In February of 2023, during what seemed like a normal conversation between the Martensville Marauder U9 team staff about the tournament they were currently attending, an idea was formed, which quickly turned into an amazing fundraiser.
At the time, Martensville resident Travis Sorenson proposed hosting a U9 tournament for the four Martensville playoff teams and suggested turning the tournament into a fundraiser for one of the U9 Coaches sons, Fletcher, who was traveling to Toronto for a major surgery the following month, thus, the Fletcher Cup was created.
The following week, Sorenson contacted the four Martensville teams to see if there was interest and received a resounding yes. An ice surface in Rosthern was then booked, and advertising for the event began. The initial idea for a small 4-team one-day tournament didn’t take long to grow into an 11-team, two-day tourney.
With help from local business PolyPlus, Sorenson purchased a highly sought after 3-tiered trophy called the Fletcher Cup and the inaugural tournament proved to be a success, raising $10,300 to go towards helping Fletcher and his family.
Due to the success, the Fletcher Cup became an annual event, and in it’s second year, the Graham family from Neilburg, was chosen to receive funds raised through the tournament and in March of this year, $9069 was donated to the family, along with an additional $5,000 raised within the community of Neilburg.
“I do all of the organizing and planning for this tournament, as it limits the overhead for the tournament to just ice rental, refs and accessory costs. I do have some incredible tournament weekend volunteers such as Rob & Julianna Phelps, my sister Melanie Sorenson and my two incredible kids.; however, more volunteers are needed for the upcoming tournament to ensure optimal success,” Sorenson stated.
The 2025 Fletcher Cup will take place March 22-23 in Rosthern, with funds raised going to help 6-year-old Hendrix Goss. Hendrix has very complex structural facial abnormalities, and although genetically, unique to Hendrix, have been linked to Goldenhar syndrome, OAV, Micrognathia and Hemifacial Microsomia.
“At 3-months-old, Hendrix underwent a major jaw distraction, which allowed him to be taken off a respiratory machine and avoid the alternate option of a tracheotomy. Although the surgery was a success, it was only a short-term solution as he will continue to grow to adulthood,” the ‘Hendrix Hope for Healing’ Facebook page explained.
Following a week with a specialist team at SickKids in Toronto, it was determined that another surgery on Hendrix’s jaw was required due to his airway being obstructed. The surgery took place this past June; however, due to complications, Hendrix was required to go to Toronto again in September for surgery and will return for another surgery in a few months.
“Hendrix attends the same school as my children and when I heard that his recent surgery was going to have to be redone, I knew that this family was the ideal Fletcher Cup recipient. Hendrix is a brave; strong and inspiring young boy and he deserves to have this community rally for him.”
To learn more about Hendrix and his journey, follow the ‘Hendrix Hope for Healing’ Facebook page.
The Fletcher Cup tournament will consist of 12 teams from Martensville, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and Warman.
“I need to give a shout-out to Prince Albert Minor Hockey, especially Sarah Fellner who has helped spread the word. Prince Albert had two teams in the inaugural tournament, three last tournament and now four teams in the upcoming tournament.”
Donations are being accepted for raffle prizes, silent auction items, tournament swag, Chuck-a-Puck prizes and more. Volunteers are also needed. If you are interested in contributing, contact Travis Sorenson through the ‘Fletcher Cup’ Facebook page, at (306) 491-7723 or by emailing travissorenson@hotmail.com.
