The 42nd annual Veteran’s Cup returns to Veterans Memorial Sports Complex this Friday to Sunday and will be honouring another hockey great who’s seen her career take off since her days as a Stonewall Blue.
Selected as this year’s guest of honour is Amy Martin, a referee who also played in Stonewall until grade 11.
Since officiating her first game locally in 2008, Martin has gone on to officiate multiple international games and tournaments.
Most recently she officiated the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship gold medal game between Canada and the United States in Vantaa, Finland in early January.
She was also named the Interlake’s Most Improved Official in 2014 and Hockey Manitoba’s Most Promising Official in 2015.
Ralph Nespor, former Stonewall Minor Hockey referee in chief was the one who nominated her to be the guest of honour.
“Amy Martin has succeeded and excelled at every level,” said Nespor. “One of the first female referees in Stonewall, she developed her skill and passion for officiating on the local rinks in town and the Interlake. Amy embraced the challenges of putting on the stripes and continued on her quest to become one of the top female officials in the world. I was the referee in chief when Amy did most of her minor hockey officiating. Amy’s willingness to learn, her commitment to detail and knowledge of the rule book was exceptional for such a young referee.”
The dedication ceremony will take place Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex.
SMHRA President Kyle Kauk is the master of ceremonies, Zach Hildebrandt will play the bag pipes, and Jamie Yeo and Friends will sing O Canada.
Mayor of Stonewall Sandra Smith, Reeve of Rockwood Wes Taplin, and Stonewall Legion Branch #52 president Ken Power will also be in attendance.
The Military Family Resource Centre at CFB Winnipeg will accept a donation. A ceremonial puck drop will conclude the dedication ceremony.
This year’s tournament features 24 U13 teams broken into the three A1, A2, and A3 divisions which includes the U13 A1 Stonewall Jr. Jets, U13 A2 Stonewall Blues, and U13 A3 Stonewall Blues in their respective divisions.
Puck drop for the U13 tournament starts at 8 a.m. each day with the preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday and playoffs and medal rounds on Sunday.
Stonewall Blues game times:
U13 A1 Stonewall Jr. Jets schedule: Friday vs La Broquerie Habs at 8:30 a.m. at VMSC, Friday vs Winkler Flyers at 5:30 p.m. at VMSC, and Saturday vs Rat River Saints at 2 p.m. at VMSC.
U13 A2 Stonewall Blues schedule: Friday vs Dauphin Kings, 2:45 p.m. at Warren, Friday vs Lumsden Lions at 7 p.m. at VMSC, and Saturday vs Nipigon Elks at 6:30 p.m. at VMSC.
U13 A3 Stonewall Blues schedule: Friday vs Macdonald (Lister) at 10 a.m. at VMSC, Friday vs Selkirk Fishermen at 4 p.m. at VMSC, and Saturday vs Brandon Wild at 5 p.m. at VMSC.
