Nipissing First Nation has been named the host for the 2020 Little Native Hockey League tournament which is considered the largest Indigenous hockey tournament in the province.
The event will welcome over 3,500 competitors and 228 teams from Indigenous communities across Ontario to Mississauga from March 16-19 to compete in the tournament.
"Nipissing First Nation is proud to host the 49th Annual Little NHL Hockey Tournament," said Chief Scott McLeod, Nipissing First Nation.
"We are honoured to celebrate our theme ‘All Nations, One Family’ with thousands of youth and families from First Nations across Ontario. The Little NHL brings youth together to play with pride and showcase their communities, and we are grateful to partners such as Hydro One for generously supporting this tradition that creates so many lasting memories and friendships.”
"On behalf of the LNHL Executive Committee, we are very excited to work alongside the host community of Nipissing First Nation and Hydro One for the upcoming 2020 Little NHL which promises to be the best hockey tournament in Ontario," said Marian Jacko, President of the Little Native Hockey League's Executive Committee.
Jacko adds that the Little NHL has grown to 228 teams from a mere 17 teams in 1971.
"In many of the communities, Little NHL is a hallmark hockey event for all players, parents, family and community members to participate in and take pride in our children and young people,"
"It is an opportunity for everyone to come together to promote the Little NHL's four pillars of respect, citizenship, sportsmanship and education, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the opening ceremonies."
The Little NHL is sponsored through Hydro One’s community investment program, Building Safe Communities, which focuses on supporting communities through safety training and safe play.
Hydro One, the tournament title sponsor, and Nipissing First Nation are encouraging teams to enter into the “Win As One Team” contest.
Participants can enter online to share their team spirit and excitement about the upcoming tournament for a chance to win new hockey sticks and helmets.
