Little NHL set to be a record-breaking event
By Sam Laskaris
MISSISSAUGA – Though it is still a couple of weeks away, officials for this year’s Little Native Hockey League tournament already know it will be a record-breaking event.
That’s because a whopping 210 youth teams from across the province will be participating at the tourney, which is more commonly known as the Little NHL.
This year’s tournament, which is scheduled for Mar. 11-15, will be held at various rinks in Mississauga.
For the second consecutive year the Moose Cree First Nation will serve as the tournament host.
The number of entrants will break the previous high of 204 clubs that competed at last year’s event, which was also in Mississauga.
Moose Cree officials will also be breaking their own record from last year in terms of sponsorship money secured. In 2017 they managed to attract tournament-high $400,000 in sponsorships.
Stan Kapashesit, the chair of the tournament committee for the host Moose Cree First Nation, said organizers have surpassed the sponsorship figure of last year. But in a weekend interview he was unable to provide an exact number.
“People are still contacting us about sponsorships, even though we had a deadline of Feb. 15,” Kapashesit said. “It’s all good though.”
Kapashesit is not surprised the tournament, which will celebrate its 47th anniversary this year, continues to grow.
“The interest has always been there and it is always going to be high,” he said.
Kapashesit is also thrilled his First Nation, located in the remote northern Ontario community of Moose Factory, is able to successfully host a massive tournament in a big southern Ontario city.
“Last year we went in with the expectation of doing well and we’re glad we did,” he said. “From our understanding we are one of the few communities that have been asked to host it back-to-back.”
Debbie Debassige, the president of the Little NHL, said her executive committee has thoroughly enjoyed working with officials from the Moose Cree First Nation these past two years.
“It’s been great working with Moose Cree,” she said. “As a community they are very progressive.”
In an effort to make the 2018 tournament memorable – and perhaps the best one yet – Moose Cree officials have included a number of off-ice activities.
For starters, Logan Staats, a Six Nations performer, who recently won The Launch, a Canadian-based singing TV show will be showcasing his skills at the tournament’s opening ceremonies.
Those attending the opening ceremonies will also include former National Hockey League player Jonathan Cheechoo, a Moose Factory native who is serving as the honorary chair of this year’s Little NHL and Fred Sasakamoose, the first Indigenous athlete who played in the NHL.
Also, during the Monday and Tuesday of the tournament there will be free Legends and Legacies Meet and Greet sessions.
Besides Cheechoo and Sasakamoose, these sessions will feature former Indigenous NHLers Reggie Leach, Ted Nolan, Bryan Trottier and Stan Jonathan.
Hockey Hall of Fame officials will also be bringing a number of NHL trophies to display during these sessions.
Also, on the Wednesday (Mar. 14), there will be an event titled Celebrating and Honoring Female Success.
Former Olympians Cheryl Pounder and Becky Kellar will be attending. Depending on her post-PyeongChang commitments, Brigette Lacquette, the first First Nations player currently suiting up for the Canadian women’s Olympic squad, could also make an appearance.
Other confirmed attendees are 2015 Mrs. Universe Ashley Callingbull, Miss Teenage Canada Emma Morrison and Miss Teenage Ontario Aleria McKay.
Tournament participants can also take advantage of some skills sessions run by former Indigenous NHLers John Chabot, Arron Asham and Dan Frawley.
During the tournament there will also be an advanced screening of the movie Indian Horse, which will be released in mid-April, as well as day camps run in conjunction with the City of Mississauga.
Kapashesit said Moose Cree officials were keen to include as many off-ice happenings during the tourney.
“As it grows, people look forward to doing other activities as well,” he said. “By adding these special events we figured it would enhance the experience and help the tournament grow.”