The PAGC Senator’s Cup Aboriginal Hockey Tournament came to a close on Sunday in Prince Albert.
When the dust settled, the Red Pheasant Rebels defeated Norway House 6-2 in the finale. For their efforts, Red Pheasant takes home $20,000. Officials say the impact of the tournament has been positive.
“Hockey of course is a very big sport with us – the First Nations people,” said PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte. “The idea was to bring back contact senior hockey in to Prince Albert here.”
Hardlotte admits, hosting these sort of big contact tournaments can be a bit of a challenge. He says a lot of the communities would prefer playing recreation hockey. He adds that they managed to get a few teams from Manitoba to take part in the action this year.
Senator Harry Cook is 74. He says it is very encouraging for him to watch young players compete.
“I think it brings different communities out and I meet a lot of people here that I didn’t know before,” said Cook.
The tournament featured several big names, including former NHLer D.J. King.
(PHOTO: Action at the Senator’s Cup. Photo courtesy of Kelly Provost.)