The Fletcher Cup is back, and this year’s tournament will channel its proceeds to support a Lloydminster family in need.
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The annual hockey tournament, which started in 2023, will support Danyal Noah Mirza and his family this year.
Sahar Mirza, the six-year-old boys’ mother, says an MRI revealed a brain injury, introducing a new set of challenges for the family.
“Danyal is our sweet six-year-old boy who seemed to develop typically at first, but by 11 months, we noticed he wasn’t meeting his milestones,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “An MRI revealed a brain injury likely occurring around birth, plunging us into uncharted territory with its own set of challenges – disabilities, financial strains and regular trips to the city for appointments and uncertainty about the future.”
She says multiple diagnoses came to light about the boy’s condition.
“At 2.5 years old, multiple diagnoses came to light: global developmental delay, hypotonia, PVL brain injury and cerebral palsy. Further investigation through genetic testing uncovered the ultra-rare genetic disorder called AP-4 SPG51 disorder, a progressive condition that brings its own set of hurdles,” she explained. “Alongside this, Danyal deals with febrile seizures and struggles with mobility and chewing.”
Mirza says connecting with others has been challenging, but the family has been moving forward with gratitude leading the way.
“We’ve learned to navigate each day with gratitude for small joys. Danyal’s radiant smile and content nature bring happiness to our family,” she said. “We strive to include him in everything, learning and adapting together daily. Living in the moment, finding happiness in little things, and embracing the journey keeps us moving forward.”
A fundraising success
The Fletcher Cup is raising funds to help the family with medical expenses, hoping to match the success of past tournaments.
“First year, it was $10,000, second year was slightly under and last year was about $11,000, so, it’s been approximately $31,000 over three years,” said Travis Sorenson, Fletcher Cup founder.
The tournament initially stemmed from a lack of U9 hockey tournaments and quickly expanded into something bigger.
“My son’s U9 hockey team was at a tournament in Tisdale in February 2023, and we started talking about how there’s no playoffs for U9,” said Sorenson.
“So, I thought, let’s make the playoffs. Then, the conversation turned to, ‘Well, why don’t we make it a fundraiser because Fletcher Hobbins is going to get a brain stimulation device put in in Toronto.’”
What started as a small tournament quickly grew.
“It was supposed to be a one-day, six-team tournament and it ended up being two days, 11 teams, and it’s been 12 teams ever since,” he said.
This year, the event will once again have items to raffle off to support fundraising efforts. The tournament is being held on March 21 and 22, 2026, in Rosthern, Sask., and all the money raised will go directly to benefiting the Mirza family.
Those looking to donate can do so by sending donations to tr************@*****il.com where Sorenson keeps track of all the donations.
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