SPORTS: Record-breaking year for Little NHL

TIt’s a record-breaking year for the Little NHL
The Little Native Hockey League, has a record 237 clubs from Ontario registered for this year’s tournament.
What started out with 17 teams on Manitoulin Island 48 years ago, has grown so much it has had to be held in Mississauga to accommodate the thousands who attend.
The tourney is set for March 11th to 14th at 17 rinks scattered throughout Mississauga.
Although the location of the Little NHL moved around from city to city early on, this marks the seventh straight year it will be staged in Mississauga.
Though the tournament is being staged in Mississauga, it will be hosted by Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Because of the tournament’s growth, it can only be held in a relatively large city these days as plenty of rinks, hotels and restaurants are among the necessities required to accommodate participants as well as their family members and supporters.
The Little NHL will also be held in Mississauga for at least the next two years.
It has already been announced that Nipissing First Nation will host the 2020 tournament. The Little NHL executive committee will serve as the host for 2021 event, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the tournament.