Grant-A-Week WINNER
Akwesasne Aeros Girls Hockey Club

The Akwesasne Aeros Girls Hockey Club was formed as a result of the Little NHL Hockey Tournament held annually during the month of March. This tournament is basically male dominated until the girls division was formed in 2000. Through the efforts and interests of volunteer parents, and eager female hockey players, the Akwesasne Aeros Girls Hockey Club was organized.

The Club is comprised of female hockey players from Akwesasne who participate in various hockey leagues and associations in the community of Akwesasne, North Franklin, Cornwall, and also private schools in the United States. They possess the skills and abilities to play hockey, it was just a matter of becoming familiar with each others' potential and ability. In other words, "to become one unit".

The players are also required to be committed to practices and fundraising activities, as well as progressing well with their academics. They must also be responsible for themselves while they are away from their family, however, this was a minor issue as it was a requirement that one parent travel with the player to the tournament. This was important because the player would be away from home for approximately 4 nights and 5 days, and the tournament site was quite a distance to travel to.

In March of 2000, the tournament organizers included a first ever girls division. It was one division comprised of girls ages 8 to 17. This range was found to be too broad. Akwesasne enter a team of 15 players, a coach, a trainer and a manager. With just one practice prior to the tournament, the team set out to Sudbury, Ontario. Not knowing what the competition would be like, Akwesasne sent the best players and an excellent, all-female bench personnel. The girls performed to the best of their ability despite practicing together only once before the tournament. The end result proved positive. They won all their games in the round-robin series, seeding them in first place. By this time, the girls have become somewhat familiar with each other's abilities, as well as weaknesses, that the team became strong. Through teamwork in the semi-final games and winning, they advanced to the finals. The finals, and championship game, was an excellent game with the Akwesasne Aeros capturing the championship. The competition was well balanced throughout the tournament, and capturing the championship just added to a successful trip to Sudbury, Ontario.

Of course, prior to travelling to the tournament site, there was a lot of work to be done to raise funds to get the team there. Through eager and committed fundraising efforts, and donations, the team was able to participate. It also would not have been possible without the sponsorship from the businesses and organizations in Akwesasne and surrounding areas.

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