One of the largest tournaments in Ontario, the Nipissing First Nation Host Committee and Little Native Hockey League says planning for the 2022 tournament is underway.
Keeping current public health measures and rising vaccination rates in mind, the organizers are optimistic about hosting the 49th annual tournament from March 13th to 17th, 2022 in the City of Mississauga.
The two last tournaments had been cancelled due to the pandemic.
“We are grateful to the City of Mississauga and Tourism Mississauga for their continued support and for sponsoring the tournament,” said LNHL President Marian Jacko. “We would also like to recognize and thank our other main presenting sponsors: Hydro One, Peace Hills Trust and Indigenous Services Canada, and sponsors at all levels for standing by us through these challenging times and committing to supporting the 2022 tournament. Chi-Miigwech!”
Plans will be fluid as some details will depend on public health measures six months from now, but the host committee is set on re-energizing the theme of the 2020 tournament – All Nations, One Family. As Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod noted, “our theme seems more fitting than ever seeing how much we have all missed this hockey tradition that our children and communities look forward to every year. Nipissing is more than ready to (finally) host an unforgettable experience for our brothers and sisters across Ontario.”
LNHL President Marian Jacko adds, “we look forward to bringing First Nation youth and families together again to create lasting memories and friendships while showcasing the four pillars of the LNHL: Education, Respect, Citizenship and Sportsmanship.”
The Little NHL tournament will continue to use EventConnect for all aspects of registration, scheduling and accommodations. When registration is set to open, team coaches/representatives will receive an email with a link they can use to sign up their team(s) and block off hotel rooms and Airbnb’s near the arenas. All information needed for registration and hotels will be sent in the coming weeks and the EventConnect Customer Support team will also be available to assist.