The Soo Greyhounds have announced the signing of Brady Martin, this year's third-overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to officially welcome Brady and his family to the Greyhounds organization," Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis said in a media release issued by the team. "After watching him all season, it was reinforced from the moment he arrived at the Development Camp that he was such a special talent and person. We can't wait to see him in red and white this fall.”
Martin, from Elmira, Ont., played last season with the Waterloo Wolves U16AAA hockey club. In 23 regular season games, he recorded 27 goals and 29 assists while serving as the team’s captain. In postseason play, he tallied 12 goals and 17 assists in 11 games.
He is one of the highest-drafted players in the history of Waterloo Minor Hockey.
"Brady is an exceptional player, and I know our staff can’t wait to begin to work with him as he continues to grow and develop as a Greyhound," Raftis added. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to support him in this both on and off the ice."
Martin said he is looking forward to "working hard to contribute in whatever way I can to the team in the upcoming season."
“I feel so honoured to be signing with such a great organization," Martin said in the release. "I have so many people to thank that have influenced, guided and pushed me over the years to help me reach my goal of playing in the OHL. My parents, family and friends supported me, coaches for all the time spent. A special thank you to Tyler Ertel, who helped me keep my stick on the ice, push forward and focus this past season with the Waterloo Wolves U16 team. To my teammates this past season, the best group of guys to win an alliance championship with, truly a special group to finish out my minor hockey career with."
Martin was named an OHL Cup All-Star in the 2022-23 season while finishing third in tournament scoring (eight goals, four assists). He also won a gold medal with Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games (six goals, two assists).
Earlier this month, Martin was one of the 37 players who attended the Greyhounds development camp at the Northern Community Centre
“I was amazed at the warm and welcoming community atmosphere when I attended the development camp; it's noticeably a town with passionate fans who care a lot about their team," Martin said. "The coaching staff did their best to make us feel comfortable while at the camp and gave us the opportunity to show them our potential," said Martin commenting on his first impressions of the community and the organization."
"I’m absolutely pumped to be coming to the Soo," he added.
Fans will be able to see the newest member of the team at the Greyhounds' training camp scheduled for the final weekend of August.