ROCKFORD (WREX) - On an unforgettable night, Steve Martinson became the third member inducted into the Icehogs inaugural Ring of Honor class.
Martinson coached the Hogs to their only championship in franchise history in 2007. Over his 27-year coaching career, he led various teams around the country to 10 league championships. That made him the second-winningest coach in pro hockey history only behind Scotty Bowman.
Bowman is Canadian, which makes Martinson the American record-holder for most wins of all time. In Rockford, he holds the coaching record for career win percentage at .660 and the most wins in a single season at 48, which he reached twice.
Now, he lives in Rockford with his family and does color commentary for the Icehogs games. He raised his children in the city and the passion he holds for Rockford is clearly seen. The ceremony was a great experience for him.
"I live here, you know, it makes it even nicer, because I've been coming back and doing the color and it's fun to be involved again," Martinson said. "We kind of feel like we're a part of, you know, making hockey night where it is now... So, yeah, I really enjoyed it."
His commentary partner, Mike Folta, further expressed what it meant to get Martinson in the club.
"Be brought a championship to this city," Folta said. "It was a no-doubter to bring him back and have a chance to salute him in front of the home fans... He loves this city, he's passionate about Rockford."
Folta went on to say that sometimes Martinson wants to jump out of the press box and draw up some plays for this year's Icehogs squad. While he can't quite do that, Martinson believes that this year's team has everything it takes to make a long run in the playoffs.
Martinson joins J.F. Rivard and Corey Crawford as the inaugural class of the Icehogs Ring of Honor. He'll be in the BMO Center for the Hogs last 13 games of the season, and for the playoffs if all goes well.
