06/21/2019
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, we would like to shed a spotlight on the First Nation Elites, who will be competing in the 2019 HMH Cup.
First Nation Elites were founded to gather all First Nations kids to play together at an elite level of hockey. These First Nations players are brought together from sectors of Quebec and Ontario. The goal of the team is to provide First Nations players a chance to showcase their talents to larger audience, as there is not a lot of exposure in their communities. First Nation Elites is committed to putting their best product on the ice and competing with ferocity, as their warrior culture doesn’t allow anything less.
Off the ice, First Nation Elite recently introduced a movement of , to fight against racism. They have been contacted by the Winnipeg Jets coaching staff, Winnipeg Jets foundation and most recently got invited to meet Stanley Cup winner Ryan O’Reilly.
The Elites want to increase awareness and stop racism and name-calling on the ice by young athletes, their teams and coaches, their families, and spectators. The group also aims to develop educational materials against hate to be used to teach players, coaches, officials, sports organizations, and spectators that hate has no place on the bench or in the game. They also want to develop a scholarship program to support athletes who want to play sports that have traditionally been less diverse.
You will see the First Nation Elites sporting the slogan across the back. The bottom of the jersey has a bold, red bar across the word "racism." further reiterating the zero tolerance regulation of racism in hockey.
On behalf of all of us at Hand Made Hockey, thank you for your efforts and for showing us that hockey is more than just a game. We would like to welcome you to Ottawa and are looking forward to hosting you for the HMH Cup!