M’CHIGEENG—The M’Chigeeng First Nations Thunderbirds under 9- year-old (U9) hockey team dared to dream, and through tremendous community support, they participated in the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) tournament over the duration of the March break and had the opportunity to see a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game, thanks to a generous donation from a PWHL season ticket holder.
“The Thunderbirds will be traveling to Markham, Ontario to participate in the Little Native Hockey League tournament over the duration of the March Break,” said Stacey Mortimer, who had initiated a GoFundMe fundraising appeal. “We, some fans of the PWHL, have arranged for the Thunderbirds, their volunteers, parents and guardians to see the greatest game on earth. The PWHL Toronto play the PWHL Minnesota Frost March 9 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto and the Thunderbirds will be there!”
“Representation in sport matters and some have more access to this experience than others. These little dreamers will now get to see women hockey heroes working their magic live and in person,” read the GoFundMe message by Stacey Mortimer. “A spontaneous generous donation from a PWHL season ticket holder prompted us to make this event a reality for the M’Chigeeng Thunderbirds! Please consider donating what you can. Any monies raised above and beyond our goal will contribute to food for the team, team volunteers, parents and guardians and also to the cost of ensuring the players have brand new M’Chigeeng Thunderbirds jerseys for their Little NHL experience.”
“With gratitude, from a small group of PWHL fans we say Miigwetch, thank you!”
The fundraising goal had been set at $1,925 and $1,945 had already been raised.
