Nipissing First Nation prepares to host Little NHL
By Sam Laskaris
NIPISSING FIRST NATION – Gen Couchie is understandably rather busy these days.
Besides continuing to serve as the communications officer for Nipissing First Nation, Couchie finds her days now are rather hectic as she is also in charge of spreading the word on the province’s largest youth Indigenous hockey tournament.
Nipissing First Nation will be hosting the 49th Annual Little Native Hockey League tournament this month.
This tournament, which will feature a record 228 clubs from across Ontario, runs Mar. 15-19 in Mississauga.
“It’s very busy,” Couchie said earlier this week of the tournament preparations. “There’s a lot going on right now.”
Nipissing First Nation has known for about a year now that it would host this year’s tournament, which is often more simply called the Little NHL.
A 50-day countdown had originally been scheduled with Hydro One, the tournament’s presenting sponsor. Instead, a 30-day countdown press conference was held.
Earlier this week Couchie said enthusiasm is building for the event.
“It’s getting exciting,” she said. “In three weeks the tournament will be on. But there’s still a lot to do.”
Nipissing First Nation has its own host committee consisting of nine people. Four of these individuals work for the First Nation.
Members of the host committee are working in conjunction with the Little NHL executive.
This marks the second time Nipissing First Nation has hosted the Little NHL. It also hosted the 1995 tournament.
“It’s a huge undertaking for us,” Couchie said.
As of earlier last week, Couchie said playing schedules were still being finalized. And other details were still being worked on, including the completion of some sponsorship deals.
Organizers were also completing the necessary steps to have between 80-100 Nipissing First Nation members who will be volunteering at the tournament.
These volunteers, who will be making the estimated four-hour drive to Mississauga, will have their hotel expenses covered and will also be provided with meal money.
Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod is pleased with all of those who are joining forces to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“The LNHL tournament would not be possible without the support of our valued corporate and community partners, and the countless volunteers who work tirelessly to make this huge event a success year after year,” he said.
McLeod is pleased to see the 2020 Little NHL is once again a unifying force for Nipissing First Nation.
“Hockey has a special place in our community’s history and identity because it helped create a sense of unity and pride during difficult times,” he added.
The opening ceremonies for this year’s Little NHL will be held on Mar. 15 at the Paramount Fine Food Centre, formerly the Hershey Centre.
The Nipissing Warriors Drum Group will be among those performing at the opening ceremonies.
Keith McLeod, also from Nipissing First Nation, will perform his original song Oh Canada.
The opening ceremonies will also include a hockey game, featuring some players competing in this year’s tournament squaring off against a squad comprised of Indigenous former National Hockey League players.
The squad featuring the ex-pros will also include some youth competing in this year’s event.
Former NHLers expected to suit up for the game are Dan Frawley, Ted Nolan, Brandon Nolan, Reggie Leach, Jamie Leach, Cody McCormick, Jason Simon and Jean-Sebastien Aubin.
The Little NHL has been running since 1971. Throughout the years the tournament has maintained four values: Citizenship, Education, Sportsmanship and Respect.