t to Prop er t y Pro gram

who has helped organize the tournament for nearly four decades.

“It’s slowly getting a little different, but I still challenge you to go through the BCHL and WHL rosters and see how many natives are in there.”

The four day tournament saw nearly two dozen team join in on the action, with local teams and teams from the surrounding area. Nicola Valley teams picked up multiple podium finishes, including a first place finish for the U18 Nicola Valley Grizzlies, silver for the U15 Warriors, and bronze for the U13 warriors. The Kamloops Crushers won both the U15 and U13 category, while the Chase Lightning and Pukeist Lil Chiefs took U11 and U9, respectively. Despite minor ice issues and some rescheduled games, the spirit of participants weren’t dampened, as the high octane hockey action kept them busy between two arenas from March 23 to 26. Taking place between the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA) and Lower Nicola’s Shulus Arena, Bose noted the tournament can be somewhat ‘hidden,’ but noted good turnout for the event’s postCOVID restriction return.

“Sometimes I think people don’t even know that it’s here, but it’s happening,” noted Bose.

“Coming from the last three years of COVID, we’re really been knocked down with people quitting and not coming back, so I’m amazed we’re doing as well as we are to start again. This is the first year back.”

Plans for a future tournament are already underway, with organizers moving full speed ahead to ensure next year’s event is as successful as this year. Bose noted that the tournament attracts young Indigenous athletes from all over the region, bringing both athletic and economic activity to the Nicola Valley. Full results of the tournament can be found in the Nicola Valley Native Junior Facebook group.