"Hello out there, were on the air, it's hockey night tonight..."

It’s been a while.

In case you didn’t know, I moved back home to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation around Christmas time. It was a hard decision for me to leave Wawatay Communications, but in the end,family was more important than my job.

Anyway, I am back in Sioux Lookout. However, as the Trooper song goes, “here for a good time, not a long time.”

You see, I was debating about helping Wawatay with the Northern First Nations Hockey Tournament.

Let me try explaining, without taking the spotlight off the hockey action.

My main concern these days is my grandfather. He definitely is too old to stay up all night, but he’s still too young for the rocking chair.

So it’s really hard to see him in the fragile state that he has been in.

The thing is, over 3 years ago he was diagnosed with a rare but deadly lung disease. He had to start breathing through an oxygen tank. He didn’t mind so much because he still got to do everything he always did, just with a little caution.

Sadly, yesterday he was told that he has to spend the rest of his life in the hospital. And just a few days ago, he was hooked up to life support.

Why I bring him up, is the main reason I am here in Sioux Lookout.

In all reality, he is going to pass away soon. Knowing this, I was ready to put my life aside and spend every last minute with him.

I can’t explain it too well in my own words…but in my grandpa’s words, “How can you not be there Tiar? You will be doing two things you love to do, shoot your mouth and watch hockey.”

To sum it up, he told me not to let his sickness get in the way of living, doing what I love to do and what I am good at.

And as hard as it is to say…he is right.

With that said, I can honestly say that I am happy to be here. The hockey is not only entertaining; it is filled with non-stop action.

From the Pressbox...: Picture taken over Brent Wesley's shoulder during game #28- Team Webequie vs Michikan Mavericks 

On top of that, I am broadcasting again. Man, does it feel great to be right in the middle of it all, reporting, commentating, and taking photos.

WRN on Top of the Game: Brent Wesley and myself (Tiar Wilson) give a recap of previous games while the zamboni floods the ice 

 

Looking back on the past 2 1/2 days, I can honestly say that I have no idea who is going to win the tournament.

I’ve had the chance to watch each team, and all have different strengths and weaknesses.

One specific game that I keep thinking about is game # 26 between Pikangikum Moose and KI Posse. The final score was 5-3 for the Moose but in no way does any justice for the amount of hard work the Posse put into it.

For the first 2 periods the game remained with big two fat goose eggs. This was definitely a hockey game with hard hits, teamwork, break-a-ways, and excellent goaltending.

In the end, the Moose had better defense, taking the victory.

Around town, I’ve heard people saying that all teams are trying hard. In previous years (aside from last year) Lac Seul has always won the tournament causing frustration amongst all the other teams. With that frustration was also what we call “giving up.”

Last year, Michikan Mavericks stole the spot light from Lac Seul. In my opinion, a job well done (I always love the underdogs).

Team Webequie scores: Michikan Mavericks goaltender # 1 Joey Gallant and defense #97 Lloyd Nothing let a goal slip on by.  This was the lone goal Team Webequie was able to make during game #28, losing 3-1. 

As a broadcaster on the other hand, I don’t have a favorite team. But I must admit, I love those intense games where there is only a one or two goal difference.

So if you are a hockey player checking things out here, get on my good side by giving it your all (kinda like what KI posse and the Pikangikum Moose were doing).

Sticking with the broadcasting side a little bit, I have to say it’s been a crazy ride, not only for the radio aspect but for everyone at Wawatay.

For one, the website is keeping up-to-date scores as a new game finishes. The tournament’s website has no scores up, which makes us the unofficial number one website. Talking with our website people, I’ve heard that Wawatay gets over two thousand hits a day.

Every game is also broadcast over Wawatay Radio Network from 7 am to midnight each day with 12 commentators, 3 operators, and 10 different assistants’ running back and forth from Wawatay to the arena.

Getting the message out there!: Assistant Michael M writes greetings down as listeners call in. If you or anyone you know wants to do the same, call (807) 737 2795.

 

With all that said, I better get back to the arena as my shift is creeping up close.

I’ll be sure to keep y’all informed. If you are in the area, or going to be, come on down to the arena, where the action continues (the best I’ve seen in a while) today and every day for the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Important Part of Hockey: Referees make the 2008 Northern First Nations Hockey Tournament go round.

.tnw.