For the second straight year, Team Manitoba will have a member of the Waywayseecappo Wolverines playing for them at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
The Wolverines youngest player, Mikey Thomas, will be wearing the gold and black jerseys for the province, looking to help the province repeat as Champions at the annual tournament.
Team Manitoba is set to begin their journey on Monday, May 6th, as they take on Team Atlantic at 3:00PM. They will play four games a in round robin in three days, and then the playoffs begin after that. The tournament wraps up on Saturday afternoon.
The Winnipeg, MB product, is playing in his first NAHC, after being named an affiliate for last year’s team. Thomas says he is excited to represent the province and his home.
“Not only am I representing the province, but I’m also representing where I come from,” said Thomas. “For me it’s my reserve which is Chemawawin Cree Nation, and I know there will be a lot of people watching from there this upcoming week.”
Thomas is coming off his first year as a member of the Wolverines after being drafted in the first round, 8th pick at the 2023 MJHL Draft. He ended up putting up a goal and three assists in 25 games.
“It took me a while to adapt to the league, jumping up from Under-17’s to playing against men,” says Thomas. “But I felt like at the end of the year I brought something to the table, whether it was on the forecheck or bringing a physical presence.”
Thomas will be wearing a letter during the tournament, after being named one of the alternate captains of the team.
“I was not really expecting it, but when the captains were announced, I was excited and pumped.”
The 17-year-old says he will be leading by example by doing the right things on the ice throughout the tournament.
He also has reached out to a Wolverines teammate, and former NAHC alum, Ben Roulette on how to approach the tournament. Roulette was the captain for Team Manitoba at last year’s event, and led the team to a gold medal finish.
“We’re looking to repeat for sure,” says Thomas. “We only have one goal in mind, and that is to win.”
Thomas won’t be the only member of the Wolverines organization at the tournament, as fellow 1st Round Draft Pick for the Wolverines, Hubert Clarke will also be on Team Manitoba. The Director of Player Personnel, Kevin Monkman, will also join the team, as the general manager.
You can follow the event on the NAHC website, by clicking here.
Team Manitoba Schedule:
Monday May 6th – Manitoba vs. Atlantic 3:00PM
Tuesday May 7th – Eastern Door and North vs. Manitoba 3:15PM
Wednesday May 8th – Saskatchewan vs. Manitoba 9:00AM
Wednesday May 8th – Manitoba vs. Alberta 9:00PM