Stanley Cup® arrives in the territory in celebration of the 46th Annual Yukon Native Hockey Tournament
WHITEHORSE, YT, March 28, 2026 —The Stanley Cup® arrived by dog sled at Sky High Wilderness Ranch in Whitehorse today as part of a special ceremonial event hosted by Finning Canada in celebration of the 46th annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament.
The ceremonial arrival by dog sled pays tribute to the legendary 1905 journey of the Dawson City Nuggets, who travelled roughly 6,400 kilometres from Dawson to Ottawa by dog sled, bicycle, boat, and train to challenge for the Stanley Cup®.
Andrew Ference, NHL Director of Youth Strategy, accompanied the Stanley Cup® to the Yukon and joined territorial, First Nations, tournament, and community leaders for the ceremonial welcome. Guests included representatives of Kwanlin Dün First Nation, the Government of Yukon, the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association, and Finning Canada.
Following the ceremony, members of the public were invited to view the Stanley Cup® and have their photo taken with it at the Canada Games Centre from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., as tournament play continues throughout the weekend.
The 46th annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament features 59 teams from across the Yukon, NWT, and BC competing across eight divisions for four days of exciting hockey action on all three available ice surfaces in Whitehorse. More than a hockey tournament, it is a celebration of Indigenous culture, community, and the enduring role of hockey in the life of the North. Finning Canada is the tournament’s Presenting Sponsor, reflecting its longstanding connection to the Yukon and its support for northern and Indigenous communities.
Andrew Ference, Director of Social Impact and Player Programs for NHL, and the Stanley Cup® welcomed to the Yukon by territorial, First Nations, tournament and community leaders.
Quotes:
The Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is about far more than competition. It is about bringing together our people, our families, and our communities in a spirit of pride, connection, and celebration. To welcome the Stanley Cup® in this way during tournament weekend is something special for our players, our youth, and everyone who helps make this gathering what it is year after year. - Rick McLean, President, Yukon First Nations Hockey Association
Finning has been part of this territory for a long time, and moments like this are a reminder of why that matters. Seeing communities come together, young players take the ice with pride, and the excitement that the Stanley Cup® brings to tournament weekend is what showing up for the Yukon looks like. - Tara Chmelyk, Manager, Service Operations Yukon, Finning Canada
This is my third year participating in this amazing tournament. I have shared stories around North America about the infectious pride of the northern Indigenous community and how it makes for one of the best hockey experiences that I have encountered. The beauty and energy of the opening ceremonies and the buzz of a full building watching the final games, the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament has been building community through this great sport through multiple generations. It’s an absolute honor to accompany the Stanley Cup® to the places that make hockey so much more than just a game. — Andrew Ference, NHL Director of Youth Strategy
About the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association
The Yukon First Nations Hockey Association exists to promote and encourage the development of First Nations and Indigenous hockey across ages and skill levels. Rooted in the values of friendship, goodwill, respect, and cultural pride, YFNHA works to grow the game while creating spaces where Indigenous culture, community, and youth development are celebrated. Its annual Kilrich Yukon Native Hockey Tournament is one of the North’s most anticipated gatherings, bringing together teams, families, Elders, leaders, volunteers, and fans from across the Yukon, NWT, and BC for four days of hockey, connection, and celebration.
Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.