Heading down to the Alaska Aces' dressing room after their 2-0 win over the Ontario Reign tonight, I ran into erstwhile defenseman Derick Martin, who the Aces traded earlier today.

Can't say I was surprised to see him. If there's anything we've picked up about Martin in his two-plus seasons here, it is that he is a consummate professional. Nor was it surprising he was engaging with fans, listening to words of sadness, signing autographs, having his picture taken with them. A friend of mine -- she's a hard-core Cowbell Crew type -- said she cried all day.

I could go on at length about Martin's toughness and fitness, but his connection with the fans, and the friends he's made here, might be the greatest testament to his character. That and the fact he showed up at Sullivan Arena tonight because so many fans asked that of him. That's pure class.

On my end, he was always generous with his time, forthcoming, accountable, and all that was much appreciated. Plus, I just enjoyed watching someone who worked so hard, so earnestly, at his craft. We talked for a bit after the game tonight. He said he was still shocked at the trade. A lot of us are. Yeah, it's a business, but that doesn't make it any easier for Martin, the fans or his friends. Sometimes, it's just a hard business.

In any event, he'll be missed. From what I know of Martin, Aces fans aren't just losing a good player, not to mention, as they say in hockey, a guy who was great in the room, but a better person. Here's to a soft landing.