Matt Martin inducted into Sarnia Sting Hall of Fame

The Sarnia Sting inducted former long-time NHL forward Matt Martin into the Sting Hall of Fame prior to Friday night’s home game against the Barrie Colts.

Martin established himself as a premier OHL power forward with the Sting from 2006-09, joining the team as an undrafted free agent making the team out of training camp before graduating as a 35-goal scorer. The Windsor, ON native went on to play 987 career NHL regular season contests between the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs from 2009-2025.

“My three years here in Sarnia were some of the greatest moments of my playing career,” said Martin during pre-game remarks. “It’s where I took off as a hockey player. A lot of it thankfully because Steven Stamkos was here and the scouts were in the building every night, but I’m appreciative of the community and it means so much to me to be a member of this hall of fame.”

Martin was selected by the Islanders in the fifth round of the 2008 NHL Draft. He played one full season in the American Hockey League before making the jump to the NHL full-time in 2010-11. He went on to produce 81 goals, 97 assists and 178 points, along with 1,168 penalty minutes in his NHL career.

“If it wasn’t for this place I wouldn’t have gotten drafted to the NHL,” he continued. “I wouldn’t have played for the New York Islanders, I never would have met my beautiful wife and had four beautiful children, so I’m forever blessed and grateful for every single person here.”

Martin announced his retirement from the NHL on June 24, 2025 following a 16-year career. He currently serves as a special assistant to Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche.

A Sting legend cemented 🐝

The @StingHockey welcomed former captain Matt Martin as the newest member of the team Hall of Fame prior to tonight's puck drop. pic.twitter.com/LtrFzZLIt9

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 28, 2026