(Image Credit: File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

After 30 years

Dressler resigning as MMHA General Manager

Mar 18, 2026 | 10:34 AM

The General Manager of Melfort Minor Hockey (MMHA) is stepping aside after three decades at the helm. 

This will be Donna Dressler’s last year as the head of the organization. She told northeastNOW that she has lived in Melfort for over 28 years, and just recently moved to the Humboldt area. 

She decided that after 30 years of volunteering it was time to step away to allow some of the younger generations to take over. 

“Though I’m not hanging up my skates – I’m turning off the laptop,” Dressler said. 

She became interested in volunteering in hockey circles after her son decided to pursue the sport at the age of five.  

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“I could see that we would be spending a lot of time at the rink and I wanted to be involved and in the know.” 

Through her 30 years at MMHA, she has seen many changes over that time, including the switch from manually collecting fees, organizing schedules, and planning events to doing it electronically. Dressler said the organization and its role has evolved into much more during that time. 

“While the Board is the mainframe of operations, the Board isn’t just running hockey; it’s like running a business in a sense. The rules and policies from our governing bodies, Hockey Canada and Hockey Sask., have implemented many new and up to date procedures that have made the operations of hockey more streamlined and up to date.” 

She commends the dedication of parents, and players in the Melfort minor hockey system, saying that they are a community that’s proud and eager to volunteer and help to get things done. 

“This is one of the reasons I continued volunteering for so many years. This also makes me very proud of Melfort.” 

Dressler also took time to commend the businesses in Melfort and area that show their support at all levels, through support of Donors Choice to being tournament sponsors. She said the MMHA couldn’t do what they do without that support. 

While Dressler has many fond memories of her time as General Manager, there are some that stand out. They include hosting a Montreal Canadiens alumni game, and the years of following the North East U18 AA team and watching them win the league and provincials. 

“Once our son was done with minor hockey, my husband and I spent the winters travelling around the northeast where we could watch approximately 300 games a season,” she said. “Now I prefer to stay at home [where it’s warm] and watch games on LiveBarn.” 

While Dressler’s time as GM are coming to an end, she said being part of the MMHA Board was a wonderful experience. 

“The Board members have supported me and each other over the years, and I appreciate each and every one of them. I have also met so many wonderful people around the northeast just through hockey and have many developed lasting friendships. I encourage anyone to volunteer in any capacity – there’s always room for more.” 

She said the next chapter for her is unknown, but she’s looking forward to a much quieter phone. 

“It truly has been a great ride with MMHA and I am so thankful for all the wonderful people I have met and the friendships I have made over the years—friendships that mean more to me than you’ll ever know.” 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com