Former Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Alec Martinez and current Rider goaltender Kent Patterson were both selected in the fourth round of the National Hockey League draft today.
Martinez, who will begin his junior season at Miami (Ohio) in the fall, was chosen by the Los Angeles Kings with the ninety-fifth overall selection; Patterson was tabbed by the Colorado Avalanche with the one hundred thirteenth pick.
“We’re very happy for both of these young men,” said RoughRiders Coach and General Manager Mark Carlson. “Alec’s a guy who made a big contribution while he was here so this is pretty exciting to see. Kent worked very hard and did a great job for us last season to get to this point and we’re looking forward to watching him continue to improve next season.”
Martinez, 19, scored nine goals and totaled 24 points in 42 games with Miami last year. The Rochester Hills, Michigan, native won the United States Hockey League Clark Cup title with the RoughRiders in 2004-05. He scored ten goals and collected 21 points in 58 games in what was his only season in Cedar Rapids.
“Junior hockey was a huge step in my career and I have Coach Carlson and the RoughRiders organization to thank for that,” said Martinez. “Playing on that team with all those great guys really provided the foundation for me.”
Patterson, 17, last year was named to the United States Hockey League All-Rookie Team after finishing second in the league in save percentage (.913) while going 20-5-3 in 29 games. The Plymouth, Minnesota, product finished seventh in the USHL in goals against average (2.91) and tied for seventh in wins. He also notched a pair of shutouts.
Patterson, who joined the RoughRiders after playing for the Blake School in 2005-06, set a team record on January 13 by making 58 saves in a 6-5 shootout win over the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets.
“The smartest choice I made was playing in the USHL. Playing for the RoughRiders took me to the next level and made me a better goaltender.” said Patterson, who will return to the Riders next season. “Getting drafted is an exciting experience, but it doesn’t stop here. This is just a small step.”
Martinez and Patterson join Justin Abdelkader (Detroit, 2005), Joe Fallon (Chicago, 2005), Pat McGann (Dallas, 2005), Alex Stalock (San Jose, 2005), Derek Peltier (Colorado, 2004), Nate Perkovich (New Jersey, 2004), P.J. Atherton (Tampa Bay, 2002), Bobby Goepfert (Pittsburgh 2002) and Dave Moss (Calgary, 2001) as the tenth and eleventh RoughRider products to be drafted since the Riders arrived in Cedar Rapids in 1999. The Flames’ Moss last season became the first Rider alumnus to skate in the NHL. Another former Rider, forward Ted Purcell, signed a free agent contract with the Kings in April after enjoying a standout freshman season at the University of Maine.
The RoughRiders will open their ninth season in Cedar Rapids this fall. 2007-08 season tickets are currently available through the RoughRiders’ business office (319-247-0340). Fans who pay for season tickets in full before August 15 will receive a significant discount in addition to a host of other benefits available exclusively to season ticket holders.