Youth hockey tournament faces off for first time in three years 

If you’re a hockey fan, you know playoff season is upon us. Regardless of which team you’re cheering for, hockey fans know that the sport of hockey plays an important role in communities across Canada.  

Earlier this year, the Creating Safe Environments team, with support from the Philanthropy team, provided funding through SCI for new hockey jerseys for the Moose Cree Scrappers U15 Bantam Youth Hockey team from Moose Cree First Nation. The team sported their new jerseys at the annual Mushkegowuk hockey tournament in Timmins.  

The team’s coach, Terrence Hardisty helped the team prepare for the tournament. 

“I really enjoy working with the youth, volunteering my time as a coach is fun. Key word FUN!  I look forward to coaching again next year.  Our team will be competing again next year at the Mushkegowuk Cup & Little NHL. Thank you to Red Cross and SCI for the awesome jerseys.”

“We were pleased to work together with the community to support the youth hockey team,” says Lee Lyttle, project manager for Creating Safe Environments. “Hockey is so important to communities in supporting physical activity and wellness for youth.” 

Teams suited up for the 14th Mushkegowuk Hockey Tournament in Timmins, after a three year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament brings young hockey players from First Nations in the Mushkegowuk Council Territory. The event attracts about 750 hockey players, 46 teams, representing 16 First Nations.

Kristin Weistche, community coordinator for Creating Safe Environments in Moose Cree First Nation was thrilled and shared, “how wonderful it is for teams to be back on the ice playing a sport they love. The excitement is also shared by parents and friends cheering for their teams. We were happy to be a part of it!”