RISING STARS: Ontario Métis Youth athletes set to shine
at 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship
Five outstanding Métis youth athletes have earned their spots on Team Ontario for the upcoming 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC)!
Organized by the Aboriginal Sport Circle, this annual competition provides Indigenous youth in the Under 15 and Under 18 categories from all corners of Canada with an opportunity to contend for the prestigious NAHC title. This year’s championship is taking place in Grand Prairie, Alberta from May 6-12, 2024, and will be streamed live at: www.nahc2024.com/live-streaming.
Among the talented athletes representing Team Ontario are proud citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO): Cloe Lefebvre, Colton Gregory, Ethan Neller, Ashton Morin, and Eric Sheriff. When asked, all the players shared their excitement about building connections, competing at a top-tier level, and proudly representing the MNO and Team Ontario.
“I’m always excited to represent Ontario,” says Ethan, returning to the men’s U18 team for the final time this year. “And I’m looking forward to returning to the high-level competition and hopefully to bringing home gold!”
Eric Sheriff, another proud MNO citizen competing for Team Ontario, expresses that his selection for the team fulfills a long-time goal:
“I was excited that I had made [the team] especially knowing the large number of people who try out,” says Eric. “It’s something I’ve been interested in for the past couple of years — to represent MNO at the Championship and it just all came together this year.”
Colton Gregory, also on the men’s U18 team, expresses his enthusiasm for the connections and high caliber of competition. “I was surprised but really excited to hear I’d been selected to represent Ontario and the MNO. I’m really looking forward to bonding with my team mates and of course, getting to play some hockey at an extremely competitive level!”
Fifteen-year-old Cloe Lefebvre, the only Métis woman from Ontario on the roster and one of the youngest players, also eagerly anticipates the challenge of competing at this elite level.
“The tryouts in Toronto were incredibly competitive, with over a hundred girls vying for spots and many of them older,” Cloe recalls. “Some of them I’ve actually met through other tournaments, and I’m excited to re-connect and unite as Team Ontario on the ice!”
These five youth athletes not only represent their province but also showcase the strength, talents and resilience of the MNO.
“I am extremely honoured and proud to represent the MNO in this tournament because it is such a supportive community,” says Ashton, who is returning for his second year on Team Ontario. “I was excited when I was selected, especially as I have friends from the community who have also been selected to play on this team.”
Eric echoes a similar sentiment, sharing: “It feels great to represent MNO in the tournament at the national level,” says Eric. “I hope that it encourages other MNO citizens to tryout in the future or pursue their sports goals! I hope I can be a positive role model for other MNO youth.”
The MNO extends heartfelt congratulations to the players on their selection to Team Ontario and will be cheering them on as they go for the gold!
To learn more about the competition and view the live-streams visit https://www.nahc2024.com/
About the players
Cloe Lefebvre is 15 years old, from Timmins in MNO Region 3. This is the first time Cloe has played for Team Ontario. Cloe plays defense for the U18 Timmins Falcons
Colton Gregory is 16 years old, from Kapuskasing, in MNO Region 3. This is Colton’s first time playing for Team Ontario. Colton is a goaltender on the Kapuskasing Flyers.
Ethan Neller is 17 years old, from Midhurst in MNO Region 7. This is his third and final year playing for Team Ontario. Ethan plays Centre and Right Wing for Upper Canada College (UCC) Varsity Team.
Eric Sheriff is 17 years old from Thunder Bay in MNO Region 2. This is his first year playing for Team Ontario. Eric currently plays a mix of centre and winger for the Thunder Bay North Stars Junior A Club in the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
Ashton Morin is 17 years old from Garson in MNO Region 5. This is his second year playing for Team Ontario. Last season, Ashton had the privilege of playing JR hockey in the USA, representing the Austin Ice Bats in the North American Tier 3 Hockey League . Ashton’s primary position is defense, and leans towards being an offensive defenseman