WINNIPEG – More than 1,000 aboriginal hockey players from across Manitoba are in Winnipeg this weekend to showcase their talent.
The 28th annual Aboriginal Minor Hockey Tournament started with eight teams and has grown to include 78 teams, which is a record high this year.
Coaches and players travel from as far away as Norway House Cree Nation, about 460 kilometres north and a 10-hour drive from Winnipeg, for the competition at MTS Iceplex.
“We don’t get a chance to play against any other teams because we`re way up in a rural community,” said Norway House coach Edward Albert. “The only closest team would be our neighbors, which would be an hour away.”
Each team pays $600 to enter the tournament. Last year, about $40,000 was raised for the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre.
The money is used to provide more sporting and cultural events for aboriginal students.
“It builds up recognition for the Aboriginal and First Nation peoples,” said executive director of MICEC Dennis Daneils.
A new girls division was added to the event this year, with five female bantam teams participating.
“There could be an opportunity opening up for me in the future from this experience and I just hope it happens,” said Raylynn McKay, who will be playing against other girls for the first time this weekend.
Another opportunity is around the corner with the Canadian Native Fastball Championships coming to Winnipeg this summer.
The event is expected to bring in about 5,000 athletes from across Canada.
Comments