Whitefish River squad nets a dozen goals in Little NHL tournament opener

By Sam Laskaris

THORNHILL – Early indications are a squad representing Whitefish River First Nation could have its share of success at this year’s Little NHL tournament.

That’s because a team from the First Nation, located on Manitoulin Island, registered a convincing 12-1 victory in its tournament opener against the Wiikwemkoong Ice Warriors on Monday.

The match between the two squads, competing in the boys’ Under-13 recreational division, was held at R.J. Clatworthy Arena in Thornhill.

The majority of the games in this year’s Little NHL are being held in Markham. Rinks in nearby communities are also being used for some contests.

This year marks the 51st running of the Little NHL, which has become the largest Indigenous youth hockey tournament in Ontario.

A record 276 clubs are participating in the event, which began on March 9 and continues until March 13.

Whitefish River head coach Jarrod Shawanda wasn’t surprised with his club’s performance in its tournament opener.

“We’ve got some strong players on our team,” he said. “I knew we would have some jump out there. So, it was nice to see.”

The Whitefish River squad features 11 players. Though it is competing in the boys’ division, the club includes four female players.

Whitefish River actually has two clubs at the tournament participating in the boys’ Under-13 recreational grouping.

“We had so many kids, we opted to make two teams,” Shawanda said. “That way everyone gets a lot of ice out there, too. So, they enjoy the experience. Nobody wants to spend all the time and effort coming down to see a kid spend more time on the bench than on the ice. That’s why we opted to make two teams.”

Despite posting a lopsided victory in their first game, Shawanda was anticipating his charges would face some stiffer challenges in this year’s tournament.

“There are 37 teams in our division, so it’s going to be pretty tough,” he said. “There are some good teams out there with some good players.”

Shawanda is obviously hoping his squad can register some more wins.

“I want to see the kids succeed,” he said. “But I also want them to have lot fun out there. That’s what this tournament is all about – making new friends, making memories, developing that willingness to come back each and every year to have some more fun.”

Shawanda, who is 36, has fond memories of playing in the Little NHL himself and representing his First Nation. He believes he started playing in the event when he was four and did so every year until he was 17.

Shawanda recalls playing in six championship finals.

“We won three of them, so our group was pretty strong,” he said.

The Little NHL was first held in 1971 in Little Current, and has been held annually since its inception except for three years, 2020 through 2022, when it was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a generational thing,” Shawanda said of the tournament. “It’s been going on for 50 plus years now. My dad coached me. I’m coaching my son now. And it’s just a great time.”