Bigger and better for next year's tourney

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There's no looking back now.

And with the inaugural National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in the history books, officials can only look forward to an even bigger and better tournament in the years to come.

The first Canadian hockey tournament for Native players earned its share of kudos for the way it was operated. The event, which was organized by the Aboriginal Sports Circle, attracted 12 teams (six female, six male). Matches in the event, which ran April 21 to 27 were held in Akwesasne as well as neighboring Cornwall.

"I'm very, very proud with the way things turned out," said tournament chairperson Chief Larry King. "And from my understanding, it's going to be an annual event now."

In fact, there's a very good chance the 2003 tournament will once again be held in Akwesasne. An official announcement on the '03 site is expected soon. But King felt Akwesasne's chances to serve as hosts again appeared good.

He explained when talk of a national tournament first surfaced, organizers were keen to find a location that would play host to the event for its first two years.

"From the things I've been hearing, everybody is giving us the nod (to host it again)," King said.

Though he didn't expect a final tally until a few weeks after the tournament concluded, King said this year's championships were also a financial success.

The tournament budget was $100,000. Even before the first puck was dropped, organizers knew they would have a money-making venture. That's because organizers managed to bring four major sponsors-Cott Beverages Canada, Iroquois Water, Akwesasne Petroleum Co-Op and the Government of Canada -on board. The major sponsors cut cheques for $25,000 each, covering all tournament costs.

Organizers also inked sponsorship deals with the Bank of Montreal, Sport Canada and Communications Canada.

King said another reason why the event was a success was because of the tireless work of those on the tournament organizing committee, as well as the hundreds of local volunteers.

All participating clubs were responsible for all of their costs this year. King added that will change in the future as organizers will be able to financially assist competing teams.

King also expects the number of tournament entrants to grow. Squads representing British Columbia, Alberta and Nunavut are expected to take part next year.

"Financially it would have been a big burden for them to get here this year," King said. "Plus the Indigenous Games are being held this year. They put all their (financial) resources into that this year."