Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Saskatchewan’s Finest: Bruins’ broadcaster Martinson a perfect fit in Estevan

The Estevan Bruins fan base is well known for its passion, so to say that their broadcaster, Marty Martinson, is a perfect fit might be an understatement.

His fun yet energetic style is undoubtedly unique, as his cadence soars as high as that of any play-by-play in the league.

“Estevan is just an unbelievable hockey market,” Martinson says.

“More than anything, you just want a passionate fan base who cares about the players and the team, and win or lose, is going to show up. That’s what we have here. For me, I love what I do. I love bringing the game to people, just that chance to paint the picture of what’s happening on the ice and tell the stories of the players and the community; I’ve always had a real interest in it.”

Marty, a 29-year-old Regina native, joined the Bruins this past summer as their Director of Marketing and Broadcast after six years as the voice of the Battlefords North Stars.

In North Battleford, he was the voice of two championship teams and a National Championship silver medal in partnership with then-head coach Brayden Klimosko and his staff.

While Marty felt it was time to move on, he will forever cherish his time with the Black and Silver.

“Being part of that Battlefords organization over the years was an extraordinary experience,” he says.

“I was so fortunate to be part of such a remarkable group of individuals, from the players, staff, and coaching staff. I missed out on being in the championship picture when we won in 2019, but (then assistant coach Gary Childerhose) told me that ‘you’re getting in this one!’ in 2023, so I threw off my headset from the broadcast, ran down to the ice, and you know, that’s a memory I’ll have for a lifetime. Those are the moments you live for!”

Martinson attended Western Academy Broadcasting College in Saskatoon in 2016 to learn the whole business of radio and broadcast and parlayed that year right away into the broadcaster role for the (then named) OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

One year into that role, he elected to move back to Saskatchewan to be closer to his mother, Joyce. After Nathan Kanter left the role, he applied for and got the Battlefords job.

(Marty Martinson in his first year of broadcasting alongside Flin Flon Bombers legendary broadcaster Rob Hart)

Now, living in Estevan, he’s only two and a half hours from home and can focus more specifically on hockey, whereas he had a prominent news role in North Battleford.

The Bruins are the near-perfect opportunity for him.

“My biggest supporter, for sure, is my mom,” he says.

“She always listens in whenever she can, and she is always positive with me, and I’ve taken that from her; if there’s a turnover, I always say that it was a great play by the other guy to knock that pass down, for example. Whether it’s a tough or good day, she’s always there for me to lift my spirits.

“So, being close to her helps,” he continues.

“It also helps that my mom’s family is from Midale, just about 30 minutes away from Estevan, so I see the family in the area too and be closer to home overall. It’s been nice.”

Estevan’s season on the ice has been a roller coaster ride, but Martinson’s smile and passion for the game and the team he works for can always be counted on.

“Marty is truly one of the most energetic personalities in the SJHL,” says SJHL Commissioner Kyle McIntyre.

“His call is engaging and unique, and his passion for and knowledge of his team and the players is always impressive.”

As a terrific broadcaster second, and a wonderful human being first, Marty Martinson is undoubtedly one of Saskatchewan’s Finest.