Teams from Saddle Lake, Frog Lake and others are gearing up to drop the puck on the 2018 Alberta Native Hockey Championships in Edmonton. The tournament features over 230 teams taking part in games over the next four days in nine different rinks in Edmonton and the surrounding area.
Priscilla Swampy-Dion, the Treaty Six council with the Alberta Native League says that this event has a big impact on both players and communities.
“They become so proud that they get to represent their communities and represent their culture. The have opportunities in a safe environment, Players right from initiation to junior.”
Swampy-Dion says he tournament means everything to the players and fosters further hockey skills, and on top of that a sense of togetherness.
“This is their Stanley Cup, this is their opportunity to go as a community. It brings them great pride.”
Championship hardware will be handed out on April 8th. More information on the tournament can be found by clicking here.