The 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship is coming to Alberta for the first time and Grande Prairie has been selected as the host city.
From May 5th to May 11th, athletes from around the country will hit the ice at Design Works Centre with hopes of taking home the championship.
Katie Biberdorf, Chair of the 2024 NAHC says the chance to host a sporting event of such magnitude is a “huge honour” for the city as the tournament is traditionally held in the east; however, due to the standards expected of the occasion, a significant volunteer base is required to ensure a smooth operation. Biberdorf says the NAHC is seeking 100 volunteers for on-ice and off-ice positions such as scorekeeping and 50/50 sales.
“We have probably about half of what we need right now,” she says.
While no local athletes will be competing in this year’s tournament, Biberdorf says the event boasts a great opportunity for aspiring athletes in Grande Prairie to see quality hockey at a high level.
“It’s a chance to get out and watch some hockey and possibly for local athletes if it’s something they’re interested in participating in in the future, they have the opportunity to try out for team Alberta in future Aboriginal Hockey Championships.”
Additionally, Biberdorf says she sees the tournament as a significant economic driver for the city through tourism, as “around 500” athletes and officials will be in the city during the tournament. She says vendors have plans to take full advantage of the temporary population, with numerous community-driven components planned throughout the tournament.
“There will be different booths of people with things to sell that are all Indigenous-made, and then we have the RBC Training Ground to identify potential Olympic athletes,” she says. “There will be significant economic impact just even with those seven nights in a hotel.”
Interested residents are encouraged to visit the NAHC 2024 website to volunteer and be a part of this year’s tournament.
