On February 28, community members from across Tahltan Nation gathered in Telegraph Creek for the Tahltan Winter Classic 2026, a day filled with exciting hockey, friendly competition, and community connection. Teams competed in both the Adult and Youth divisions, with players showcasing determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Adult Divison
The Adult Division opened with a matchup between the Sawtooth Predators, the defending champions, and the Dease Lake Blues. In a strong start to the tournament, the Predators secured a 10–2 victory, advancing to the final round.
Meanwhile, Klabona Dene faced the Tahltan Beardogz in the second matchup. The game was closely contested, with both teams battling hard on the ice. Klabona Dene ultimately came out on top with an 8–6 win, earning their place in the championship game.
The final brought together Sawtooth Predators and Klabona Dene in an exciting championship matchup. With the Tahltan Cup and the grand prize on the line, Klabona Dene delivered a strong performance and claimed the Adult Division title with a 17–7 victory, taking home the $5,000 prize.
Youth Divison
The Youth Division also showcased impressive talent from the region’s young players. The opening game featured the Dease Lake Mini Blues competing against the Telegraph Creek Warriors. After an energetic game, the Mini Blues advanced to the final with a 14–5 win.
They then met the Klabona Junior Icons, the defending champions, in the championship game. The final proved to be a close and exciting contest, with both teams pushing hard until the end. In the end, the Klabona Junior Icons secured the Youth Division title with an 11–9 victory, earning the $3,000 prize.
A Celebration of Sport and Community
Throughout the day, the tournament brought together players, families, and spectators who filled the rink with energy and support. Beyond the competition on the ice, the event created space for community members to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the spirit of the game together.
Thank you to all the players, volunteers, organizers, and supporters who helped make the Tahltan Winter Classic 2026 a memorable event. Let’s take a look at all of the teams joining this time and wish them all the best! ❤️
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our photographer, Jozef Bienkowski, for capturing the moments and energy of the tournament.
👉 See the full album here: https://jozefbgphotography.pixieset.com/tahltanwinterclassic/teams/ (Download PIN: 9681)