Beaver Valley Nitehawks’ Sam Chartres and Nelson Leafs’ Rayne Jameson joined Team BC last week for their second appearance in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) hosted in Grand Prairie, Alberta.
For Sam, it was a great opportunity to play good hockey and represent his province and culture.
“It really brought us closer to our culture if we weren’t close to it already. The hockey was really good, which was a big bonus. It was a big focus on culture which was super fun to be part of.” said Sam.
The defenceman is eager to bring more experience to the ice when he commences his first season with the Nitehawks.
“It was very competitive and good hockey. I think that it will transfer to the KIJHL.”
“It helps playing two years in a row, you know some people and get more comfortable. You have a bit more of a leading role – I did get the assistant captain this year, which was an honour.”
For Rayne, he says he has made memories of a lifetime.
“It was crazy, so much fun.” said Rayne.
“I tried to do my job and hoped others would follow. Production wise, I was pretty good (1-4-5). I had confidence playing with my line, making plays and getting opportunities to score a goal.”
And has new found confidence as he prepares for his first season with the Leafs.
“I played against some really good hockey players and felt that I did pretty well. I just hope that my work over the summer and this confidence continues, which I think it will.”
“I went to the NAHC a couple of years ago when was just 16. I had a good tournament then (scored five goals).”
“I got better and coming back, I didn’t know what to expect, but the hockey was unreal. The last game against Saskatchewan was probably one of the best hockey games I’ve ever played in.”
Due to wildfire smoke, the Bronze medal games for the males and females were canceled, but the teams were still awarded the medals.
The competition showcases hockey, while fostering cultural unity and pride of Indigenous people.
The NAHC boasts the greatest collection of young First Nation, Inuit and Métis hockey players, competing in separate male and female U18 competitions.
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