Hockey: The Northwest Territories Takes the Ice
The road to Whitehorse is officially underway.
After three days of high-energy training, competition, skill testing, and evaluation in January, Team NT has selected its hockey athletes for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. The trials brought together athletes from all over the Territory, each arriving ready to compete, learn, and give their very best. From the first whistle to the final shift, the rink was filled with intensity, teamwork, respect, and pride. Every athlete who stepped onto the ice represented their community with heart.
Hockey has been part of the Arctic Winter Games since the very beginning. In many ways, it reflects the spirit of the North itself. It connects people and communities across distance and weather, teaching life skills that reach far beyond the rink, including grit, goal setting, resilience, and mental toughness. More importantly, it teaches young people how to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Team NT will compete at the Canada Games Centre, Rink 2, and Takhini Arena, with competition running from March 7 to March 13 and gold medal games set for the final day.
U18 Male Team
This year’s U18 team brings together athletes from Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Aklavik. Described as experienced, gritty, and honest, this group carries a strong sense of purpose as many of these players will be attending their final Arctic Winter Games. With the three-year cycle, most will age out before the next opportunity.
For the coaching staff, that reality adds meaning. The goal is not only to compete, but to create memories that last a lifetime and inspire these young men to stay connected to the game. There is hope that some will return in the future as coaches, mentors, and leaders, giving back to the same communities that supported them.
One athlete being highlighted is Zach McLeod from Aklavik. Having played hockey since he was a young child, Zach represents what is possible for youth growing up in smaller northern communities. His journey carries the potential to inspire the next generation back home, showing that hard work and determination matter more than where you come from.
The U18 group is excited simply to get to the Games and compete. After months of preparation, they are ready to enjoy the experience, play the game the right way, and proudly represent the North on the ice.
U19 Female Team
The U19 female team is made up of athletes from Yellowknife and Hay River, a hardworking, fast, young, and dedicated group that continues to push the growth of female hockey in the North. Hockey in the NWT creates connections that last a lifetime. Whether on a rink, a pond, or a frozen lake, the sport brings people together and opens doors to experiences that go far beyond wins and losses.
This year’s team is especially young, which makes well for the future. The experience gained at these Games, facing strong competition and learning to adapt in a fast-paced tournament environment, will help shape the next generation of northern players. They are known for being tenacious and difficult to play against, a group that competes hard and never backs down.
One athlete to watch is Willow Whitehead from Yellowknife. A fierce competitor who has played on male development teams for years, she has long been recognized for her leadership and skill. She currently leads the U18 female team in Yellowknife and continues to set an example for younger players across the territory.
For these athletes, representing the Northwest Territories brings pride and honour. Female hockey is growing rapidly across the North, and this team is a big reason why.
U15 Male Team
The U15 team reflects a strong sense of unity. Described as close knit, with diverse leadership and a common goal, this group is built on the idea that every player has a role to play. Each athlete brings individual skills, but what makes the team special is their willingness to put the group first. Players are ready to take on responsibilities that help the team succeed, whatever that may look like.
Hockey continues to hold a deep place in Canadian identity, and in the North it remains one of the most accessible and meaningful pathways for youth to stay active, build friendships, and pursue new opportunities. The U15 group represents the next generation stepping into that tradition.
Full final rosters, including coaching staff and additional team details for the U15, U18, and U19 teams, are available on the Hockey NWT website. Community members and supporters can view the full announcement at www.hockeynwt.com/article/109375 to see everyone representing the Northwest Territories on the road to Whitehorse.
More Than a Game
Across all three teams, the common thread is clear. Hockey in the Northwest Territories is about connection, growth, and community. It is about early mornings, long drives, frozen outdoor rinks, and the shared experiences that shape young people into confident and resilient individuals.
As these athletes prepare to take the ice in Whitehorse, they carry more than sticks and skates. They carry the pride of their communities, the support of families and coaches, and the spirit of the North with them.
For many, these Games will become memories they carry for the rest of their lives. And for the next generation watching from the stands, from small communities, and from backyard rinks, they will be a reminder that dreams can grow anywhere, even in the far North.
