Grand Prairie, Alta. recently hosted the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) from May 6 to 11 and it was about showcasing hockey, while fostering cultural unity and pride of Indigenous people. The NAHC boasts the greatest collection of young First Nation, Inuit and Métis hockey players, competing in separate male and female U18 competitions.
Team B.C. featured two incoming Kootenay International Junior Hockey League players in Rayne Jameson (Nelson Leafs) and Sam Chartres (Beaver Valley Nitehawks), who made their second appearance at the tournament. Due to smoke, the Bronze medal games for the males and females were canceled, but the teams were still awarded the medals. The KIJHL spoke with both to learn about their experiences. This Q&A article has been edited.
Sam Chartres
KIJHL: What was the experience like for you to play for Team BC in the NAHC?
SC: It was a great experience. It really brought us closer to our culture if we weren’t close to it already. The hockey was really good, which was a big bonus. It was a big focus on culture which was super fun to be part of.
KIJHL: As a defenceman, what was your role on the team and how did you feel you performed?
SC: I’m a stay-at-home defenceman with skill and was paired with an offensive guy and we helped each other out a lot. We were the top pairing, which was fun and I was focused on preventing scoring chances.
KIJHL: What do you feel you gained from playing in the championship that will help you in your first season with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks?
SC: The big thing is making new friends with the people you don’t really know. It’s kids from all over B.C. and I went in knowing some returning guys from last year. It’s starting conversations, which can be challenging at times, but I’m getting more comfortable with that.
KIJHL: What was the skill level like that you played with and against that will help you moving forward?
SC: There are guys going to the BCHL, some who have played in the WHL, but mostly it was Junior Prospect Hockey League, midget AAA and academy players. It was very competitive and good hockey. I think that it will transfer to the KIJHL.
KIJHL: Having played in the tournament before, you must have had a comfort feeling of belonging with this year’s group?
SC: Yeah. It helps playing two years in a row, you know some people and get more comfortable. You have a bit more of a leading role – I did get the assistant captain this year, which was an honour.
Rayne Jameson
KIJHL: What was the experience like for you to play for Team BC in the NAHC?
RJ: It was crazy, so much fun. I was nervous going to the tryouts wondering if I was going to make it or not. One of the guys that I knew there was on the team already. We had practices before we actually played and seeing all the guys gel together really quick, and become as good as were, it was pretty special. I have some memories for a lifetime.
KIJHL: What was your role on the team and how did you feel you performed?
RJ: I tried to do my job and hoped others would follow. Production wise, I was pretty good (1-4-5 – NAHC.com). I had confidence playing with my line, making plays and getting opportunities to score a goal. I just couldn’t get the monkey off the back. I found other ways to produce.
KIJHL: What do you feel you gained from playing in the championship that will help you in your first season with the Nelson Leafs?
RJ: I think a lot of confidence. I played against some really good hockey players and felt that I did pretty well. I just hope that my work over the summer and this confidence continues, which I think it will.
KIJHL: How would you describe the type of player that you are?
RJ: I’m a two-way forward that has really good hockey sense. I already know what I’m going to do when I have the puck. I like to say I’m a goal scorer as well.
KIJHL: What was the skill level like that you played with and against that will help you moving forward?
RJ: It was really high. I went to the NAHC a couple of years ago when was just 16. I had a good tournament then (scored five goals). I got better and coming back, I didn’t know what to expect, but the hockey was unreal. The last game against Saskatchewan was probably one of the best hockey games I’ve ever played in.
KIJHL: What do you think are some of the big things you gained from the experience?
RJ: Just enjoy it. If you are ever able to go to one of those tournaments, it’s truly special. Some of the guys you meet are going to be your lifelong friends. I made so many more friends. it’s really inspiring seeing all those Indigenous hockey players. There is so much talent. I love it, it was probably one of the best tournaments I’ve been to.
