NAHC 2023

WINNIPEG, MB. (March 27, 2023) – It’s the 20^th Anniversary of the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and for the first time since 2009, this highly-regarded, Canada-wide hockey event will be held in Winnipeg.

The 2023 NAHC will convene at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex, 745 Kingsbury Ave., on May 7, 2023, and will continue every day until both male and female champions are crown on May 13.

Hosted by the Manitoba Host Committee, the event will bring together the finest U18 AAA, Prep School and junior hockey players from across the country, all vying for the right to be called National Champions.

“We’ve been waiting for many years to have the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships back in Manitoba,” said Manitoba Sports & Recreation Council executive director Mel Whitesell. “We are so happy to have been awarded the 20^th Anniversary Championships that will be played at Seven Oaks Sportsplex in May.

“Thanks to the foresight of Dennis Park, Wendy Creed and long-time hockey builder Mike Sutherland of Peguis, we once again will see some of the best hockey in Canada.”

The male and female championships were established by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and are sanctioned by Hockey Canada. They boast the greatest collection of young First Nation, Inuit and Metis hockey players, competing in separate male and female U18 competitions. The event not only boasts two outstanding hockey tournaments, but it also fosters cultural unity and pride.

And some of Canada’s greatest players have competed in the NAHC including former NHL players Jordin Tootoo, Micheal Ferland and Brady Keeper; current NHL players Ethan Bear (Vancouver Canucks), Brandon Montour (Florida Panthers) and Zach Whitecloud (Vegas Golden Knights); and National Senior Women’s Team members Jocelyne Larocque, Brigette Lacquette and Jennifer Rattray. Former NHL Coach of the Year, Ted Nolan was behind the bench of female Team Ontario in the NAHC in 2016

The first NAHC was held at Akwesasne/Cornwall and while Manitoba won gold in the male event, Ontario South claimed the championship in the female competition.

Since then, Manitoba’s young women have won five gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals while the young men have won three golds, two silvers and six bronze medals. Manitoba’s women, coached by Dale Bear, are the defending national champions. Manitoba’s men, who last won gold in 2019, are coached by former NHL player Micheal Ferland.

Always a week-long event, the Opening Ceremonies will be held before the 9 p.m. female game on May 7 while the Closing Ceremonies will follow the 7 p.m. semi-final game on May 12. This year there will be seven female teams and eight male teams in the competition.

For further information click on nahc2023.ca.

Contact:

Mel Whitesell, Executive Director of the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council at [email protected] or 204-925-5737

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is pleased to announce the host for the 2023 National
Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) has been awarded to Winnipeg, Manitoba. The event
will take place May 7-13, 2023, at the Seven Oaks Arena with over 500 participants expected to
be in attendance.

“The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is excited to award the 20th National Aboriginal Hockey
Championships to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2023. This is a significant anniversary for one of
Canada’s preeminent Indigenous sporting events and the ASC is confident the host society, the
City of Winnipeg and the participating teams will do this momentous milestone proud.” Rob
Newman, ASC President

“As a former coach involved with the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, I have
witnessed first-hand the incredible power of connection and the thrill of accomplishment that
the players, coaches, officials, parents and volunteers experience at these games. While the
event is always special, it is with extra anticipation and pride that I look forward to Winnipeg
2023 and the celebration of 20 years of National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.” Matt
Tapper, Chief Executive Officer, ASC

“Manitoba is excited to host the 20th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Hockey
Championships in Winnipeg. We look forward to celebrating this elite hockey event with the
players, coaches, families and our communities. It is an honour to share our culture and support
Indigenous youth across Canada. On behalf of the host community, we are thrilled to invite you
to Manitoba.” Wendy Creed, NAHC 2023 Chair

“It is with great pride and excitement that we are returning to Winnipeg for our 20th
Anniversary National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. I look forward to continuing the great
tradition of the NAHC both sharing culture and tradition as well as showcasing the best male and female Indigenous U18 Hockey players in the country.” Jeff Spencer, ASC Hockey Committee Chair

The 2023 NAHC will be the 20th annual event. It provides a forum for elite 13- to 17-year-old
Indigenous male and female youth, attracting participation from First Nation, Inuit and Metis
across thirteen provinces and territories. This annual event helps foster cultural unity and pride
as well as an opportunity to celebrate the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across
the country.

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
[email protected]

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