The upcoming annual hockey tournament in Yukon is set to see increased competition this year with new rule changes. The Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey tournament, held in March, will now allow professional or formerly professional players to participate in the A division, which is known for its high level of competitiveness. Previously, these players were not permitted to compete, but the decision to open up the division aims to attract a wider range of talented players.
Karee Vallevand, a member of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association board, highlighted that the previous restriction had limited the diversity of players and teams in the A division. Vallevand mentioned that the decision to lift this ban came after careful consideration and consultation.
Mike Tuton, another board member, expressed confidence that including professional players would not diminish opportunities for local players to showcase their skills. He emphasized the importance of building strong teams across the board.
The organizers believe that allowing professional players will help avoid disputes and protests that arose in previous tournaments. Vallevand mentioned that protests were lodged last year due to former professional players participating, making it challenging to track their eligibility.
Additionally, there are new regulations in place for the women’s division, which has seen significant growth. Teams in this division can now only have a maximum of two non-Indigenous players on their rosters, a change from the previous requirement of having at least six Indigenous players. Unlike the A division, professional players are still prohibited from joining the women’s division.
Vallevand highlighted the increasing popularity of the women’s division, noting that it had to turn away a team last year due to high demand. Tuton mentioned that gender inclusion rules are still being refined, with a focus on gathering feedback from other tournaments and leagues to ensure fair and inclusive participation.
Registration for the tournament opens on February 2, with the event scheduled to take place from March 26 to 29 in Whitehorse.
