IADC Launches first hockey camp for Indigenous Youth

Our first IADC Hockey Camp brought together Indigenous youth, Indigenous mentors, and allies from across Ontario for two days of hockey, culture, and community connection.

Date: October 16-17

Location: London, Ontario

The Indigenous Athletic Development Circle (IADC) launched its first-ever Indigenous Youth Hockey Camp, bringing together young athletes for two days filled with hockey development, mentorship, and culture. This milestone event marked an important step toward creating more inclusive opportunities for Indigenous youth to thrive both on and off the ice.

Over the course of the action-packed weekend, participants experienced five hours of on-ice instruction, one and a half hours of off-ice workouts, and two hours of dedicated equipment education sessions for both goalies and players. The camp also provided two healthy lunches for all athletes, ensuring everyone was fueled and ready to perform. Every part of the weekend was designed to build physical development, confidence, and connection to the sport.

Participants took part in high-energy on-ice skill sessions led by experienced goalie and player instructors, focusing on foundational techniques, skating, positioning, and game awareness. Each athlete showed incredible dedication and enthusiasm, reflecting the resilience and determination that continue to define Indigenous athletes across Canada.

Beyond the rink, youth participated in off-ice workshops centred around culture, nutrition, and equipment knowledge discussions. These sessions were designed to help them develop the mindset and habits needed for long-term success. Not just in hockey, but in life.

The IADC Hockey Camp was made possible through the generous support of community partners, including YMCA Eastern Ontario, Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) and the dedicated local volunteers who brought this vision to life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the coaches and players from the Strathroy Rockets (Gavin McGahey-Smith, Adam Broad, Phil Marcarian, Tyler McLean and Theron Morningstar), London Nationals (Braxton Mullins), and the Komoka Kings (Nathaniel Adams) for sharing their time and expertise in helping guide our youth. Special recognition goes to Rod Wisco for his outstanding leadership and mentorship with our goaltenders, Tyler McLean for his expertise in player development, and Brian McAllister for his wealth of knowledge in both on-ice and off-ice skills, habits, and the development of a complete athlete. Together, this team ensured that each participant was fully supported with the resources they needed from valuable instruction to encouragement and community connection.

"This camp was a great success. Our hand-selected team of volunteers, coaches, and mentors were able to share a wealth of knowledge with the youth who attended. We can’t wait to see the next idea, project, and mission come to life. We have an incredible team of dreamers and thinkers, including my father and mentor, Jason Morningstar." - Theron Morningstar

Theron Morningstar leads by example, a core principle that defines his approach to mentoring and leadership. As Youth Mentor Lead, he believes that true leadership is shown through action, not words. “Some of the best leaders I had growing up were the ones who did the bag skate, the team run, or the workout right alongside us,” Theron shared. “That’s something I try to carry into every session. Leading by example.”

This mindset was on full display throughout the camp as Theron worked hands-on with young athletes, demonstrating drills and guiding them through every challenge. His approach not only built confidence and trust among the youth but also inspired them to push their limits and believe in their potential both on and off the ice.

IADC extends heartfelt thanks to all instructors, families, partners, and sponsors who helped make this first camp such a meaningful success.

With the success of this inaugural camp, IADC is already preparing for future programs in 2025 — expanding opportunities for Indigenous youth to develop through hockey, culture, and community. Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved in upcoming events.

View more photos and stories from the camp on our social media channels: Instagram, and Facebook.

Want to support future IADC programs? Contact Theron via email - T.Morningstar@iadc.ai

Photos by Colleen Wiendels Photography