The Williams Lake Cariboo Canucks iced the Weekend Warriors 9-1 in the Competitive Division final Sunday at Wesbild Centre in Vernon.
It was the third straight title for the Canucks in the eighth annual Nk’Maplqs Challenge Cup Hockey Tournament.
“We had another successful year with over 330 hockey players, and many family and fans that come to see native hockey at its finest,” said tournament director Glenda Louis. “Much appreciation and thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to this year’s tournament.”
The Canucks previously won the tournament in 2006 and their coach Cecil Grinder is very proud of the dedication, physical endurance and love of the game that his team demonstrates every time they step on the ice.
The Weekend Warriors were representing the Fort St. John Blueberry First Nation. The Sto:lo Hawks of Chilliwack placed third in the Competitive category which had a dozen teams.
The Merritt Mustangs, Quilchena Braves, Dog Creek, Westbank Wolves, Prince George, Kamloops Hawks, Chase Blades, and Young Nation (Williams Lake) also competed.
In the Masters Division, it was the Williams Lake Long Horns taking first over the Quilchena Braves of Merritt.
The Vernon Thunderbirds were third. Blueberry, Syilx, and the Alkali Braves also played Masters.
The Recreation Division was a round-robin with no playoff games. The Vernon Bears, Xeni Coyotes, Windemere Elks and Merritt Mudslingers participated.