First Nations banner will fly high at Calgary games

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Alberta Native hockey players have put together the only all-Aboriginal team entered in the World Police-Fire Games to be held in Calgary June 27 to July 4.

"I believe we are the only full Native team going to the games," said Constable Mark Wolfleg, captain of First Nation Alberta. Constable Larry Montgomery said he believes it's the only all-Aboriginal team ever entered in the 12 year history of the games.

The 19-member provincial hockey team was organized by three southern Alberta police officers - Montgomery and Wolfleg of the Siksika Nation Police Service and Constable Willie Big Smoke of the Okotoks RCMP detachment.

"Most of the team will be young guys, 30 years and under and some with junior hockey experience," said Big Smoke.

Players come from as far north as Athabasca, Peace

River and as far south as the Blood Tribe Police Service," added Wolfleg.

He also pointed out that a couple of players even turned down offers from other non-Native teams in order to play with First Nation Alberta.

The Alberta team will need all the talent it can muster, according to team organizers. Finland, Sweden, the United States and possibly other countries have also entered top teams.

"I expect there will be some stiff competition, but I do feel we have enough talent within the First Nations of Alberta to put together this team," said Wolfleg.

"I think we should be able to do not too bad," said Big Smoke.

The black, red and white First Nation Alberta crest features an eagle's head framed by a map of the province. On each side of the Alberta map is an eagle's feather. Behind the map is a hockey stick.