Kudos to Ehrlo Outdoor Hockey League (OHL) head coach Marty Rothermel who received an award for being a role model for young people to stay physically active at the North Central Community Volunteer Awards on September 20, 2012.

The OHL provides recreational opportunities for children who miss out on sporting opportunities due to poverty or other barriers that limit access to organized sports. There are leagues in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. The league starts in December/January and wraps up in March, in Regina there are seven inner-city community teams run by volunteers.

Marty has volunteered off and on with the OHL at North Central's Grassick Park rink in Regina for close to 18 years. His interest in the league started with his friend Chip Nixon who has been volunteering with the OHL since its inception 20 years ago.

Last year Marty became head coach at Grassick Park, teaching an average of 20 kids to play hockey and learn important skills like teamsmanship, perseverance, and dedication.

“The biggest thing we do is to make sure we are there and the shack is open and the kids have equipment. Then we do a bit of skills training and then we play,” Marty explained. “Seeing the energy of these kids is amazing. They are waiting for hockey to start at 5:30 p.m. regardless if it’s -30, they want to play and they don’t want to stop.”

Marty added that he has noticed that many of the player’s parents have started to come out to watch their kids play and it’s great to see.

The Volunteer Leadership Award is given to a volunteer who shows outstanding leadership qualities, impacts the community and healthy living.

Manager of Sport Venture, which oversees the OHL, Laura Logan stated, “Marty is a committed volunteer. Although he has no children of his own he recognizes the need for community to stay active and busy. Marty does an excellent job of creating team spirit and belonging.”

She added that they aren’t always the strongest team in the league but thanks to Marty and the other volunteers, Grassick Rink has a strong player return rate from year-to-year.