Nine Akwesasne Hockey Teams Participate in the Little Native Hockey League's 50th Year

By Kaniehtonkie.

The 2024 Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) annual hockey tournament and cultural festival for Ontario First Nation youth players kicked off on Sunday March 10th in Markham, Ontario.

The tournament welcomed approximately 3,500 athletes – from ages four to seventeen, along with their friends, families, and spectators. A record number of 245 clubs, including nine teams from Akwesasne participated in the LNHL tournament this past week.

As well as the record number of teams taking part in the tourney's golden anniversary, another record was being broken – a total of 38 girls' teams – the most ever – are among those taking part. During the tournament's inaugural year in Little Current, a total of 17 boys' squads only took part.

The Little NHL was cancelled for three consecutive years from 2020 through 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event returned last year and attracted 184 participating clubs.

The LNHL tournament was started by the late Earl Abotossaway, former Chief Jim McGregor, the late James D. Debassige, the late Reverend Leonard Self and the late Norman Debassige to bring together athletes in the spirit of four pillars: education, citizenship, sportsmanship, and respect.

Markham's Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, "As mayor, I pay tribute to the founders of this tournament, all of the current and past Little Native Hockey League presidents and board of directors for the 50 tournaments, but also for the incredible positive impact this tournament has had on tens of thousands of Indigenous youths that will last much longer than 50 years but for generations to come."

Scarpitti said the Little NHL will not only help the city celebrate Indigenous youth and the game of hockey, "but it also builds on the city of Markham's ongoing commitment towards truth and reconciliation," he said.

Markham has a formal partnership with Eabametoong First Nation, located in northern Ontario, which includes a framework to learn from each other and to support each other.

The Akwesasne LNHL hockey coaches would like to thank the parents and family members who have supported these players all season and especially at the LNHL. Without this village of support, these kids wouldn't be as successful as they are.

LHNL Team Rosters

The Akwesasne Mavericks U7 team: Rariwasetha Peters, Wells Admas, Tsiowisenhawe Skidders, Teiakorihotahrho Delormier, Arrow Goodleaf, Benny Bomberry, Bowen Barr, Emma Anderson, Kahsennahkweniio Rourke, Kinsgley Lazore, Sonny Edwards, Stellan Oakes-Cook, Wahohsnoratste North, Watson Thomas and Coach Elisha King, Trainer Storm Admas and Manager Erica Francis.

The Akwesasne Wild U9 team: Axton Smith, Jordan Thomas, Tayt Thompson, Hayden Mitchell, Madison Thompson, Chandon Swamp, Maxton Henderson-Thompson, Kellan Thomas, Ogitchiidaa Laughing, Caleb Henry, and Tehokhanion North. Coaches: Jonathan Tarbell, Corey Smith, Manager Tameka Thompson and Trainer Nikaiataa Skidders.

The Akwesasne Hawks U9 team: Jada Garrow, Orlo Skidders, Kellan Terrance, Trevor Skidders, Lori Anne Terrance, Kree Ward, Kovie Thompson, Kinley Barnes, Kansas Benedict, Wynter Burns, Sawyer Roundpoint, Everly Decker, and Melani Arquette. Coaches: Matthew Skidders, Jimmy Terrance, Kurt Terrance and Manager: Ivy Ashkewe.

The Akwesasne Wild Competitive U18 team: Oscar Cook, Ryder Sunday, Bronson Beto,Carter King, Parker Thompson, Keegan Delormier, Aronhiawaks Rice, Kahentiio Lazore, and Alex Delormier. Coaches: Heather Cook, Jake Cook and Toby Sunday.