Former ECHL Goalie Earns First NHL Shutout

The journey from the minors to the NHL is a challenging one, and not every player makes it. However, Spencer Martin’s story is one example of that perseverance and dedication paying off.

People wonder if players from the ECHL ever truly make it to the NHL. While it’s not always the case, Spencer Martin is one such player that has defied the odds. Starting his professional career in the ECHL with the Fort Wayne Komets and the Orlando Solar Bears, Martin honed his skills and showcased his potential. His relentless work ethic and unwavering determination saw him climb the ranks to the AHL and eventually earn his spot in the NHL. Make no mistake, the roadmap to doing so had its challenges, but Martin stayed the course. Moving between teams and leagues required Martin to constantly adapt to new defensive systems and team dynamics, which can be difficult for any player.

Spencer Martin’s career took its first exciting turn when he joined the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2023-24 season. He quickly proved his worth, finishing the season with a 4-1-1 record in six games, boasting a .896 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average. However, one momentous moment came just recently. On November 16, Martin recorded his first NHL shutout, a highlight-reel-worthy achievement for any goaltender.

Before joining the Hurricanes, Martin started the 2023-24 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he played 13 games, recording a 3-8-1 record, a 3.65 goals-against average, and a .887 save percentage. Prior to that, he was with the Vancouver Canucks, having been traded there from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. His stint with the Vancouver Canucks in the 2021-22 season was particularly notable, where he posted a .950 save percentage and a 1.74 goals-against average in six games.

His career also includes brief stints with the Colorado Avalanche, who originally drafted him in 2013.

So far, in the 2024-25 season, Martin has played for both the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL and the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. For the Wolves, he played three games, achieving a 2.32 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage, and a 1-1-1 record. With the Hurricanes, he has now appeared in three games, posting a goals-against average of 2.80, a save percentage of .891, and now with his first shutout he has a 1-1-0 record with the Hurricanes.

NHL teams primarily use the AHL for developing their prospects, while the ECHL is often seen as a place for players to get more ice time, especially goalies. The skill and experience gap between the ECHL and NHL is significant, so players often need to demonstrate exceptional performance and consistency to get noticed and promoted. Despite limited opportunities at first, Spencer Martin consistently performed well in the ECHL and AHL. His strong performances in these leagues helped him stay on the radar of NHL teams. Despite the challenges and changes he has faced, he has continued to improve and create opportunities. Martin is certainly making the most of them now.