The 45th annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament launched on Thursday with three full days of games planned at the two Whitehorse Canada Games Centre (CGC) ice rinks and the Takhini Arena from March 20 to 23.
The 2025 Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament will feature 60 teams competing against each other, marking a significant milestone in the tournament's history from 1977 to 2025, as highlighted in a message from the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association (YFNHA). The tournament is expected to host over 100 hockey matches from early morning to late evening, with live broadcasts available online via Ptarmigan Creative.
The tournament has games across several divisions, where winners advance through knockout rounds. Teams face elimination in each of those rounds, leading to finals at the Takhini Arena on Sunday, which will determine the ultimate champions on March 23.
This year's tournament consists of seven divisions, including an "Old Timers" division, a women's division, three skill-based divisions and two Jamboree-style divisions for youth hockey players. The tournament will conclude with final matches across all seven divisions taking place at the Takhini Arena on Sunday, March 23.
The A Division matches between the Selkirk Bears, LJ’s Sabres and the Blueberry FN Weekend Warriors will take place at the Takhini Arena from March 21 to 23, with the exception of one match. The semifinals will be held at the CGC Northwestel rink on Sunday morning, with the finalists competing for a cash prize of $8,000 in the afternoon at the Takhini Arena on March 23.
The B Division, consisting of 10 teams, is scheduled to take place at the CGC Northwestel rink and the Takhini Arena from March 20 to 23, with $5,000 up for grabs for the winning team. On Thursday, March 20, the Malena Selects beat the Sawtooth Predators, the Deline Braves defeated the Sugar Cane Rangers and the Tahltan Selects beat the Sawtooth Predators.
The C Division, the largest in the tournament, features 20 hockey teams competing for prestige and a $2,500 cash prize. The Dunne Za Chiefs, Gwich'in Flames, Kaska Grizzlies, JMB Contracting, Łűan Män Keyi, Skeena Blackhawks, Lower Post Eagles, CA Thunderstorm, Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin Avalanche, North Yukon Eagles and Paulatuk Wolverines secured wins during Thursday's games and will continue playing at the Takhini Arena on Friday, March 21.
The Women's Division consists of six teams competing for a $1,000 cash prize, with matches scheduled over three days across three Whitehorse ice rinks. On March 20, the YT Cougars knocked out the Neighbourly North Vixens 8-0 and the Northern Auroras secured a 7-1 win against the Fort Nelson Fireweeds.
Six teams are scheduled to compete in the "Old Timers" division over three days of games. Outlaw Contracting and CA Bruins moved one step closer to securing the $3,000 cash prize by defeating their competition during Thursday's games.
The elimination-style tournament will continue with Thursday's victors battling it out on the ice for a chance to become this year's champions. In the 2024 tournament, LJ's Sabres won the A Division, K&D Outlaws won the B Division, Canyon City Predators won the C Division, YT Cougars won the Women's Division and Champagne Aishihik won the Old Timers Division, according to YFNHA.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
