Northwest Territories

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The location of the territory in Canada.

Northwest Territories is a territory in Northern Canada, a part of Canada. It has a population of about 45,000, and its capital is Yellowknife.

History of hockey in the Northwest Territories

Hockey was first played in Yellowknife, which was only settled after the discovery of gold in 1934, in 1937-38. A competition for the Walter Howe Memorial Cup, known as the Yellowknife District Hockey Association, or the Senior League, was played for many years. The Con, Giant, and Negus gold mines entered teams, known as the Cougars, Grizzlies, and Hogans, respectively. Another club, the Molson Indians, were sponsored by town business. The Giant Grizzlies were the best team in the league for many years.

The level of play as quite high as many talented players came to Yellowknife to work in the mines. Workers were often recruited and hired due to their hockey talent. The mining companies contributed to the maintenance of the local arena. The mine-sponsored teams were phased out during the 1970s, the Giant Grizzlies winning the last Senior League trophy in 1975. In their place, teams sponsored by businesses - such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Super-A Groceries - emerged.

The Yellowknife Flyers and Hay River Huskies competed in the Northern Hockey Challenge from 2013 to 2016.


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