It seems like an understatement to say that the week-long GFL Hockey Day in Saskatchewan festivities held in Martensville from January 16-22 was an astounding success. Throughout the week there were a wide variety of events held, with something for everyone to enjoy whether it be taking in a game of hockey, enjoying a fire pit outside, attending the banquet and cabaret, watching fireworks, indulging in a delicious rink burger and more.
The event was hosted by the Martensville Minor Hockey Association (MMHA), and was organized by the GFL Hockey Day in Saskatchewan 2023 Organizing & Planning Volunteer Committee which consisted of Kris Miazga, Christine Semchyshen, Jill Rowland, Rhea Mathies, Joel Wagner, Clint Dieno, Joe Garchinski, Lorrie Sorowski and Dawn Wotherspoon.
“The week was great! There was a lot of excitement through the week for the games and events. I was able to attend the three elementary schools and it was a blast seeing the excitement from the kids. Games were well attended and the banquet/cabaret was a lot of fun,” Trevor Hanley, MMHA President, stated.
Numerous headliner games took place during the event and there was a 3-on-3 Outdoor Hockey Shinny Tournament, as well as an ‘Old Timers’ game, which saw some players that have been inducted into the Canadian National 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame in Ottawa. Fans had a chance to get autographs signed from the Saskatoon Blades on Thursday. Through the week, players of all ages and tiers came out to play games in front of the fans and on Friday night, a banquet and cabaret was held at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) with guest speaker Darren Dutchyshen. Saturday was a fun-filled day with activities at the MAP, an outdoor beer garden and a Family FunSpiel at the Martensville Curling Rink and Saturday night showcased an incredible fireworks display. On Sunday, families could take part in a pancake breakfast and a Family Skate with the Saskatoon Blades and Saskatchewan Rush mascots..
According to Hanley, there were over 200 people in attendance for the headliner games, approximately 200 in attendance for the banquet and local schools had classes in attendance to enjoy the old-timer game on Friday afternoon. With the weather cooperating, there was also a large turn-out for the outdoor 3-on-3 tournament.
Money raised through this event will go towards the new recreation facility planned for Martensville and although it is still too early to tell how much was raised, the progressive 50/50 that took place throughout the week saw a total of $22,360, with the winner Marci Woytiuk taking home half the pot.
“Hockey Day/Week is really about celebrating the rink and the role it plays in supporting and bringing the community together. If you were around the MAP or arena this past week or weekend, you would have seen that first-hand. From attendees to those volunteering there was a lot of fun had and it was great to see so many people working towards a common goal,” Hanley said.
This event created lasting memories for the people that attended, and that would not have been possible without the contributions of volunteers that spent countless hours ensuring it was a success, businesses that stepped up to sponsor the celebration, the teams that came out to put on a great show, and everyone that took the time to come out and support our local hockey teams.
“The school assemblies for me were a lot of fun and the excitement from the kids was great. The headliner games on Saturday, combined with the 3-on-3 tournament and beer gardens made the rink the place to be. There were so many people and we had some great feedback from those participating in that. The old-timers game was an unexpected addition to the week’s events, but showcased a love for the game and how inclusive this event really is. The players in the game said it was an amazing experience playing in front of the kids who came out and the kids made it so much more fun with the cheering. It was a lot of work, but it’s for a cause/project that will give so much back to our community for years to come,” Hanley added.
“A huge thank you to GFL Environmental, our title sponsor and to all of the local businesses and individuals who stepped up to sponsor other parts of the week, to our organizing committee who delivered a great event and to those who came out to support 
Hockey Day in Saskatchewan!”
