The Neepawa Natives would like to congratulate four-year veteran, Jordan Martin, on his recent commitment. Jordan is committing to the University of Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets of the WIAC, making him the second graduating player to move on to the NCAA ranks this season
Jordan signed with his new team after visiting the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus last week. Since 2013 the University of Wisconsin–Superior Yellowjackets have been members of NCAA III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). Dating back to 1965, the team has had a successful history compiling over 800 wins in both the NCHA and WIAC NCAA III conferences. Over that time there have been a number of Neepawa Native alumni who have donned the Yellowjacket jersey: Derek Miller (99-01), Brayden Kolisniak (06-07), Andrew Fisher (06-07), Derek Brooks (11-13), and most recently Luke Karakas (13-14) have all suited up with the Yellowjackets. Last season the Yellowjackets had nine wins and three ties in 27 games.
Throughout the last four seasons Jordan played 206 games with Neepawa, making him among the franchise leaders in numerous statistical categories. Over that time Jordan enjoyed his experience with the Natives stating, “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to play junior hockey than In Neepawa. Over my four years I met a lot of amazing people that I will stay close with and remember for the rest of my life.”
Jordan also shared appreciation for his coaches and management. “I would like to thank Dustin Howden, Byron Billett, Myles Cathcart, Jim Platt and the other coaches for helping me to move my hockey career forward.”
As a recent winner of the Lionel Crowther Memorial award for community commitment and involvement, Jordan shared his experience in Neepawa, “I would like to thank the community for always having us out to volunteer and be a part of everything.” “I would also like to thank all of my billets; I could not have asked to live with better families, and I am grateful that they brought me into their homes and treated me like their own.”
Next season Jordan will be studying in the Faculty of Education at the University, majoring in Phys Ed with a minor in Coaching. After his recent visit to the university he shared his in enthusiasm signing with the Yellowjackets, “I chose University of Wisconsin-Superior because I knew that they had a very competitive program and excellent facility.” “After the visit to the university, I knew that the school was where I wanted to go.” Jordan will be working toward a strong freshman year with the club stating, “I am going to work hard this summer and I can’t wait until the fall and meet my new teammates.”
As one of the graduating players from last season, Jordan accumulated 16 goals and 52 assists in 60 games, leading the Natives with 68 points. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native played an important role with the Neepawa Natives over the last four seasons and we would like to wish him future success with the Yellowjackets.