Derek Martin being interview by Hockey Alberta. Courtesy/Hockey Alberta

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

Redcliff Minor Hockey’s Martin wins Hockey Alberta Volunteer of the Year

Jul 23, 2025 | 10:19 AM

Redcliff Minor Hockey Association president Derek Martin has been awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award from Hockey Alberta for the 2024-25 season.

This award recognizes an individual who made an exceptional impact on amateur hockey during the season through leadership, dedication, and community service.

Hockey Alberta said Martin has been a driving force in minor hockey for over a decade, and as the president of Redcliff MHA, wore many hats this season.

“From managing transfers, conduct issues, fundraising for a new score clock, securing provincial funding for a new ice plant, and even stepping in as registrar when needed. He also leads the local Learn to Play program and an assist initiative that provides free gear for new and under-resourced players,” Hockey Alberta said in a social media post.

“He takes on the hard conversations and the tough jobs, always prioritizing the game and his community.”

What's On

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 20-22

Mar 20, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here's what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 13-15

Mar 13, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here's what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 6-8

Mar 06, 2026

Martin told Hockey Alberta that it’s such an honour being involved in the game for such a long time.

“It really means a lot to have that recognition. I mean, you certainly don’t get involved in volunteer expecting the recognition, but to receive it is a huge honour,” Martin said.

“I actually started out in 1994. I was a coach and director with Medicine Hat Inline Hockey when it was run through Hockey Alberta Inline. And so, yeah, basically off and on all the time. I’ve coached for 17 years,” he added.

“In terms of Redcliff specifically, I’ve been a board member in Redcliff for six years, a couple years as a director, and then the last four years as president.”

Martin said he loves to be involved in the community, help out any way that he can, and just try to make things a better place and create opportunities.

“You have to have the passion to do it because you’re going to have speed bumps along the way, and it is very rewarding,” Martin said.

“Not just in situations like this, but when you see the growth of individuals, you see the growth of volunteers or associations, progressions, things that we’ve had happen recently in Redcliff, it’s such a huge, huge honour to see those things happen.”