HUMBOLDT — Humboldt Broncos forward Sam Marburg’s favourite part of his team’s community involvement is being able to help out with kids.
Marburg’s passion for volunteering and interacting with Humboldt’s young people was recognized by the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last week. The North Vancouver product was named as the Broncos’ member of the RBC & SJHL Community Ambassador Team.
“Sam is a tremendous ambassador for the community and really enjoys giving back when he's able to. It’s great to see him rewarded with the time and effort he puts into the Humboldt community,” said Broncos head coach Scott Barney, who also praised Marburg for his on-ice contributions.
RBC & SJHL Community Ambassador Team members are recognized for having “displayed outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship both on and off the ice.” A $1,000 donation will be made on Marburg’s behalf to a local school. As well, he is in the running for the RBC Community Award, which includes an additional $2,500 donation to a school.
The Broncos are active in a variety of volunteering and community activities, including being involved with Special Olympics and clearing driveways after winter storms. Marburg enjoys sharing his hockey passion with Humboldt’s young people.
“I love going to help out at rec hockey with the kids because it is so fun teaching them new things and watching their smiles and hearing them laughing and having fun with us,” he said. “It is awesome when they come back the next week and show us the new skill they had just learned.”
Marburg’s impact with the Broncos is felt on the ice as well as in the community.
“Sam gives us 110 per cent every shift and has contributed in many different ways with his physical play and scoring big goals,” Barney said.
As of Feb. 3, Marburg had 13 points and six goals in 43 games. Two of his goals have been game winners. He lit the lamp twice in a contest against Melfort in January. As a sign of his physical approach to the game, the 6-foot-2, 188-pounder was fourth in the SJHL in penalty minutes at 137.
In 2020-2021, Marburg joined the Broncos after suiting up in one game for his hometown Junior B squad, the North Vancouver Wolf Pack. Since coming to Humboldt, he has billeted with the Warfords.
“They have been very kind and welcoming since my first day here,” Marburg said.
Last season he scored once in four games before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the campaign down. Marburg is pleased to be back playing for the Broncos. What has he enjoyed most?
“Getting to be around my teammates everyday and grow closer to them everyday and joking around with them constantly,” Marburg said. “We have a really good group of guys here and I think we can go really far with the group we’ve got.”
