The excitement of the week-long Hockey Day in Saskatchewan celebration in Martensville January 16-22 will live in people’s memories for years.
And the funds raised at the event will go toward the Martensville multi-purpose recreation facility – a legacy destined to last for generations.
For seven days the Martensville Sports Centre and surrounding amenities showcased the sport of hockey, a game deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Saskatchewan.
Over 30 games featuring athletes of all ages was on the bill.
During the week special events included a PJHL game between the Delisle Chiefs and Saskatoon Royals and an autograph session with the Saskatoon Blades.
The weekend was kicked off with a very special ‘Old Timers’ game on Friday afternoon. Showing a lifetime love of hockey, the players, many of whom have been inducted into the Canadian National 80+ Hall of Fame, demonstrated their determination and skills. Adding to the atmosphere was the cheering and enthusiasm of Martensville school children who were in attendance.
In the evening a large crowd enjoyed the banquet at the MAP with guest speaker, TSN’s Darren Dutchyshen, followed by a Cabaret.
Saturday started with an early game between the U11 Martensville Maven Marlies and Martensville Pirates.
The second game featured the Warman U13AA Female Wildcats against the NorthWest Sharks. The game gave Martensville Mavens alumni Whitney Gaudreau, Ella Wagner, Jacee Oblander, Ellie Graham-Wuttunee and Brielle Materi an opportunity to return to their home rink. They were the first of many Martensville alumni to do so on this special day.
It was very impressive to see the speed and skill of the players when the U18AAA female and male and Junior A games took to the ice. The AAA Saskatoon Stars defeated Swift Current 6-3. The AAA Warman Wildcats defeated Yorkton 7-0. In the final game featuring the top two teams in the SJHL, the Humboldt Broncos came away with a 4-2 win over the Battlefords North Stars.
The event met all expectations for Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) spokesperson Jesse Reis.
“The most important thing is community. Our main goal is fundraising for the rink, but coming out of all that is the bringing of people together,” said Reis. “With everything we have done it is an opportunity to bring people from the province together. This week has been a testament to that.”
Reis had high praise for the work by the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Committee, the countless volunteers and the businesses who made the event such a success.
“It has been amazing,” said Reis. “I am so excited for them to showcase our great city and the great people in it. They did everything right. That’s the other thing, you talk about the people who volunteer that is great but it is also the local business support. All these places have given so much. It is good for everyone. I am blown away by the selflessness.”