Athens Rock Lobsters Announce Steve Martinson as Head Coach for First Official Season at The Classic

Athens, GA – June 27, 2024 – 
The Athens Rock Lobsters are proud to present Steve Martinson
as the head coach for their first official season at The Classic Center Arena in Athens, GA. The
Rock Lobsters are eager to bring thrilling games, intense fights, and professional hockey to
Athens, and they believe Steve Martinson's extensive experience and passion for the sport will
be pivotal in achieving their goal of winning the FPHL’s Commissioner Cup in their first season.
The team will play in the brand new, state-of-the-art 5,500-seat arena at The Classic Center,
promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans and a strong home advantage for the team.

Steve Martinson's Playing Career
Steve Martinson's illustrious 14-year playing career includes:
- 49 NHL games (38 with Montreal, 10 with Detroit, 1 with Minnesota)
- 179 AHL games
- 260 IHL games
- 85 CHL games
- 2 championships as a player
Martinson made a mark in the 1985-86 season with Hershey by leading the AHL in penalty
minutes (432) and holding the AHL all-time record for major penalties in a season with 49.
Steve Martinson's Coaching Career
With 26 years as a head coach in AA hockey, Martinson has missed the playoffs only twice and
secured 10 championships across four different leagues. His remarkable achievements include:
- 5 championships with the San Diego Gulls, WCHL (Taylor Cup) in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001,
2003
- 1 championship with the Rockford IceHogs, IHL (Colonial Cup) in 2007, the first and only
championship for Rockford
- 2 championships with the Allen Americans, CHL (Presidents' Cup) in 2013, 2014
- 2 championships with the Allen Americans, ECHL (Kelly Cup) in 2015, 2016
Martinson boasts 1123 pro coaching wins, the most by a US-born pro coach, trailing only Scotty
Bowman overall. He was named ECHL 2020 General Manager of the Year and was recently
inducted into the inaugural Rockford IceHogs Ring of Honor in 2024.

ECHL Records
Martinson holds significant ECHL records, including:
- 104 playoff games coached (third all-time)
- 54 playoff wins (third all-time)
- One of only five coaches in the ECHL's 36-year history to win back-to-back championships
Between the 2009-10 and 2016-17 seasons, six players scored 100 or more points in a season
under Martinson's guidance, showcasing his exceptional ability to develop top-tier talent.
The Athens Rock Lobsters are confident that Steve Martinson's vast experience and proven
leadership will be instrumental in establishing a winning tradition and an exciting brand of
hockey for the fans at The Classic Center Arena.

About Athens Rock Lobsters
The Athens Rock Lobsters are a professional hockey team set to debut in the upcoming season
at The Classic Center Arena. Committed to excellence on and off the ice, the team aims to
provide thrilling hockey experiences for the Athens community and beyond.