The Martensville Community Recreation Project held their fourth annual hockey draft on Sunday April 8 at the North Ridge 
Center. All proceeds from this event go towards getting a second ice surface in Martensville. The MCRP committee is a grass roots organization who are looking to raise money for a second ice surface in Martensville but this project has also grown into a multipurpose facility that could include a turfed surface, retail space, fitness area and perhaps offices and board rooms. Jesse Reis, Chairman of the MCRP, commented that the Martensville City Council made a decision last November to commission a design for this new multi-purpose facility. Once plans are in place it makes the project more of a reality. The MCRP made a donation to councilman Darren MacDonald from the City of Martensville for $150,000.00. This was money they have raised over the past years including the NHL drafts, 3 on 3 Tournament, Fun Run, Casino Nights and Street Hockey Tournaments.
Over 200 people attended the draft and were treated to a beef supper prepared by the Sports Page. There were 28 teams entered in the 2018-19 edition of the playoff draft and each team was made up of 8 individuals. For over an hour and a half the teams picked NHL players to see who will score the most points in the NHL playoffs. The winning team will win $5000, second place $2500, third $1000 and 4th place gets $560.
There was a special tribute given to the players, families, coaches and all those involved in the tragic Humboldt Bronco bus accident Friday night. All those in attendance honoured them with a minute of silence as this accident has touched so many in Humboldt, surrounding areas and farther. Hockey is a huge part of every small community in Saskatchewan.
Door prizes were given away to three lucky winners. Eecol, National and RSL donated the Tool sets and Jacket. D-Team donated the gold package, hoodies and hats, and Labatts donated the Corona Mini Bar Fridge. The committee would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the MCRP for this great event. A huge thank you goes out to the Kinsmen Club for volunteering in the bar and ticket sales and to the lovely waitresses, Jessica and Cecilia who provided table service throughout the night. They would like to thank their sponsors Eecol Electric, National Refrigeration, RSL, D-Team Construction, Labatts and Sports Page and all local Martensville businesses, and private donations who have helped make the goal closer.
All the teams from this year will be invited back next year but the MCRP is always looking to grow this event every year. “As for community support, it has been great but the more people who attend our events puts us closer to our goal” commented Reis. “We have worked hard to offer events that reach all the people in our city. Our next event is our Street Hockey Tournament on the Buster Days weekend and we will be doing the TUFF Run again at the end of August.” You can go to their website at www.mcrp.ca for registration of these events or to get more information.
