Okanagan Aboriginal hockey players are lacing the skates and getting ready for this year鈥檚 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).

琉璃神社鈥檚 Megan Baliski of Gamblers First Nation will help lead the women to another strong showing along side Penticton鈥檚 Meadow Arcand-Squakin.

On the men鈥檚 side, Salmon Arm鈥檚 Ty Sanford of Beausoleil First Nation joins this year鈥檚 Team BC.

Team BC鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 team are looking to repeat another strong showing this year, after the men won gold in 2018, while the women finished just off the podium at fourth.

The teams are ready to represent B.C., and their local Nations and communities.

鈥淐ongratulations to all of the Team BC members selected to participate in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Whitehorse,鈥� said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. 鈥淵ou have travelled a long way to compete at the national level and you exemplify the amazing talent and spirit we have in B.C. I wish you the very best as you prepare for competition and I hope you truly enjoy your experience at the games next month.鈥�

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Twenty male and twenty females ranging from 18 to 15 years old were chosen by The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council and it鈥檚 provincial hockey committee to create elite teams to compete against the provinces.

鈥榃e are very pleased with our rosters and the strengths of our two teams as we prepare for the 2019 NAHC in Whitehorse,鈥� said executive director Rick Brant.

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The championships kick off May 7 in Whitehorse, Yukon.

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