It looks like a typical hockey game – but Little Big Puck has a bit of a twist.
The game pits the cowboys of Maple Creek against the indigenous people Nekaneet First Nation. Now its 35th year, the game is full of family tradition.
“You’re a little kid watching from the stands,” said Maple Creek player Chris Sanderson. “Once you’re old enough, they invite you into the dressing room.”
The first two periods are like any other. But in the final period, the players dress up. From modern traditional regalia and ribbon shirts to the more stereotypical Hollywood look of face paint and feathers, it’s all fun and games on the ice.
“(The) uniqueness of it, I guess, is bringing two cultures together. It’s a battle of the little big puck, putting cowboy skills against our First Nations skills,” said Nekaneet player Dale Mosquito. “We are having a lot of fun doing it.”
The cowboys are also putting on their best outfits – dressing in hats, jackets and leather chaps.
“It’s kind of like a drama show,” Sanderson said. “It’s still hockey, but they dress up and the crowd loves it.”
Tom Reardon started the first game back in 1978. The idea started as a challenge in the local bar.
“It’s not like we were visionaries,” Reardon said. “We certainly didn’t imagine this.”
And in the end, it all comes down to bragging rights for the winning team.
Organizers always take the time to recognize true fans of the game. This year, 81-year-old Ed Lasante received a commemorative plaque for his help over the years.
“It made me feel really good,” Ed’s son Armand Lasante said. “My father has done a lot for the community for years, and our heritage goes back into the community as well.”
At the game’s end – Nekaneet came out on top. All the money raised at the game will be donated to Maple Creek’s Hospital.
Based on a report by CTV's Creeson Agecoutay
