Locals on the ice at National Aboriginal Hockey Championships this week

Team Saskatchewan has some local flare looking at both rosters for the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships taking place in Grand Prairie this week. Several players with west-central ties are on the list, and one coach in Kerrobert's Tyson Wuttunee who will be behind the bench for the male team.

Of the players Wuttunee will be coaching during the week, one is Kindersley Jr. Klippers top prospect defenseman and NCAA commit Jaxon Herchak. The list also includes other exciting junior prospects such as Connor Bear, Owen Nelson, and Raiden Zacharias on the talented 23-player roster.

The girls roster has a pair of local players in Grande Prairie. Unity's Bree Purcell is a returning player from the Prince Albert Bears who had 4 points during last years tournament. Kyle's Kaylee Williams from the Swift Current Wildcats also made Team Saskatchewan in 2022-2023, returning after a nine point showing at last year's tournament.

Running all week long, the tournament begins Monday with the preliminary round. Male games beginning at 8:00 AM, and female action starting at 8:15 got the tournament off the ground, with opening ceremonies scheduled for 8 PM for the true start to the event. Saskatchewan and Alberta will then finish off the first day of action with a head-to-head matchup.

Day 1 schedule (Screengrab via nahc2024.com/schedule) 

Following the first day's action, the female team will play their second prelim game against Manitoba at 8:00 AM, then resting up before their third game at 5:00 PM against Team Atlantic. Team Saskatchewan will then play their fourth and final prelim game against Team British Columbia on Wednesday at 5:15, before the qualifying round begins on Thursday.

After the two games Monday, the male team will be back on the ice for one game on Tuesday at 5:15 PM against Team British Columbia. The team's fourth and final prelim game will be played 8:00 AM Wednesday against Team Manitoba.

Both sides will then play relegation, and semi-final games Friday depending on their record. Saturday will then see a pair of bronze medal and gold medal matchups to help close out the tournament.

(Screengrab via nahc2024.com/schedule) 

Read a full story about the tournament below, as WestCentralOnline spoke with coach Wuttunee back in April.