by Aspen Debassige
MARKHAM—A steady crowd of coaches, hockey players and enthusiasts arrived by busload to brave the return of winter during the Opening Day Festival to kick off the 50th Anniversary of the Little Native Hockey League tournament at the Markham Civic Centre on Sunday, March 10. The day was jam-packed with entertainment, food and activities to keep the little ones busy prior to the actual start of game play on Monday, March 11, which also marks the beginning of the March Break holiday for most Ontario schools.
Ron MacLean and Anthony Stewart from Hockey Night in Canada co-hosted the official opening ceremony giving semaa (tobacco) to elders and a warm welcome to all in attendance despite the frigid temperatures that dipped close to -10℃ with the wind chill. Both hockey announcers were very honoured to be asked to be a part of the opening festival. Mr. Stewart, returning for the second time to coach in the tournament and sponsoring the Tyke division this year, marveled at the incredible “sense of excitement, culture and community” that the tournament brings to every city that gets to host the event, something that according to Mr. Stewart “is something missing at this time in the hockey world.”
The Six Nation Women singers, led by Sadie Buck, entertained the crowd with a song from their original repertoire followed by a heartfelt version of ‘O Canada’ from Jully Black. Ms. Black, known for her alteration of the words of the national anthem, did not disappoint the fans in attendance as the words “on Native land” were met with cheers and clapping in support of the lyric choice.
Ogimaa Claire Sault, chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, was on hand along with other political representatives from local politics. Chief Sault spoke with pride about the theme of the Little NHL tournament this year, Honouring our Water. She remarked that “it takes a village to raise a child and that she is proud to be a part of that village.” Frank Scarpitti, the mayor of Markham and the town council were also on stage to welcome the 245 teams travelling from all across Ontario. Knowing that these teams were comprised of approximately 4,000 players, Mayor Scarpitti remarked that he and his council agreed that “our youth are the fountain of hope.”
Chico Ralph, the acting president of the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) executive, was also on hand to greet the people in attendance. The executives are key players in the smooth sailing of such a massive endeavour. It was the executive committees and founders of the past that realized the need to grow hockey opportunities for First Nation children playing the sport over 50 years ago. They knew that although logistics, location and tournament formats would change many times over in the coming years, the fundamental founding principles would continue to be honoured for decades to come.
Sportsmanship, citizenship, respect and dedication were the pillars that the LNHL foundation is built on. For the Island founders, Jim McGregor, Norman Debassige, Earl Abotossaway and Jim Debassige, the hockey rink was just another classroom, albeit a little colder. As great coaches, they also knew that there is no such thing as losing. You win or you learn and if you happen to come up short on the score-board at the end of the third period, what is most important is that you continue to try and try again. That is the essence of sport and the essence of this tournament – to pursue greatness. The hope is that this pursuit will follow players off the ice and into the rest of their lives.
Over the course of the opening day festival children had a chance to practice some of these skills whether they were playing in the tournament or not. Tournament sponsors and organizations set up their booths to provide encouragement to teams and perhaps some last minute skill tweaking to get ready for the week-long tournament. McGill University was on hand with the Snipe Light shooting drill activity along with hockey shoot-out practice from Jump Start and Top Shot from the city of Markham.
Ontario Power Generation, sponsors of the tournament and drone show, were on hand to support teams and show off their robot dog, 3D printer and hockey bot. Fuel the Fire TV also took part in the day, helping snipers increase their focus and attention by shooting archery and practicing their breathing technique. The Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation had giveaways for players and as always, are big supporters of the LNHL tournament.
It’s been over five decades since the founders came up with the idea for the LNHL tournament. That’s 50 years of First Nation children competing, growing up and seeing that there is a place for them in Canada’s favourite sport. The LNHL tournament is and will continue to be a place for the next generation to see themselves by watching their siblings, friends and players from other communities chase their dreams. The tournament has grown bigger than the game of hockey itself, it has become what the founders had always hoped it would be: a reminder for us about the importance of standing together in unity.
