Dayson Martin played three games with the Parkland U-15 Rangers during the 2022-23 season, collecting one goal.
He returned to the team the following season and made a name for himself, opening eyes across the province. In 29 regular season games, Martin fuelled the team's offence with 27 goals and 49 points. Martin finished second in team scoring and carried his momentum into the playoffs, collecting three goals and 13 points to lead the team.
From Swan River, Martin has a knack for getting himself into open space and delivering. As the 2024-25 regular season slowly ends, Martin is well into his first year with the U-18 team.
"It means a lot to be a Ranger. I grew up always wanting to watch them and be a Ranger," said Martin. "To be that guy now, it's an awesome feeling and something I don't take for granted."
With five games left in the regular season, Martin has put together an outstanding season as he sits second in team scoring. He has 16 goals and 37 points paired with two game-winning goals. Dayson has been a game changer and while the jump from U-15 to U-18 is daunting for many, the Swan River star has risen to the challenge and taken his game to the next level.
(Pederson Photographic)
"I'm very happy with how things have gone. I'm getting a ton of opportunities and looking to take advantage of them," continued Martin. "All the coaches have put a lot of trust in me and my goal is to produce on a nightly basis."
Martin, who skates three times a week from 8:30 to 9:30 with the Hardline Hockey in his hometown, was fired up to play in the team's Ukrainian Night this past Saturday at Credit Union Place. While Dauphin came up short in that game, it was one to remember. It was the biggest crowd that Dayson has played in front of and the memory of it will last a lifetime.
"That was awesome, the rink was packed, and it was awesome to play in front of that many people," commented Martin. "They were loud and cheered us on the entire time. Just a super fun experience to be a part of."
(Pederson Photographic)
With that game and the team's 5-1 victory on Sunday now in the past, Martin is now preparing for the home stretch. With five games left in the regular season, the Rangers are in a heated battle for a playoff spot. They're in sixth place, four points behind the fifth-place Southwest Cougars and six back of the Thrashers in fourth.
The teams chasing them aren't far behind, either. Pembina Valley, tied with Interlake for eighth, is just five back of the Rangers. At this point, Parkland holds its fate. Win and they'll qualify for the big dance.
"You can just tell when the guys get to the rink, everyone wants to make it and make a push," said Martin. "It's an exciting time for our group and it's up to us to step up and prove that we're a good team."
The Rangers are off to Manitoba's capital for two games this weekend against the Wild. That's followed by a visit to Brandon next Wednesday before finishing the regular season next weekend at the Sun Gro Centre in Beausejour.
However the remainder of the season shakes up for the Rangers, there is a lot to be proud of for Dayson and the rest of the club. Parkland's 23 wins are the most the program has won in a season since the 2014-15 campaign when they won 24 games.
(Pederson Photographic)
Martin knows the team is up against some stiff competition the rest of the way and making the playoffs won't be easy, but fully believes the team can get the job done.
"We all really want it, everyone wants to do it for one another," continued Martin. "Everyone has one another's back and that's important, we're an extremely tight-knit group."
While preparing for Saturday's game in Winnipeg, Dayson also remembers wearing the Rangers jersey while playing in his hometown earlier this season. The team won two games in October at the Swan River Centennial Arena. Dayson still skates there several times a week and was thrilled to get the chance to play in front of his family and friends where he grew up.
"Yeah, that was awesome, we don't get that chance often," ended Martin. "The younger generation in Swan River had the chance to see what high-level hockey looks like as well, so there's many positives to it. It was two games that I won't forget."
Dayson Martin and the Parkland U-18 Rangers, battling hard to make the playoffs.
