Proceeds of Unity Cup supports education

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It's hockey season in Ontario and time, once again, for one of the biggest Aboriginal hockey tournaments held annually in this province-the Northern Star Unity Cup.

This is the fifth year for the event that will be held in North Bay at the Pete Palangio Arena with opening ceremonies on Feb. 8 and wrapping up with the championship games in each division on Feb. 10. Last year's tournament attracted 24 teams from Ontario and Quebec. Teams vie for individual awards and top team honors in four divisions: women's, junior (youth 16 -20), sportsman (21+) and old-timers (35+).

The Northern Star Unity Cup is an annual fundraiser with proceeds going to Aboriginal youth and their education.

"This is a joint effort combining the Northern Star Unity Cup board of directors in conjunction with the Aboriginal Student Association of Canadore College and the Nipissing First Nation," explained Charlie Small, counsellor with the Aboriginal Learning Unit at Canadore College and a Unity Cup committee member.

"Profits from the tournament will be directed towards scholarships and bursaries for Native students' post secondary education. These scholarships and bursaries will be used to create and sustain a student's self-concept, spiritual strengths and ability to further enhance their self-confidence and education while studying at the post secondary level," said Small.

Last year's tournament saw a strong showing from the Ohsweken (Six Nations) hockey teams, which enjoyed a successful weekend, collecting two of the four championships. Although hometown sponsor Nipissing First Nation had teams in three of four division finals, 2001 was not their year. Nipissing will again host the Northern Star Unity Cup.

Winnings are paid to the champions and finalists in each division as well as individual awards given for Best Offensive, Best Defensive and Best Goalie in each division. Prize money can be as high as $4,000 for the men's division with the finalists in that category receiving $2,000, however, prize money is dependent on the number of teams registered in each division.