Martens Returns to Wichita, Thunder Acquire Goalie from Dayton

Wichita, KS-  The Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League announced Thursday they have made several roster moves in preparation for an important weekend. Defenseman Andrew Martens has been returned to Wichita after playing in 12 games for Oklahoma City of the AHL. Wichita has also made a trade with the Dayton Gems, receiving goaltender Bryan Hogan for future considerations. To make room for Hogan, Wichita has released Scott Darling.

Martens was called-up to Oklahoma City of the AHL on December 28th, the same day he was named as a starter to the 2012 CHL All-Star Game. He recorded one assist and 18 shots on goal in 12 games with the Barons. Before being called-up, Martens was leading the CHL in scoring by defenseman with 22 points (8g, 14a). He continues to lead the league in plus/minus (+20) despite missing the last 11 games.

Hogan (6’, 195-lbs) is in his first season as a professional. The Highland, MI native has appeared in 23 games for Dayton this season, going 7-11-5 with a goals against average of 3.50 and a .899 save percentage. Most recently, he made 24 saves in a 3-0 win in Rapid City on January 20th and earned his first professional shutout.

Hogan played four years at the University of Michigan, where he ranks second in career goals against average (2.18), second in career save percentage (.909) and seventh in career wins (52). During his freshman season, he helped the Wolverines win the Great Lakes Invitational, CCHA regular season, CCHA tournament while also helping his club reach the NCAA Frozen Four. Prior to his time in Ann Arbor, Hogan spent two seasons with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.

In other moves, defenseman Daniel Tetrault has been placed on 30-day IR and forward Thomas Beauregard has been placed on 10-day IR. Finally, forward R.G. Flath will return to the line-up after serving a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head. Wichita will head to Allen in a battle for first place on Friday night before returning home for two games over the weekend, hosting the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night and Quad City on Sunday afternoon. For tickets, call 755-SEAT, visit the INTRUST Bank Arena box office or online at www.selectaseat.com

photo taken by Steven Christy

-Thunder-