of these players would be signed to a contract.  Enter Curtis Martin.

The 6 foot, 4 inch, 21 year old Windsor, Canada native, became the last goaltender standing, and was selected by head coach Trevor Karasiewicz, and assistant coach Jack Collins.  “I selected Curtis because he was a goalie that pushed himself during both camps, he has a great work ethic, and was the goalie that stood out in camp” said coach Karasiewicz.  Assistant coach Collins added, “Curtis brings ECHL, and Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) experience, a tall goalie capable of covering a lot of net.”

Playing hockey for the city of Windsor’s Triple A hockey program as a youth, he was able to work his way up to the Junior hockey level as a 17 year old.  During his final year of Junior hockey Curtis found out he would be able to continue to play hockey professionally saying “during my last year of Junior hockey my coach told me the ECHL was interested in me”, and last year in his first professional hockey season his dream became a reality, spending time with the Evansville Icemen of the ECHL.

When asked to describe his style of hockey he stated his style is similar to that of Montreal Canadians goaltender Carey Price as both are tall, and play a butterfly style.  During the off season Curtis trains with Perry Wilson, the Canadian Women’s National Team goaltending coach, who just came off of winning the gold medal at the Olympics this past winter.

Curtis stated that what attracted him to attend the Dayton Demonz free agent camp over other Federal Hockey League (FHL) teams was the Demonz winning culture since their inception, last year’s Commissioner’s Cup, and how positive the coaches were to play for, referring to Karasiewicz and Collins.  “I really like the make-up of our team, we have good coaches, the guys (players) from last year have been very welcoming” said Martin.

His goals for this year is to contribute to the team in defending their championship, work hard, and eventually move-up the ladder in professional hockey.  When he is away from the ice he enjoys playing his guitar, “classic rock.”

Curtis has an older brother Chad, his mother’s name is Theresa, and his father’s name is Charlie.  His father played Canadian university hockey as a forward in the 1970s.