Longtime hockey volunteer wins national award

A longtime Saskatoon hockey volunteer has been honoured nationally for his contribution to the game.

Retired police officer Wilf Martin received the Order of Merit from Hockey Canada on May 31.

The 69-year-old Martin says the honour came out of left field.

“I was lost for words when I got contacted about this, and me being lost for words doesn’t happen all that often,” he told 650 CKOM.

He has dedicated himself to minor hockey in Saskatchewan since 1983, when he started coaching his son’s team. Martin’s passion quickly grew and led him to years of volunteering.

After managing and coaching several teams over the years, Martin served as president of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) from 1998 to 2002.

He also did work with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) and at events like the world junior hockey championship.

Martin said his time with the Saskatoon police helped him see the benefits that hockey can bring to youth.

“My career in law enforcement taught me that youth of our city, or anywhere else, need sports structure,” he said.

“I found that hockey was great for these young people. And it brought them together as a team, (taught them) how to solve problems as a team.”

Of course, he’s also just a big fan of hockey.

“I just enjoy watching it,” Martin said. “I like watching the young people succeed.”

Martin shares his love for hockey with his family. His seven-year-old granddaughter is in her second year of minor hockey.