b'spirit, and I think that would be why we need to continue hosting the event.Tournament organizers are considering expanding the tournament from the current four-day format to five days due to the tournaments success.Hosted this year by the Aamjiwnaang First Nation near Sarnia, the tournament began in Little Current on Mani-toulin Island in 1971, moving to Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and then to Mississauga. Earl Abotossaway, former Chief Jim McGregor, the late James D. Debassige, the late Reverend Leonard Self and the late Norman Debassige started the tour-nament together. Some of the First Nations communities that have hosted the tournament include: Aundeck Omni Kaning, Curve Lake, Dokis, Fort William, Garden River, MChigeeng, Nipissing, Sagamok, Saugeen, Six Nations, Walpole Island, Wasauksing, Wikwemikong, Whitefish Lake and Whitefish River. LNHL players have gone on to AA, AAA, Tier II, Junior B, college and university, OHL and NHL level of play. The hockey calibre seems to increase each year, and it can only get bigger.We are seeing growth in the younger age groups and in the girls divisions. Remember, this tournament is only for Ontario First Nations. Right now, it doesnt include anyone outside Ontario. There have been requests over the years to have people from Quebec and from other provinces join the tournament. But when we had the strategic planning session, it was made very clear to us that the original intent of this tournament was always for Ontario First Nations kids, says Jacko.Congratulations to theA Champions of LNHL 2019Girls Division Champions Novice ACMO United Atom ACMO United Peewee ADelaware Fury Bantam ACMO Hawks Midget ACMO UnitedBoys Recreational Division Champions Novice AWikwemkoong Jr. T-birds Atom AAkwesasne Wild Peewee AKettle Point Bantam ANWO (Shoal Lake #39 Eagles) Midget ANawash WarriorsBoys Competitive Division Champions Novice AWalpole Island Hawks Atom AMoose Cree Scrappers PeeWee AAkwesasne Wild Bantam AAkwesasne Wild Midget AAOK ChiefsPHOTO CREDIT: JEFF WATSON, ATHLETESIMAGE ISSUE 1 2019C hIEfS ofo ntarIoA dvocAte magazInE l 35'