The 44th annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament. Photo Courtesy of Tom Patrick, Star Flower Photography.
Whitehorse, YT – With 106 games across four days this year’s Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is set to be a record year.
A record 58 teams are competing in the 45th annual event which kicks off tomorrow. Despite initially registering 61 teams, adjustments had to be made as some players left for the BC Provincials, leading to the loss of the U17 division.
Tournament coordinator Karee Vallevand, notes that this year’s number of teams breaks last year’s record of 56 teams and adds that seven teams were on a waiting list this year.
“We just can’t grow anymore. We don’t have the capacity, we don’t have the ice, we don’t have the accommodations in Whitehorse,” said Vallevand. “We’ve kind of outgrown ourselves in that sense.”
To accommodate all the matches, games will be played from 7 a.m. to midnight each day until Sunday at the Canada Games Centre and Takhini Arena.
For the first time, Ptarmigan Creative will provide live broadcasts from Takhini Arena to allow fans to follow the action remotely.
The event also includes a Youth Meet and Greet on March 22nd at the Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre featuring guests including NHL alum Andrew Ference and comedian Conway Kootenay.
Not only will people get the chance to witness some great hockey but Vallevand says it’s also a chance to connect with others.
“It just brings together so many different cultures and to see all the hard work and pride that each team brings with them when they step onto the ice for their first game,” said Vallevand. “It just goes to show the power of sport and community is alive and well in our First Nations culture.”
