The Nisutlin Knights took to the ice as the first all women hockey team in the history of the tournament. More important than winning a few games in the tournament, everyone is jazzed about the potential of starting an all women's division in a few years. Be sure to check out the photo album
The Yukon First Nations Hockey Tournament is over for another year. The tournament brings together hockey players and fans from across the North, as well as B.C. and Alberta. This was the tournament’s forty second year and although the games, the fans, and the overwhelming feeling of community were as good or better than previous years, this year was special.
The Nisutlin Knights took the ice in the adult division as the first all-women hockey team in the history of the tournament. Women have always been allowed to play in this division, but before this year they've only played on mixed teams. The Knights brought together 17 women from Old Crow to Teslin, and Faro to Burwash Landing. They're all seasoned players, and some are even playing down south.
CHON FM was at the tournament for the opening ceremonies and play by play coverage on Sunday afternoon. I caught up with Crystal McKenna, Captain of the Nisutlin Knights during the opening ceremonies and got the chance to talk to her about the significance of an all-women team in tournament.
McKenna and the team were excited to debut as the first all women team. They said it would be great to get a couple of wins this year, but beyond that they've got an even bigger goal: an all-women's division within the next few years.
For any young woman thinking about taking up the sport of hockey, McKenna had this advice: Lace up your skates, come on out and give it a try.
Doug Tremblay – CHON FM News
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