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Former NHLer Martin dies in drowning accident

Tue 2nd, December 2008

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Hubert "Pit" Martin, who spent 18 years in the NHL with four clubs, including more than 10 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, passed away Monday after a drowning incident in Canada.

The 64-year-old Martin was riding his snowmobile with a friend on Sunday on a lake in northern Quebec near his hometown of Rouyn-Noranda, when his vehicle fell through an area of thin ice. Martin was plunged into the icy water and did not surface. He was pronounced dead on Monday.

Martin began his career with the Detroit Red Wings in 1961, then moved on to the Boston Bruins in 1965-66. Two years later, he was dealt to the Blackhawks in a memorable deal which gave the Bruins Hall-of-Fame scorer Phil Esposito.

He skated in Chicago from 1967 to 1978, ranking seventh in team history with 627 points in 740 games, and served as team captain from 1975 to 1977. During his tenure, the Hawks made it to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, losing to the Montreal Canadiens both times in 1971 and 1973.

"This is a very sad day for the Blackhawks family," said team general manager Dale Tallon. "Pit was a wonderful human being and a mentor to me. He was such a great man that did so much for his family and the community. He is going to be missed by everyone in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Martin finished his career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1979, totaling 324 goals and 809 points in 1,101 contests.

He was also selected to four All-Star games in four straight years from 1970-74 and won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to the sport after the 1969-70 campaign.