The first annual Fletcher Cup was held March 25th and 26th in Rosthern. This U9 hockey tournament was organized as a way to help raise funds for the family of Fletcher Hobbins, a local 4-year-old that recently traveled to Toronto with his mother to undergo medical treatment at Sick Kids Hospital.
The tournament saw a total of 11 teams from six different communities compete, with the Prince Albert Canadians coming out on top after the final match of the Fletcher Cup against the Prince Albert Sharks.
Funds were raised through tournament fees, silent auction, private donations and chuck-a-puck competitions, and additional funds were raised for the Make-a-Wish Foundation through a 50/50 draw.
“All in all, the tournament was an overwhelming success and we were able to raise $8,790 for the Hobbins family and $1255 for Make-a-Wish Canada, for a grand total of $10,045.00,” event organizer Travis Sorenson said.
Sorenson also noted that there was a Make-a-Wish child competing in the Fletcher Cup, a local youth named Asher Bernard. “Asher is a truly inspiring young athlete who scored multiple times in the tournament,” Sorenson stated.
Although this was the first year for the Fletcher Cup, it won’t be the last. Sorenson plans to continue hosting the event each year with profits going to supporting the Hobbins family for current and future medical costs as needed, as well as other local families in need of some extra support during difficult times.
There are already plans in place to help out another local family with the HIT Mike Home slo-pitch tournament, scheduled for May 27th in Martensville, which Sorenson is organizing with Angie Reddekopp and Tegan Johnson.
This event will raise funds to Mike Smith and his family. “Mike is a devoted father, husband and hockey coach in this community. Due to health complications, Mike has suffered paralysis of his legs and will need help with retrofitting his home, car, etc. It will be a life changing diagnosis and we want to help him as a community,” explained Sorenson.
Events such as the Fletcher Cup are not possible without the support of local residents and businesses that come together in times of need to support one another. Sorenson stated that the support of the fellow Martensville Team Managers – Kim Edeen, Melissa Gaida and Kylie Ramage as well as Kris Miazga helped make this tournament a success.
“As a coach in this community, I interact with many families and to see them step up like this is so very inspiring. It makes me proud to live in such a loving and caring community. Martensville is truly one giant small town that has that small town mindset of helping each other. I am proud to live here.”
For more information about the Fletcher Cup, or to help support this incredible community mission, visit the ‘Fletcher Cup’ Facebook page.
ABOVE: The U9 Martensville Bandits, coached by Fletcher’s dad Tyson Hobbins, participated in the inaugural Fletcher Cup.
ABOVE: Fletcher Hobbins
