Little Native Hockey League facts for kids

The Little Native Hockey League (LNHL), often called the Little NHL, is a huge yearly ice hockey tournament. It's for young First Nation players in Ontario, Canada. It's known as the biggest event of its kind!

History of the LNHL

The Little Native Hockey League started in 1971. It was founded by Earl Abotossaway, former Chief Jim McGregor, James D. Debassiage, Reverend Leonard Self, and Norman Debassiage. They wanted to create a special hockey event for First Nation youth.

They built the tournament around four important ideas:

• Education
• Citizenship
• Sportsmanship
• Respect

The very first tournament happened in Little Current on Manitoulin Island. It was during the Christmas break in 1971. Seventeen teams and about 200 players joined in that first year.

The biggest Little NHL tournament so far was in 2018. It took place in Mississauga. That year, an amazing 209 teams and about 3,000 players participated!

All About the Tournament

Who Leads the LNHL?

The Little Native Hockey League is guided by an executive committee. The current acting president is Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee. He is a member of the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. These leaders help make sure the tournament runs smoothly each year.

Where is the LNHL Hosted?

Ontario First Nation communities often host this exciting tournament. Many different First Nations have welcomed the Little NHL over the years.

Some of these communities include:

• Aundeck Omni Kaning
• Atikameksheng
• Curve Lake
• Dokis
• Fort William
• Garden River
• M'Chigeeng
• Nipissing
• Sagamok
• Saugeen
• Six Nations
• Walpole Island
• Wausauksing
• Wiikwemkoong
• Whitefish River

Why Bigger Cities Host Now

In the past, smaller towns and cities could host the LNHL. Places like those on Manitoulin Island, Greater Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie were able to host.

However, the tournament has grown much bigger over the years. Now, only large cities like Mississauga have enough ice rinks and hotels. This is needed to fit all the players, their families, and supporters. In 2018, a leader named Isadore Day explained this. He said only very large cities can now handle the size of the modern Little NHL.

How Teams Play: Divisions

Teams in the tournament are grouped by age and gender. This makes sure games are fair and fun for everyone.

The only age group not separated by gender is Under-7 (U7). This division is for five and six-year-old players. Girls can play in boys' competitions if they choose. However, boys are not allowed to play in any girls' divisions.

All games are played on full ice hockey rinks. The only exception is the U7 level, which plays on half-ice. For boys, all age divisions have two levels of play: Competitive and Recreational.

Here are the age groups for boys and girls:

• U9 (ages 7 & 8)
• U11 (ages 9 & 10)
• U13 (ages 11 & 12)
• U15 (ages 13 & 14)
• U18 (ages 15–17)

Who Can Play?

To play in the Little NHL, teams must represent an Ontario First Nation. Every player is expected to play for their own First Nation community. This is usually shown on their status card.

There are a few exceptions. Players might qualify if they live in a different area. They might also qualify if their First Nation gives them special permission. To be eligible, players must have one parent who is of Native birth and has a federal band number. Or, they can show a legal paper proving their Native descent.

Hall of Fame

The Little NHL has a special Hall of Fame. It honors former players, people who helped build the tournament, and friends of the event.

Famous Players from the LNHL

Hall of Fame Alumni

The Little NHL Hall of Fame has honored ten former players. These players went on to play hockey at a higher level. They also helped grow hockey in their communities. They continue to support the Little NHL Tournament. They are called "Alumni of the Little NHL."

Other Notable Alumni

Many other players who participated in the Little NHL have gone on to play at high levels of hockey. This includes:

• Reggie Leach
• Cody McCormick
• Brandon Montour
• Jordan Nolan
• Jason Simon