Record number of teams to compete at 50th annual Little NHL
By Sam Laskaris
MARKHAM – Officials with the Little Native Hockey League tournament have even more reason to celebrate now.
This year’s tourney, often simply called the Little NHL, is hitting the big 5-0 this year.
The event, which was first held in 1971, technically should have celebrated its golden anniversary a few years ago, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourney was not held for three consecutive years, from 2020 through 2022.
As a result, this year marks the 50th time the tournament has been held.
Organizers are also ecstatic that a record number of squads will be participating at the event, which will be held Mar. 11-14, primarily in Markham.
The registration deadline for the tourney was Jan. 15. After various volunteers had checked that all applicants had properly submitted registrations and entry fees had been paid for, league officials announced on Sunday that a record 246 clubs would participate in this year’s event.
“It’s overwhelming,” said Chico Ralf, the acting president of the Little NHL executive. “It shows the love and dedication that our athletes and communities have for the Little NHL.”
The previous participating record had been set in 2019 when 227 teams competed at the tournament, which was held in Mississauga that year.
Ralf said the entry list includes some newcomers.
“There are a couple of communities that are coming to the Little NHL for the first time,” he said. “We’re excited about that.”
Ralf and other tournament organizers are also thrilled that a total of 38 girls’ teams will be competing this year.
“And that’s a record, too,” Ralf said.
The Little NHL, first held in Little Current in 1971, had attracted a total of 17 clubs. The tourney is now the largest Indigenous youth hockey tournament in the province.
An estimated 4,000 players and team staff members will take part in this year’s event. The majority of the matches will be held at various rinks in Markham; however, arenas in Richmond Hill and Stouffville will also host some of the games.
“They’re all in close proximity to each other,” Ralf said of all the facilities that will be utilized during the tournament.
This year’s Little NHL will also include a pair of related functions.
On Mar. 9, the event’s 50th anniversary and induction gala will be held at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa.
A total of 15 individuals will be inducted into the Little NHL Hall of Fame during a ceremony that evening. They will be inducted via three categories. There will be five inductees in each grouping. Those categories are Alumni Players, Builders of the Little NHL, and Friends of the Little NHL.
Meanwhile, the tourney’s opening ceremonies will be held Mar. 10 from noon until 7:30 p.m. at the Markham Civic Centre.
The outdoor venue will include live entertainment, games and rides.