Sam on Sports: Little NHL
By Sam Laskaris
MISSISSAUGA – It’s going to happen.
For real this time. Following a three-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Little Native Hockey League tournament is just a couple of weeks away.
The event, which is frequently more simply called the Little NHL, will be staged Mar. 12-16 in Mississauga.
A total of 184 Indigenous youth squads from across the province will be converging in the southern Ontario city to decide bragging rights in numerous age categories.
While it’s true that an average of more than 200 squads had annually been participating in the event in the years before the pandemic, the number of entrants in 2023 indicates there is still a thirst and passion for the tourney.
Though the young athletes who are able to compete at next month’s tournament might not realize it now, memories will be created at the five-day gathering that will last them a lifetime.
Some former participants – the Little NHL was first held in 1971 in Little Current – who have seen their own children and grandchildren follow in their footsteps and also play in the tourney, still speak highly of their own competitive days.
The tournament also often acts as a reunion where players get reacquainted with family members and friends from other communities.
Though the opening ceremonies are 16 days away, gold medals should be awarded to a special group. That would be the members from Nipissing First Nation. The First Nation, located near North Bay, is almost 400 kilometres from Mississauga, will be serving as the host for this year’s tournament. A committee of about 10 members from the community are partly responsible to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Though he’s not officially part of the host committee, Nipissing Chief Scott McLeod has attended his share of meetings regarding tournament preparations.
The Little NHL also has its own executive comprised of tireless workers who are responsible for event operations. Those from Nipissing First Nation, however, are especially to be commended. Their First Nation was originally scheduled to host the 2020 Little NHL.
But that event was cancelled mere days before Ontario, Canada, and many parts of the world started shutting down over the fears of uncertainties of the pandemic.
A few days after the 2020 tournament cancellation, Nipissing First Nation was awarded hosting rights for the 2021 event.
As we all know, the pandemic was far from just a short blip in everyone’s scheduling. Thus, since COVID-19 was still very much a part of our lives, the 2021 event eventually also ended up being cancelled.
Yet Nipissing First Nation reps stated once again they would step up and host in 2022. The ongoing pandemic had other plans though and yup, the tourney was cancelled for a third consecutive year.
Now that we’re in 2023, tournament preparations are full steam ahead. And after a small number of more sleeps, new memories will be created.
About the Author
Sam Laskaris is a veteran Toronto-based writer. His articles have appeared in more than 200 North American publications. His new column on Anishinabek athletes and sports events, titled Sam on Sports, will be published in Anishinabek News.