A night at centre ice: Little NHL players get inside look at the game

For most young hockey players, Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena is something they know from TV or maybe the stands. But, on March 19, a group of U13 girls from the 2026 Little Native Hockey League (Little NHL) Tournament experienced it from a very different perspective.

Through Imperial and Esso’s support of the Little NHL, more than 40 players were welcomed into the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs for an evening that offered access, insight, and a chance to see themselves as the game’s future.

The night began with a panel discussion moderated by sports broadcaster Christine Simpson, featuring Natalie Spooner, Olympic medalist and PWHL Toronto Sceptres star, alongside Craig Berube, head coach of the Maple Leafs. The conversation touched on perseverance, leadership, and the importance of being a great teammate. For many of the players, it was their first time hearing stories directly from people at the top of the game.

From there, the girls moved through the arena in smaller groups. They had time with Spooner – chatting, getting autographs and taking photos. Then a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors dressing rooms offered a rare look into spaces normally reserved for professional athletes.

And just when it seemed like the evening couldn’t get more exciting, the energy ramped up even more.

Led by Maple Leafs development coach Greg Schell, the group took part in a practice on the Scotiabank Arena ice itself. Skating drills, quick passes, and smiles filled the rink as the girls took it all in. Even John Whelan, Imperial Chairman, President and CEO, joined the players on the ice, sharing in the experience and underscoring our hands‑on support for the tournament and its participants.

“Our goal with this event is to give the Little NHL players an opportunity to experience the game in a different way and to see what’s possible,” says Cheryl Seaward, Director of Partnerships at Imperial. “We’re proud to support programming that builds confidence and helps keep more girls in the game.”

Now in its 52nd year, the Little NHL — hosted in 2026 by Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory — remains the largest Indigenous youth hockey tournament in Canada, with more than 270 teams, including 59 girls’ teams. This was Imperial’s third consecutive year both sponsoring the tournament and hosting a special event.

Says Kiana Manitowabi from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory: “As the host organizing community, it’s powerful to see our players recognized as the future of the game. Experiences like this remind them they belong in hockey and that their dreams are within reach.”