Markham hosts LNHL Tournament, Cultural Festival, and Gala Celebration March 9 to 14

MARKHAM, ON – March 7, 2024 – From March 9 to 14, the City of Markham, together with Destination Markham Corporation, will host the Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) Tournament, Cultural Festival, and Gala Celebration. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary, this will be Markham’s first time hosting the LNHL, which is set to bring up to 10,000 visitors to Markham, including Indigenous athletes, their families and spectators from across Ontario to celebrate the game of hockey and Indigenous culture.

“We are honoured and excited to host the 50^th anniversary of the Little Native Hockey League Tournament, bringing together hockey players from across the province in celebration of the sport of hockey,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Our staff and community partners have been happily preparing to welcome the LNHL for a week of fun on and off the ice. Our plans support the LNHL’s four pillars of citizenship, education, respect and sportsmanship. Join me in welcoming the LNHL and their families. Game on, Markham!”

The LNHL Tournament will be spread across the City’s 10 different ice rinks throughout the March Break week with almost 250 teams of young Indigenous athletes coming together to compete in 550 games. The tournament begins on March 11 and ends on March 14 with the Championship Games taking place at Angus Glen Community Centre.

“Destination Markham is proud to announce our partnership with the City of Markham to host the celebrated 2024 Little Native Hockey League Tournament,” says Susan Mandryk, Chair of Destination Markham Corporation. “We eagerly embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories for young, aspiring athletes. Beyond the excitement of hosting the tournament, Destination Markham is eager to showcase Markham, a remarkable destination in providing unmatched cultural, leisure, shopping and culinary experiences.”

“The Little NHL Executive Planning team have been working alongside Markham and Destination Markham for months to ensure that the largest LNHL Hockey Tournament and Celebration in history provides all attendees the best experience while in Markham,” said LNHL President, Chico Ralf. “This tournament would not be possible but for the vision of the LNHL co-founders who in 1971 organized the first tournament to give the children and youth an opportunity to play hockey in an environment where they are welcomed and where they feel they belong. The tournament this year will be all about ceremony, celebration, and honouring that commitment.”

Learn more about the Little Native Hockey League Tournament, Cultural Festival, and Gala Celebration at VisitMarkham.ca/LNHL.

– 30 –

 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti’s Office: 
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 357,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. 

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and events.