The 38th annual Kilrich/Northerm Yukon Native Hockey Tournament kicks off today.

The event, which features 42 teams competing in six divisions, got underway with a game between LJ’s Sabres and the Lower Post Eagles at 7:30 this morning.

The much-anticipated tournament will run through the weekend, with division finals held on Sunday.

From its humble beginnings at the old Jim Light arena downtown, years of hard work and the dedication of a volunteer board have nurtured this tournament into one of the largest and longest-standing showcases of First Nation athleticism North of 60.

The tournament is not only a widely-anticipated social gathering among northerners, but is also a powerhouse event that benefits the Yukon’s economy.

The tournament began as a grassroots program intended to allow aboriginal communities a chance to play hockey in front of large crowds.

For the past 38 years, teams from across the territories and northern B.C. have flocked to the Yukon capital to compete against friends and family.

The tournament typically features more than 800 hockey players and reportedly injects an estimated $1 million into the local economy.

Last year, the EGT Nanooks beat the Nannock Warriors 4-3 to claim the A Division title.

Other champions included the K&D Outlaws from Aklavik, N.W.T. (B Division); the Jr. Inland Tlingit Warriors (C Division); the Tahltan Selects (Jamboree); the Gwich’in Braves (Youth); and the Kaska Warriors(Old-timer).

The tournament’s organizing body – Yukon Indian Hockey Association (YIHA) – recently announced that this year’s tournament will honour one of its own.

In a first-ever dedication in the tournament’s 38-year history, this year’s tournament poster, wristbands, pucks and clothing items will be adorned with a dedication to the memory of the late Sandi Gleason.

Gleason, a longtime YIHA board member, was the lifeblood and driving force behind the tournament and many of its successes.

She died Dec. 24, 2013 at the age of 49. Prior to her death, Gleason received the inaugural Jean Gleason Memorial Hockey Mom award, a trophy meant to honour hockey moms.

The award is named in honour of Sandi Gleason’s mother.

“Sandi worked tirelessly in the background on behalf of YIHA, putting so many instrumental aspects of the tournament in place,” said YIHA president Jeanie Dendys. “And yet, she was very modest in terms of her contributions.”

Last night, YIHA kicked off all the excitement with a giant bingo at the Elk’s Lodge. Proceeds from the annual bingo go toward ice fees and helps support YIHA’s skills development initiatives for youth.

Organizers continue to welcome volunteers to assist with various tasks related to the event. Those interested can email volunteeryiha@gmail.com.