Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out two significant events happening this weekend in the Mackenzie Delta and lnuvik Region.
First, let me mention hockey players. As many as 300 youth ages 4 to 17 will flock to Inuvik both yesterday and today to participate in the Annual Gwich'in Cup. This event is held each March and has six divisions and welcomes all youth. Teams are made up on registration numbers; players are put on teams not by community, but by age. The weekend hockey competition and skills takes place today, Friday, right through to Sunday.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Inuvik Minor Hockey Association for organizing the event, and also the Gwich'in Tribal Council for generously supporting financially.
Young hockey players from the entire region look forward to this weekend. Good luck to each of the players participating this weekend in the Gwich'in Cup.
Mr. Speaker, the other event happening in Fort McPherson is the 1st Annual Trapper Blake Memorial Hockey Tournament. This event is honouring the late Alan Blake Jr., also known as "Trapper," who lost his life tragically last February. He was the captain of his hockey team, the LJ Sabres. He took pride in playing competitive hockey and was always encouraging others to get out and play.
Teams will gather in Fort McPherson to pay tribute to Trapper, someone who lost his life at such a young age, 22 years young, lived a healthy lifestyle, and friends with everyone who crossed his path.
Four hockey teams from the Region will compete in the 1st Trapper Blake Memorial Hockey Tournament.
Mr. Speaker, congratulations to all the hockey players this weekend. Good luck and have fun. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.