LAS VEGAS – Former players for Miami and Western Michigan lifted the Stanley Cup Tuesday night after helping the Vegas Golden Knights win the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Miami alumni Alec Martinez and Reilly Smith, as well as former Western Michigan forward Paul Cotter all hoisted the Cup, with Vegas winning its first title in franchise history. Martinez won his third Stanley Cup, while Smith and Cotter each earned their first. Martinez and Smith both scored goals in Vegas’ 9-3 Game 5-clinching victory over the Florida Panthers, with Smith’s goal serving as the game-winner.

Martinez previously won Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012 and 2014. In the 2023 playoffs, he scored two goals and tallied seven points in 22 games. In 77 regular-season games this past season with Vegas, Martinez contributed 14 points (3g/11a). He was a three-year standout defenseman with the RedHawks from 2005-2008, earning Second-Team West All-American honors as a junior. Martinez produced 67 points (21g/46a) with the Red and White during his college career in the CCHA.

Smith recorded four goals and 14 points in 22 playoff games during the Golden Knights’ Cup run this year, after ranking fourth on Vegas with 56 points (26g/30a) in 78 regular-season games in 2022-23. Smith starred at forward for Miami from 2009-2012 and is tied for ninth in Miami Hockey history with 66 goals. He finished his three-year RedHawks career with 122 points, which ranks in the top 30 all-time. Smith was a First-Team West All-American and Hobey Baker Award finalist in 2012, playing his entire career in the CCHA.

Cotter did not appear in any Stanley Cup Playoff games, but the forward suited up in 55 regular-season games for Vegas this year, totaling 18 points on 13 goals and five assists. Cotter played eight games at Western Michigan to start the 2018-19 season, tallying one assist as a Bronco.

Martinez, Smith and Cotter are three of nine former college hockey players to win the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights this year.