An Aboriginal hockey tournament featuring a few ex-WHL players was held in Brandon recently. The Norway House Bruins captured their 3rd straight championship defeating the Ochapowace Thunder in the tournament final.
The Sioux Valley Dakota Nations full contact hockey tournament featured several Aboriginal teams from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta vying for the $15,000 top prize.
Corey Courchene (Brandon Wheat Kings/Spokane Chiefs), Lyle McKay (Brandon Wheat Kings), Sterling Bear (Lethbridge Hurricanes) and TJ Constant (Prince Albert Raiders) are a couple of the players who participated with WHL experience. Wilson Dumais (Victoria) and Robin Big Snake (Vancouver/Portland) also played in the tournament after spending time in the WHL.
The tournament also drew some players who've played in the MJHL and SJHL including Don Melnyk (OCN), Brent Wilson (Swan Valley Stampeders), Eli Halcrow (Neepawa Natives) and Kevin Braun (Portage Terriers).
Alfie Michaud, a onetime member of the Vancouver Canucks, was named the tournament's top goalie while Brent Wilson was named the top defensemen. Norway House goaltender Sonny Albert took home the honors for as the tournament MVP white teammate Skyler Tait-Reaume was recognized as the top forward.
