ECHL: Grizzlies sign three players for upcoming season

West Valley City • The Utah Grizzlies announced Thursday the signing of defensemen Derick Martin and Channing Boe and rookie forward Dylen McKinlay for the 2013-14 season.

Martin, 31, returns for his second tour of duty in Utah. He finished the 2011-2012 season as the Grizzlies' captain.

Martin has played 590 regular-season games as a professional, including 495 in the ECHL. He played all 72 games last year with Orlando and has led his team in games played for the last three seasons.

"Derick's character and leadership will play a key role for our team this season," said Utah coach and general manager Tim Branham. "He has always been known as a player who is tough to play against and that's what we're looking for. His daily preparation will be a great example for our young guys."

Boe, 27, has spent the last two seasons with the ECHL's Las Vegas Wranglers, who reached the Kelly Cup Finals last spring. He played 124 games over the last two years with Las Vegas, second-most among Wrangler defensemen.

"I'm very excited to work with Channing this season," said Branham. "His work ethic and character is what attracted me to him. He will be a very important player on our back end."

McKinlay, 21, played for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League last season. He finished with 24 goals and 44 assists in 72 games.

"Dylen is a dynamic player," said Branham. "He is great at both ends of the ice and is dangerous on special teams. I'm looking forward to his transition as a pro player."

The Grizzlies open the regular season on Oct. 18 against Idaho at Maverik Center.