Team BC Rosters Announced for 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

Victoria, B.C. (April 12, 2023) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC) is pleased to announce the players and volunteer personnel who will represent British Columbia in the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). The 2023 NAHC takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba from May 7 to May 13, 2023. 

I·SPARC hosted its Team BC Player Selection Camp from March 31 to April 2, 2023 in Kamloops, B.C. where over 140 elite Indigenous male and female hockey players participated in the three-day process. From the camp, twenty male and twenty female hockey players were selected. These players will not only represent BC, but they will also proudly represent their Indigenous Nations and communities at this prestigious national championship. 

“Congratulations to the outstanding hockey players and team staff selected to represent Team BC in the upcoming National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our three-day Provincial Selection Camp was a resounding success, and we were inspired by the exceptional level of skill and determination exhibited by each participant.” said Rick Brant, CEO of I·SPARC. “It is with great pride that we announce the final rosters of our two teams as we prepare for our journey to Winnipeg to compete at the 20th National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.” 

At the last NAHC, held in Membertou, Nova Scotia in 2022, Team BC’s male and female teams both came home with a bronze medal. Team BC is thrilled with this year’s selections and cannot wait to head to the 2023 NAHC. 

To stay up-to-date on the action, follow us on Twitter @TeamBCNAHC, Facebook @TeamBCNAIG and Instagram @isparcTeamBC. For more information on the tournament, please visit https://nahc2023.ca/  

2023 TEAM BC MALES – OFFICIAL ROSTER

Male Team 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)

About the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC)

The NAHC, founded by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and sanctioned by Hockey Canada, is the premier forum for elite U18 Indigenous hockey players from across Canada. It is the only annual national event that showcases and celebrates the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country, and aids in fostering cultural unity and pride. Team BC is represented by two teams, one male team and one female team, featuring the top players from across the province. For more information about the 2023 NAHC, please visit https://nahc2023.ca/

About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people 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, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia. For more information, about Team BC 2022 NAHC and I·SPARC, please visit: https://isparc.ca/performance-sport/team-bc/national-aboriginal-hockey-championships/