Meet the male Red River Métis athletes competing on Team Manitoba for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

May 8, 2023

Indigenous athletes from around the nation are in Winnipeg for the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships' (NAHC) 20th anniversary.

The top Indigenous U18 AAA, Prep School, and junior hockey players from across Canada will be on display from May 8-13 at Seven Oaks Sportsplex.

Seven female teams and eight male squads will compete in two separate tournaments to bring home the gold medal.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has partnered with the Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council (MASRC) to support our Red River Métis athletes. Last year, the MMF donated $50,000 to the MASRC for the 2023 NAHC. The MMF is proud to support the championships and showcase our high-level athletes.

"It's a big milestone for Indigenous hockey in Canada," said Richard Genaille, Minister of Sports and Youth. "We're very excited to be a partner with the host of this great tournament that's going to showcase a lot of our Red River Métis talent that we have in Manitoba."

As part of a targeted investment into professional and structured sports development for Red River Métis Youth, the MMF supports Red River Métis Youth elite athletes through the Believe Athletic and Artistic Support Program.

Through a variety of camps, the MMF is committed to introducing Youth to the fundamentals of sports so they can develop their skills.

"Our sports camps pique new interest in Youth. Some may have never experienced participating in hockey," said Minister Genaille. "It's not something that maybe their families could afford to put their kids in, so having this program allows them access to be able to try new things or gain new skills, along with sportsmanship and building teamwork skills."

Your Red River Métis Government also offers $350 for Youth towards registered arts, culture, sports, and recreation activities through the Individual Youth Sponsorship.

"You know the high cost of registration for sports, especially when you play hockey, the price of participation is expensive," said Minister Genaille. "Investing $350 in Youth is paying off, because we've got high-calibre athletes representing Manitoba now".

According to the NAHC website, the first iteration of the tournament took place in Akwesasne/Cornwall. The Manitoba men's and Ontario South women's team claimed the first gold medals.

Since the tournament began, Team Manitoba has been no stranger to the podium. The women boast five gold medals, one silver medal, and four bronze, including winning gold at the 2022 championships. The men last captured gold in 2019, leaving them with three gold medals, two silvers, and six bronzes since 2003.

The 2023 team is under the guidance of former NHLer Micheal Ferland. The Brandon product served in over 300 NHL games with Calgary, Carolina, and Vancouver while racking up 134 points.

Red River Métis assistant coaches Daniel Chartrand and Hayden Yaremko round out the coaching staff. Yaremko is honoured to represent Manitoba and the Red River Métis at this tournament.

"After participating as a player in 2015, I was fortunate to be asked by my good friend Kevin Monkman (Manager) to join the team as a coach for the 2019 tournament, and I've been a part of the team ever since," Yaremko said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach these athletes at such a prestigious event and hope to leave a positive impact on their lives."

Each year, the goal for Team Manitoba is to compete for a medal, but Yaremko said the tournament is about more than success on the ice.

"Our rosters are comprised of Indigenous players from across the province, with many of the players battling and competing against each other throughout the years. Now, they find themselves representing Manitoba together and have an opportunity to build new friendships and meet other Indigenous players from across the country."

Yaremko encourages hockey fans, family members, and Youth to come to watch the games and cheer on Team Manitoba.

"The level of hockey is high. The pace is fast and very tenacious. I hope to see scouts around the rink as well!"

In total, 25 Red River Métis Youth will represent Team Manitoba at the championships. Here are the eleven male Red River Métis athletes on the roster.

Ayden Collins #2
Age: 16
Region: Thompson
Position: Defence
Favourite hockey team/player: Nashville Predators, Roman Josi (Nashville), Jacob Trouba (New York Rangers)

"The MMF sponsored a portion of my 2022-2023 season with the Rink Hockey Academy U16 Prep team."

Achievements:

• 2018 AA Winnipeg City Champions - AA Railcats
• Drafted by Winnipeg Ice (Western Hockey League) in 2022   
• 2023 CSSHL U16 Division Champions - Rink Hockey Academy U16 Prep
• 2023 Canada Winter Games - Team Manitoba U16 

"It's an unbelievable feeling to make the team. I will be giving it 110 per cent to help my team be successful. I am looking forward to spending the week with my teammates."

Carter Campbell #13
Age: 18
Region: Southwest
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team: Winnipeg Jets

Achievements:

• Signed with the Weyburn Red Wings (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) for the 2023-24 season 
• Won silver at U15 AAA Provincials

"I'm excited to be part of this team and compete in this tournament while representing the (Red River) Métis community."

Carter Zalischuk #16
Age: 18
Region: Northwest
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team/player: Las Vegas Golden Knights, Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)

"I am very thankful for the MMF and the Believe Program for their sponsorship which supports me in taking part in the championship."

Achievements:

• Drafted 172 overall by the WHL's Spokane Chiefs (2020)
• Auto-protected by the Dauphin Kings ahead of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League draft
• Played two seasons with the U18 AAA Parkland Rangers, before joining the Dauphin Kings (Manitoba Junior Hockey League) roster
• Participated in the first round of Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs
• Played on Team Manitoba at the NAHC 2022 in Membertou

"It feels amazing to represent Team Manitoba and the MMF at the NAHC. I hope to contribute to the team having a successful tournament and make my region proud."

Cash Clarkson #21
Age: 17
Region: Northwest
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team/player: Edmonton Oilers, Connor Bedard (Regina Pats)

"The MMF has supported me for the past five hockey seasons. The sponsorship available for all Red River Métis Youth has really helped my family. The MMF has always encouraged me to try and go as far as I can in the sport that I love. A huge thank-you to Northwest Region Vice-President, (Minister) Frances Chartrand. She is a hockey lover and has been a huge help, joking around with me and showing me what support the MMF has to offer."

Achievements:

• Drafted by the Swan Valley Stampeders in the 2022 Manitoba Junior Hockey League draft
• Has played AAA hockey since age 14
• Will be attending a hockey showcase in Boston in July

"I am proud to be representing Manitoba in the NAHC this year. I look forward to playing in front of my family and friends."  

Chase Glover #35
Age: 16
Region: Northwest
Position: Goalie
Favourite hockey team/player: Pittsburgh Penguins, Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

"The MMF helped by contributing to part of my AAA hockey fees this year. I believe they are sponsoring part of this tournament as well."

Achievements:

• Won tournaments and provincials with his local team
• Has played AAA hockey since age eight and played hockey across Canada 

"I am honoured to be playing for my province. I was excited when I got the call to join the team. I have great teammates and I hope we do well."    

Cole Robertson #8
Age: 17
Region: Winnipeg
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team: Winnipeg Jets

"I was supported by the MMF, which helped me take part in a hockey tournament and play on a team I was proud to be involved with. I also volunteered at the MMF's Road to Gold Spring Break Camp, and it was a great opportunity."

Achievements:

• 2022-23 Captain of the U18 AAA Winnipeg Wild
• Helped the U18 AAA Winnipeg Wild win back-to-back provincial championships

"I'm proud of not only representing Manitoba but representing Indigenous hockey players in the province. There's a lot of talent at this tournament. I'm excited to play with the guys and for our coaches."  

Dawson Andries #19
Age: 17
Region: Southwest
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team/player: Winnipeg Jets, Adam Lowry (Winnipeg Jets)

"I participated in the 2022 NAHC tournament in Nova Scotia, and the MMF provided me with a sponsorship so I could attend."

Achievements:

• Bantam provincial gold medal
• Bantam Tournament of Champions gold medal
• Telus Cup silver medal

"It's an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to be part of Team Manitoba and represent my province at the NAHC."   

Ian Buors #15
Age: 16
Region: Interlake
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey player: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)

"I have participated in many MMF hockey camps since a young age. This year I will be helping as one of the mentors for the Youth Hockey Camp. I am excited to help and give back. The MMF has also supported me through the Believe grant, which I am very grateful for."

Achievements:

• Top forward award for the U18 AAA Interlake Lightning team 2022/23 
• Forward of the month award for the U18 Manitoba AAA League 2022/23 
• Drafted to Waywayseecappo Wolverines (Manitoba Junior Hockey League) in 2022 

"I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to represent Indigenous people in Manitoba and I'm especially proud to represent the Red River Métis people of St. Laurent."

Luke Wagner #5
Age: 16
Region: Winnipeg
Position: Defence
Favourite hockey team/player: Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)

"I participated in the NAHC in Membertou last year, and I was supported by the MMF. They helped me go to the tournament without breaking the bank of my family." 

Achievements: 

• Back-to-back AA champion 2018/19
• Lead defenceman in points in U18 league this year 

"It feels great to represent my province and the MMF at the NAHC this year. I'm looking forward to playing hockey and hanging out with the boys."

_{Photo credit: Dave Willson}

Maxx Hamelin #25
Age: 15
Region: Winnipeg
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team/player: Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Achievements:

• 2023 U16 Team Manitoba - 2023 Canada Winter Games PEI
• 2022-2023 U18 AAA Winnipeg Bruins - second place provincials
• 2022 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft - 72nd overall - Saskatoon Blades
• 2022-2023 U15 AAA Winnipeg Bruins - second place provincials
• 2021-2022 Winnipeg U15 AAA First All-Star Team League Award

"I'm proud and honoured to be representing Team Manitoba and the MMF at this year's NAHC Championship. I am also excited to be a part of this incredible experience and I'm looking forward to everything it has to offer."

Peyton Allard #24
Age: 17
Region: Winnipeg
Position: Forward
Favourite hockey team/player: Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

Achievements:

• U17 AAA Winnipeg Bruins City Champs 2021-22 
• Drafted 22nd overall to OCN Blizzard in the 2022 Manitoba Junior Hockey League draft  
• Signed LOI with OCN April 2023 
• Attended Moose Jaw Warriors Western Hockey League camp (undrafted) in 2022, participated in the intra-squad game

"I'm excited to represent Team Manitoba, and I'm proud of my Red River Métis background. 
I'm excited to meet and make new friends on my team, as well as players from other provinces."

Visit HERE to meet the female Red River Métis athletes competing on Team Manitoba for the NAHC! 

 

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