This past weekend, the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships brought together the best Indigenous talent from across Canada โ and OHA Penticton and OHA Edmonton couldnโt be prouder to have a number of student-athletes chosen to participate.
Team BC skated away with a hard-fought silver medal, with several current OHA student-athletes playing pivotal roles in their success. Congratulations toย Heyden Wild, Audrina Freeman, Mackenna Brassard, Preston Gabriel, Sayler Russell, Tiani and Sophia Makokis, Lily Dekkers, and Ellis Aubieย โ all of whom represented OHA and their communities with pride, passion, and skill.
Ava Clavelle also made her mark at the tournament as a member of Team Alberta, while Ethan Makokis laced up for Team BCโs Male team, showcasing OHAโs representation on both sides of the tournament.
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One of the most inspiring moments from the weekend wasnโt just on the ice, but behind the bench โ as OHA Alum Alexandra Hendrickson (formerly Chutskoff,) returned to the national stage, this time in a different but equally important role: Assistant Coach for Team BCโs Female team.
Alexandra attended OHA Penticton in 2010โ11, playing for our U18 Female Prep team in the CSSHL U18 division. Her journey continued at Finlandia University (NCAA Div III) from 2011 to 2015 where she earned Bachelor of Arts from Finlandia University and a Master of Science in Exercise and Wellness from Eastern Kentucky University.
In 2016, she returned to OHA to complete her Masterโs internship under then-Head of Athletic Therapy and now, Senior Manager of Operations, Heather Perrin.
“Alex was an incredible student and made a lasting impression on our staff that summer,” Heather recalled. “Itโs no surprise to see her continuing to make an impact in the game.”
From 2016-2024 Alexandra played with the Meadow Ridge Moose in the SCWHL.
โItโs a full circle moment for meโhaving played at OHA in 2010-2011 and now coaching current OHA players over the past three years at NAHC. I love seeing how far the female game has come. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the athletes at OHA. Theyโre not only talented on the ice, but also intelligent, driven, and well-rounded young women.โย
Itโs moments like these that remind us of the legacy of OHA alumni and the importance of having those whoโve been through the program come back to support the next generation.
Alex played on the first female team at OHA in 2010-2011. “It was special to be a part of that first team and help shape the future for female athletes attending OHA. Moving away from home and billeting prepared me for attending college in Michigan the following season.”ย
When asked about coaching hockey, Alex shared, “I have previously worked as both a Strength and Conditioning Coach and Personal Trainer. Coaching always interested me, and the decision to start coaching hockey as my competitive playing career wound down was the perfect opportunity to stay involved in hockey and give back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Whether theyโre playing, coaching, or supporting from the sidelines, our alumni are helping to shape the future of hockey and showing our student-athletes whatโs possible beyond their time at OHA.
Alex’s advice for our student-athletes? “Keep working hard and there is nothing you canโt achieve! Dedicate your time to not only working hard on the ice, but also in the classroom. Your education will open doors for you.”ย
Congratulations to Team BC on an outstanding silver medal finish, and to all OHA athletes and alumni who proudly represented their provinces, their teams, and their cultures at this special event. We are proud of you all!
