The 20th anniversary of the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) return to Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 7-13, 2023. The Canada-wide hockey event features participation from the top ‘AAA,’ Hockey Canada accredited schools, and junior hockey players from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across the country. Players are 14-17 years of age (Under-15 and Under-18).

Two Greater Toronto Hockey League players will represent Team Ontario: Emerson Taylor (Curve Lake First Nation) of the U16 Reps Hockey Club, and Kohyn Eshkawkogan (M’Chigeeng First Nation) of the U15 Reps Hockey Club.

The National Aboriginal Hockey Championships is an annual event providing a forum for elite Indigenous hockey players across Canada. Two teams (one male and one female) are selected and representative of each province and territory.

The 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 showcases two outstanding hockey tournaments, and fosters cultural unity and pride while celebrating the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes nationally.

Players who have competed in the NAHC include: 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 week-long event, including seven female and eight male teams this year, will begin with the Opening Ceremonies on May 7, 2023.

For more information on the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, visit NAHC2023.ca.