By COLBY STOESZ
The wait for hockey is finally over, as the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) is hosting its annual 3-on-3 tournament.
The competition started on August 25, and games will be played every day until September 15.
The co-ed tournament gives players a chance to dust off their skates before the competitive season kicks off and also serves as a fundraiser for the new Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC). All proceeds from the tournament will go towards funding the $58.3 million facility that opens next month.
Construction on the sports facility broke ground in January of 2023, with a Fall 2024 opening in mind.
“Progress is going really well,” said Roxane Melnyk, Director of Recreation and Community Services for the City of Martensville. The multi-sport centre will house a full-size indoor turf field, multi-purpose rooms, a climbing wall, and a full-size rink with 900 seats. The new ice will provide the City with a unique opportunity to capture the valley’s boom in hockey over the last decade.
The keys to the MRC are slated to be turned over early next month, with doors opening to the public as soon as October 11th.
“It’s going to be incredible, I just can’t wait to share it with the community,” added Melnyk.
A grand opening ceremony will take place next January, with multiple tournaments already booked for the new year.
Thirty-two teams are currently competing in the 3-on-3 tournament, spread across five age divisions: U9, U11, U13, U15, and 15 Plus. Teams will play seven games each over the three-week tournament under the fast-paced rules of 3-on-3 hockey.
Games are 45 minutes apiece, with the clock stopping for nothing but injuries. Goals are followed by clearing the zone instead of a faceoff, and penalty shots are awarded for all rules infractions. Games move quickly and are high-scoring, with combined scores even reaching into the 30s.
The tournament runs until September 15 at the Martensville Sports Centre. Games start at 5 pm on Thursday and Friday, 9 am on Saturday, and 8:30 am on Sunday.