60 teams take the ice for All Nations Tribal Days

It was one of the most action-packed weekends the venue will see all year as All Nations Tribal Days invaded Stride Place. 

The event celebrated indigenous culture on and off the ice as 60 teams of various age groups battled it out during the three-day tournament. Former Portage Terrier Preston McLeod played for the Peguis War Chiefs in the Rec Division and says he had a great time.

"The atmosphere has been really good.," McLeod explains. "A lot of people from surrounding communities coming out to Portage. From as far as Rankin Inlet (Nunavut). I saw a player with a Rankin Inlet jersey on. Players from all over Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are just coming down to have a good weekend playing hockey."

Preston McLeod

McLeod, who played over 200 games in the MJHL, notes he rarely plays competitive hockey anymore but always looks forward to lacing the skates up tightly for Tribal Days.

"I've been out of the game a long time, competitively. So, these native tournaments are really our time to shine," McLeod continues. "You see people you've grown up with all your lives playing hockey with and against come down to all these tournaments, and that's always good."

All Nations Tribal Days was more than just a massive hockey tournament. The organizers also held a billiards tournament, darts tournament, poker tournament, and silent auction. McLeod says being able to enjoy the weekend with his whole family made it all that much sweeter.

"My favourite part, I would say, is watching my kids play. I did it growing up. Starting from seven years old, I played in these tournaments. Now, I'm on the sidelines watching my kids play, and it's awesome."