Former Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Alec Martinez has signed with the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings.

Martinez, 20, inked a three-year, entry level contract. He was selected by the Kings in the fourth round of last June’s NHL Draft with the one hundred thirteenth overall pick. Martinez played for the RoughRiders in 2004-05 before skating for Miami University the last three seasons.

“Junior hockey was a huge step in my career and I have [RoughRiders] Coach [and General Manager Mark] 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.”

Martinez joins the Kings organization after last month completing a standout career at Miami by helping the Red Hawks to a second straight NCAA tournament berth. The Rochester Hills, Michigan, native was named to the American Hockey Coaches Association All-America West Second Team and to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Conference First Team and was also honored as the CCHA’s Best Defensive Defenseman after scoring 9 goals and totaling 32 points in 42 games with M.U. this season. Martinez led CCHA defensemen in goals and points. In 123 career collegiate games he scored 21 goals and added 46 assists for 67 points.

Before heading to Miami, Martinez 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 his only season in Cedar Rapids. “This is obviously very exciting for Alex, who is quality person as well as a fine player. He has worked very hard to get to this point,” said Carlson. “We’re going to enjoy watching another former RoughRider play professionally and have a chance to make it to the NHL.”

Martinez joins former RoughRider teammate Ted Purcell in the Los Angeles organization. Purcell played 10 games for the Kings this season and was also named the American Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year and an AHL First Team All-Star after spending the bulk of the season with the Manchester Monarchs, L.A.’s top minor league affiliate. Martinez is also bidding to join Purcell, Dave Moss (Calgary Flames) and Justin Abdelkader (Detroit Red Wings) as the fourth RoughRider alumnus to reach the NHL.

The RoughRiders earlier this month completed another successful season. The Riders, who finished the campaign 33-22-5, have now enjoyed eight straight winning seasons and have also reached the Clark Cup playoffs each of the last eight years. 2008-09 season ticket packages are now available through the RoughRiders business office (319-247-0340).