KAMLOOPS, B.C. — As the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship (NAHC) continues in Kamloops, Team Alberta Male has arrived with both purpose and pride. The group, a mix of new faces and seasoned players, is being guided by head coach Kevin Hasselberg, a veteran of junior hockey and national-level coaching, now leading at one of the most meaningful events in Indigenous sport.
“This isn’t just about hockey,” said Hasselberg. “It’s about leadership, identity, and learning. It’s about helping young men believe in themselves and grow into who they already are, not change them, but bring out their strengths.”
Hasselberg brings a deeply personal and values-driven philosophy to the bench. Rooted in the work ethic he witnessed growing up on his family’s ranch, his coaching style emphasizes perseverance, character, and accountability.
“Successful people are those who understand setbacks, failures, and push through,” he said. “That came from my parents. Now, I get to give back to the game I love by helping these players build not just their skills, but their sense of self.”
The NAHC is a fast-paced, high-stakes competition. With players coming from different regions and cultural backgrounds, team cohesion can be a challenge, but Hasselberg sees this as an opportunity to empower his athletes rather than control them.
“You have to make it comfortable for them to be uncomfortable,” he explained. “If they know they’re accepted and appreciated for who they are, they can just play. They don’t need to fear making mistakes; that freedom builds chemistry and confidence.”
This year’s roster includes both returning players and first-timers, including veteran Gan McDonald, who brings invaluable leadership to a group that has never played together before. Many of the athletes know each other from past tournaments or regional play, but this is their first time sharing one jersey.
“That’s what makes this year special,” Hasselberg said. “They’ve never played together as one full team, but they know of each other or have played together at some point. That familiarity builds quickly, and we’re going to have a lot of fun with it.”
Beyond the rink, Hasselberg and his staff have embraced the tournament’s greater purpose: celebrating Indigenous culture and unity. The team has spent time learning about each other’s backgrounds and nations, a process that struck the coach on a personal level.
“We asked the players where they’re from and the first thing many said was their First Nations community,” said Hasselberg. “That was really powerful. It made me realize I needed to do more homework, listen more, and understand what this really means. It’s so much bigger than just a hockey tournament.”
As the games unfold, Hasselberg hopes his players remember more than wins and losses. He wants them to remember the moments in between the friendships, the laughter, the pride, and the small victories that make up the journey.
“Just be in the moment,” he said. “Celebrate the small wins. Don’t let a mistake or a bad day take away from the time we have together. Value the experience! That’s what stays with you for life.”
Alberta is seeking its first male gold medal at the NAHC, so the stakes are high. However, under Hasselberg’s leadership, the focus is broader, richer, and ultimately more lasting.
“We want to win it all, no doubt,” he said. “But the legacy we’re building isn’t just on the scoreboard. It’s in the bonds these young men create and the pride they carry with them long after the final whistle.”
The Male team will play in the Semi-finals at 1:00pm today. The game can be streamed on NAHC YouTube Channel.
