Northwest Territories Hockey Team Prepares for 55+ Games in Quebec City

By Johnnie Bowden

As the excitement builds for the upcoming 55+ Games in Quebec City, the Northwest Territories (NWT) Hockey Team is eager to represent their home with pride. The players express their gratitude for the ongoing support from Hockey North as they prepare for this significant event.

This year’s squad features a talented roster from various communities across the NWT:

- Hay River: Brian Stewart (C), John Hill (A), Keith Pettipas, Jeff Boyce, Greg Rowe, Rod Gray, Tim Borchuck
- Fort Smith: Craig Walsh
- Yellowknife: Mike Maduke, Rob Bubar, Rodney Gallant, Johnnie Bowden
- Inuvik: Todd Moran (A), Les Skinner

Notably, six of these players—Brian Stewart, Greg Rowe, Mike Maduke, Rob Bubar, Todd Moran, and Johnnie Bowden—were part of the Kamloops 2022 55+ Canada Games roster. Prior to Kamloops, it had been over a decade since the NWT had entered a team in this national event.

One player shared, “This is my second opportunity to represent the NWT at a national level. I had the privilege of playing Senior Hockey in four Arctic Winter Games with our captain, Brian Stewart. Over the years, I’ve played with or against most of the squad in various tournaments and league play.”

As the team heads into the Games, their expectations are clear. They aim to showcase the quality of hockey played in the North, even as they compete in their 50s and 60s. “We were proud of our performance in Kamloops, winning our first game ever as an NWT Seniors team and narrowly missing out on a bronze medal. We held our own against tough teams from Ontario and BC, staying within a couple of goals in each match,” they noted.

The players are aware that many of their opponents have been actively competing in summer hockey leagues, which could pose a challenge. “We recognize that we have never played together as a team and have limited ice time, so we’ll be relying on some of our newly recruited younger players to help us stay competitive,” they added.

Realistically, the team hopes to keep games close and perhaps pull off a surprise victory, just as they did in Kamloops.

Schedule for Team NWT:

- Tuesday, August 27: 11:00 AM vs. Quebec
- Wednesday, August 28: 5:00 PM vs. Alberta
- Thursday, August 29: 11:00 AM vs. BC

For more information about the event, visit the host society's website: https://canada55plusqc.ca/en/hockey/. 

Wishing our athletes a wonderful time in Quebec City.