Markham Signs 3-Year Agreement with LNHL to Host Annual Hockey Tournament

MARKHAM, ON – September 25, 2024 – Today, the City of Markham, together with Destination Markham Corporation, have signed an agreement with the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) to host its annual hockey tournament for the next three years.

The 51^st annual LNHL Tournament, the largest annual ice hockey tournament for First Nations youth in Ontario, is scheduled for March 2025 and will be hosted in partnership with the First Nations of the Chippewa Tri-Council.

“We are thrilled and honoured to see Markham chosen as the host city for the next three LNHL tournaments,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “After hosting the 50^th Anniversary celebration earlier this year, we look forward to welcoming the athletes, their families and guests from across Ontario back to our city through 2027. We will continue to support the incredibly positive impact this tournament has had on tens of thousands of Indigenous youth in Ontario. We would also like to congratulate the First Nations of the Chippewa Tri-Council in their newly named roles as Host Communities for the 2025 tournament.”

“With the unforgettable memories of the 50th anniversary still fresh, we are proud to welcome back the LNHL to Markham for the next three years,” Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham. “Our city is ready to deliver an exceptional experience, both on and off the ice, for the athletes, families, and communities who make this tournament so special.”

“I view this as a very historic day. It is the beginning of the next 50 years of the Little NHL Tournament. Our athletes, families, First Nations communities, and fans now have a home for the next three years in the City of Markham,” said Chico Ralf, LNHL President. “I also welcome this year’s 51^st LNHL Tournament Host Community, First Nations of the Chippewa Tri-Council consisting of Mmjikaning (Rama) First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, and The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, to this historic event. I look forward to a successful tournament next year and many more to follow.”

In March 2024, Markham hosted the 50^th anniversary of the LNHL 2024 Hockey Tournament, Cultural Festival, and Gala Celebration. Spread over six days, the City welcomed more than 3,500 young Indigenous athletes, family and spectators from across Ontario to celebrate the game of hockey and Indigenous culture. The tournament itself generated nearly $8 million in economic impact within the City of Markham.

The City of Markham celebrates Indigenous communities, as well as sports, which transcends both language and culture and brings communities together. Since January 2017, the City of Markham has partnered with Eabametoong First Nation to help promote social, cultural and economic collaboration. Furthermore, the City continues to work closely with Eabametoong to grow sport and fitness opportunities in the First Nation community.

Front row (left to right): Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Chico Ralf, President LNHL, Ward 5 Councillor & Chair, Destination Markham Board of Directors, Andrew Keyes. Back row (left to right): Chief Ted Williams, Mmjikaning (Rama) First Nation, Chief Donna Big Canoe, The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Marcel Monague, Councillor, Beausoleil First Nation.