On March 1st, the Abbotsford Heat celebrated Aboriginal youth in sports through hosting its 1st annual “Aboriginal Night – Celebrating Sport in Stó:lō” event during the Heat’s game vs. the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The Abbotsford Heat invited Team BC 2013 NAHC athletes to get out on the ice prior to the Heat’s game to experience a professional hockey practice with the Abbotsford Heat coaches. This unique development opportunity allowed athletes to gain tips and experience at a professional level practice directly from AHL professional coaches!
The evening included honouring select Aboriginal teams and athletes and inviting the entire Aboriginal community to the event. Stó:lō drummers and dancers greeted and entertained fans outside the main entrance pre-game and in the arena in between periods. The King and Queen from the 28th Annual Elder’s Gathering, King Emory Gabriel and Queen Very Gabriel, were present during the puck drop as well as recognizing members of the male and female Team BC 2013 NAHC program and members of the Fraser Region area Team BC 2014 NAIG athletes who were in attendance that evening.
The Abbotsford Heat is a professional ice hockey team that plays in the American Hockey League (AHL). The team, which began play during 2009–10 season and is based in Abbotsford, BC, is the affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames. www.abbotsfordheat.com
Thanks to the relationship the Fraser Region of the Partners Council has developed with the Abbotsford Heat through the Fraser Region Coordinator, Dianne Garner, this unique opportunity was available in hopes of being the first of many to come!
For more information about this or other events in the Fraser Region, please contact Fraser Region Coordinator, Dianne Garner at dgarner@bcaafc.com or 604.858.2684.
