NEWS RELEASE

Treaty 8 Territory / Grande Prairie, Alberta (May 20, 2024) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) congratulates Team BC on winning bronze medals in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). The 21st annual NAHC took place on Treaty 8 territory in Grande Prairie, Alberta, from May 6-11, 2024.

Team BC Men’s finished first in their division after an undefeated preliminary round, recording four victories against Ontario, Atlantic, Saskatchewan, and Eastern Door-North. After earning a bye into the semi-finals, Team BC lost a thrilling double-overtime game to Saskatchewan, with a final score of 4-3.

Team BC Women’s ended the preliminary round with two wins and two losses. They secured victories over Eastern Door-North and Saskatchewan, but lost close, one-goal games to Alberta and Ontario.

Due to regional wildfires, the 2024 NAHC Host Society decided to cancel the bronze medal games for both divisions to ensure the health and safety of the players. Consequently, Team BC and Team Manitoba shared the bronze medals, as they were scheduled to play in both divisions. The gold medal games, played after hours of postponement, saw Team Ontario win double gold, defeating Saskatchewan in the men’s division and Alberta in the women’s division.

“Congratulations to both teams for capturing bronze during such a competitive year at the NAHC. Your passion, abilities, and sportsmanship are a model for Indigenous hockey players across British Columbia,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO. “We thank you for your commitment to the Team BC NAHC Program and for raising its profile among players and communities throughout the province!”

At the closing ceremonies on Friday evening, the 2024 NAHC Host Society announced awards for outstanding performances and sportsmanship. Team BC’s Logan Boudot was named the overall most sportsmanlike player in the men’s division. Team sportsmanship awards were given to Ethan Hamilton (men’s team) and Kate Streek (women’s team).

The Team BC NAHC Program consists of volunteer coaches, trainers, and staff who dedicate countless hours to its success. This includes planning since 2023, the April training camp in Prince George, and the weeklong championships. Without these volunteers, Team BC’s participation in the NAHC would not be possible. I·SPARC thanks all graduating players for their commitment to the Team BC NAHC Program and wishes them success in their future endeavors.

The Team BC NAHC program, delivered by I·SPARC and sanctioned by BC Hockey, provides an opportunity for the province’s top U18 men’s and women’s Indigenous hockey players to compete at the National Championships. I·SPARC acknowledges the 2024 NAHC Host Committee, its event partners, and volunteers for hosting an outstanding event. We also thank all of Team BC’s fans and supporters.

With the announcement that the 2025 NAHC tournament will be hosted by Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Team BC looks forward to competing on home soil against the best U18 Indigenous hockey players in the country.

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Photo(s) Credit: Brett Turvey

 

About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.

For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca

Media Contact:

Brock Freeman

Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, & Recreation Council (I·SPARC)

Senior Manager, Communications

250-856-0859

bfreeman@isparc.ca