Little NHL concludes another successful year

Page 2

Another successful Little Native Hockey League tournament has come and gone in Ontario.

The Little NHL, as it is most commonly referred to, began 32 years ago with four days of good hockey for youth of all ages.

This year's tournament, which concluded March 13 in Sudbury, saw 113 teams take to the ice at various arenas throughout the region.

Every year, the tournament is hosted by a different First Nation; this year it was the Sagamok Anishnawbek from Massey.

According to the tournament's co-ordinator, Michael Abitong, this year's theme, Uniting the Nations Through the Spirit of Hockey, was a representation of the diverse Aboriginal nations that make up Ontario.

"The sharing of the Crees and the Ojibwes and the Mohawks. They play the games and they are sharing. And then again, it's a totally different thing when they come off the ice, again a sharing takes place . . . sharing and respecting one another . . . it's very important in this tournament."

He explained that on the ice, when they play hockey, they share the spirit of the game and when they come off, they share that experience together and respect each other's efforts in playing the best game they could.

Abitong expressed the importance of this sharing and respect in that these qualities are traditional Anishinabek teachings. So, exposing players to that at young ages helps set a direction in their lives.

"Those are the kids that are going to be carrying on tradition. We have kids that are as young as four years old."

This is the goal that every organizer of the Little NHL tries to achieve every year. According to Abitong, the event is about hockey, but even more about the lessons that can be instilled in young players through the game.

Abitong says the focus is to ensure they all feel like winners, despite the final scores. And that is achieved through the "pats on the backs" for a job or efforts done well.

"Some teams do come out as losers . . . but they are still happy that they were part of the tournament."

Being part of an event like this isn't just a moment of pride and happiness for the young hockey players, but for the adults as well.

Abitong said when he saw the people in the stands watching the games, his heart was filled with joy. Many of the people who came into Sudbury for the tournament travelled hours from their small rural reserves, just to be a part of the Little NHL.

"I've never seen a tournament run this well . . . and I cry for that. People will never forget this tournament when they leave here. . . they'll be happy."

Little NHL executive committee president, George Francis, shares this view. He pointed out that to be successful, an event relies heavily on volunteers. Most volunteers had never been part of an event of this magnitude.

"The volunteers were something else . . . if you don't have them, you don't have anything."

Abitong agreed.

"They deserve a pat on the back. No matter how much work they do, one hour, two hours, three hours . . . every hour counts."

With this year's tournament now over, there is a sense of sadness for those who were a part of it. But at the same time, there is also a sense of anticipation and excitement. The 'staff' has been officially passed to the M'Chigeeng First Nation from Manitoulin Island. It is the next community with the honor of hosting the Little NHL, one year from now in Sault Ste. Marie.