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Cory Cardinal remembered at Native Provincials

Three of the five Kikino red Army hockey teams that went to the Alberta Native Hockey Provincials at the beginning of the month came back with medals.
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Three  of the five Kikino red Army hockey teams that went to the Alberta Native Hockey Provincials  at the beginning of the month came back with medals. But the biggest reward for the community was a memorial honour for a Kikino man who helped to grow the sport.

On April 5, the contributions of the late Cory Cardinal were recognized during the opening ceremonies junior division of the Alberta Native Hockey Provincials. For his achievements to Indigenous Youth, officials with Alberta Native Hockey have named the junior division of their program, the Cory Cardinal Junior Division.

Cardinal was  43 when he passed away in July of 2018 after battling illness.

"Cory will be remembered by all who knew him as a strong advocate for Indigenous youth in sports," noted former Kikino Metis Settlement council chairperson Floyd Thompson, reading from a statement about the honour. "Cory was known as an excelled coach, mentor and strong youth advocate."

Cardinal had been the chairman of the Kikino settlement council at the time of his passing, known for his caring and compassion and determination towards the betterment of the youth on the ice and off.

Lasting legacy

From the results of the recent provincial tournament, his determination and teaching was well-received.

The Kikino peewee Red Army won silver, as did their atom team.  The Junior team went undefeated through the tournament that was played at half a dozen arenas in Edmonton, and came home with the gold medal for the second straight year.

"The sheer grit and determination shown by the Red Army teams will not soon be forgotten," notes the press release presented by Thompson. "The Metis Settlements are extremely proud of the entrire team of Red army players and coaching staff," notes the statement. "The sportsmanship with was showcased, the teamwork which was exhibited and the demonstration of amazing skills were a testament to the years of team building started by former coach Cory Cardinal ... Truly a wonderful tribute for such a kind, caring and generous individual."

Acknowledgements were provided by Winston Delorme on behalf of the family, Thompson on behalf of the Kikino Metis Settlement, Gerald Cunningham and Sherry Cunningham on behalf of the Metis Settlements General Council and Joan Haggerty on behalf of Alberta Native Hockey.

The memorial division name honouring Cardinal will remain for the next four provincial tournaments.

Along with the naming designation, Cardinal's family received Cardinal's framed Red Army jersey.

Cardinal's wife Michelle and his sons Alex and Dalton — who are both players on the gold medal junior team — accepted the honours, which included the framed jersey an special plaque and jackets from Alberta Native Hockey.

Thompson said there were probably more Kikino residents at the arenas over the four days of Native Provincial hockey in Edmonton than were left back in the community.

"It was a fitting tribute to a man who has done so much for so many," Thompson told the POST.


Rob McKinley

About the Author: Rob McKinley

Rob has been in the media, marketing and promotion business for 30 years, working in the public sector, as well as media outlets in major metropolitan markets, smaller rural communities and Indigenous-focused settings.
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