Little NHL honours the fans

The annual Little NHL tournament, which saw a record-breaking 195 teams registered, creates community and builds unity among Ontario First Nation communities, said Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day.

It also injects more than $18 million into the local economy, which Day says demonstrates the purchasing power of both Indigenous families and the tournament itself.  

What has become an annual March Break tradition in the First Nation hockey world is now underway in Mississauga, the 45th edition of the Little Native Hockey League Tournament, reads a press statement. Opening ceremonies were held March 13 and the tournament runs to March 17.

This year’s theme honours 45 Years of Fan Appreciation and tournament organizers hosted a banquet honouring inductees into the LNHL Hall of Fame on March 12. Grande Chief Patrick Madahbee emceed the event and NHL legend Ted Nolan offered the key note.

“It takes a monumental effort for parents, family and the First Nations to get their players to the tournament and they are the best fans ever,” said Madahbee. “Thank you for 45 fabulous years coming to the LNHL."

The tournament will also honour the memory of the late Ember Wynne with a memorial trophy sponsored by Toronto Tourism, which will be dedicated to the girls division.

“The LNHL was founded on the pillars of respect, education, citizenship and sportsmanship,” said Chief Day. “It’s hard to believe that 45 years later, the players in that first tournament are now parents and grandparents of some of this year’s participants. They have passed along the torch to a new generation of athletes who will become future leaders.”