National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC)

Welcome to the official webpage of Team BC NAHC! The Team BC NAHC Program provides Indigenous Hockey athletes and coaches from across BC with an incredible opportunity to experience a major Canadian sport competition and to share and celebrate their cultural heritages with other youth from across the country.

The first NAHC was held at Akwesasne/Cornwall in 2002. The male and female championships were established by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and are sanctioned by Hockey Canada.

NAHC Alumni

Throughout the years, an impressive roster of NHL and Team Canada Alumni have represented their home provinces at the NAHC. These include former NHL players Jordin Tootoo, Micheal Ferland and Brady Keeper; current NHL players Ethan Bear, Brandon Montour and Zach Whitecloud. Past female participants include National Senior Women’s Team members Jocelyne Larocque, Brigette Lacquette and Jennifer Rattray. Former NHL Coach of the Year, Ted Nolan was also involved in the tournament, coaching Ontario’s female team in 2016.

2025 Championships Returns to BC

The City of Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc have been selected to host the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships May 5–10.

The event will take place over six days in May 2025. The successful bid was supported by the Kamloops Sports Council, Tourism Kamloops, Thompson Valley Charters, BC Hockey, the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council as well as the host communities of Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

More information to be shared in the upcoming months.

2025 Team BC Selection Camp

The 2025 NAHC Team BC Player selection camp will be held during March 28 – 30, 2025. These sessions will take place in Burnaby, BC. The registration will be open January 15, 2025. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

2025 Team BC Coaching Staff

We are grateful for the team of volunteer coaches, managers, and trainers who dedicate their time and energy to leading the youth through the NAHC journey.

Women’s Team BC Staff:
Head Coach: Darrel Stanwood (West Vancouver / Métis)
Assistant Coach: Alex Hendrickson (Abbotsford / Métis)
Assistant Coach: Jade Ridgewell (Delta / First Nations)
Manager: Brenda Maguire (Nanaimo)
Trainer: Daley Forbes (Port Alberni / Hesquiaht First Nation)

Men’s Team BC Staff:
Head Coach: Bobby Vermette (Maple Ridge / Métis)
Assistant Coach: Doneau Menard (Port Coquitlam / Métis)
Assistant Coach: Derry Menard (Coquitlam / Métis)
Manager: Tana Mussell (Chilliwack / Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation)
Trainer: Noelani Avveduti (Victoria / Alexander First Nation)

NAHC Resources

If you would like more information please, contact teambc@isparc.ca.