Season 6 Episode 12

Rock the Talk

SEASON 6 / EPISODE 12

EPISODE RECAP:

March 25, 2022

Rock'em Sock'em

Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes an all-star lineup of special guests to talk about the community connection to the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament (canceled again this year) and a closer look at the amazing past, present and future of hockey in the Yukon. Guests include elder Joe Jack, former NHLer Reggie Leach, Allan Cup champ Randy Merkel, Krystal McKenna and Karee Vallevand.

RTT MARCH 25, 2022

Part I: Joe Jack: The Difference A Tourney Can Make

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes elder Joe Jack, a respected leader and First Nation hockey ambassador who shares the incredible origin story of the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament and offers a genuine look at what life was like before the inaugural puck drop 42 years ago. He remembers the happiness, the teams, the players, the battles and the difference this gathering has made in the lives of so many young people.

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Photo Credit: CBC North / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT MARCH 25, 2022

Part II: Reggie Leach: It Starts With Respect

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Indigenous NHL Alumni Tour legend Reggie Leach to talk about his inspirational Stanley Cup journey and the importance of working hard, showing respect and staying motivated in all aspects of life. Along with son (and two-time Cup champ) Jamie, the elder Leach continues his important work with Indigenous youth at the Shoot to Score Hockey Camp – a powerful legacy that is helping the next generation of leaders build confidence and develop life skills both on and off the ice.

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Photo Credit: CBC North / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT MARCH 25, 2022

Part III: Merkel: Rise of the Powerhouse Huskies

Grand Chief Peter Johnston connects with player/coach Randy Merkel for an epic look at the 1993 Allan Cup Champion Whitehorse Huskies and some magical moments from the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament. Merkel shares behind-the-scenes stories from his decades on the ice – the bruises, the brotherhood, the rivalries, the championships and the never-ending push to reach the summit.

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Photo Credit: Whitehorse Star / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT MARCH 25, 2022

Part IV: Karee Vallevand: It's All About Communities

Grand Chief Peter Johnston talks about the legacy and growth of the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament with Karee Vallevand, coordinator of the Yukon First Nation Hockey Association. After three years of COVID disruptions, Vallevand says the YFNHA is already gearing up for next year's big event.

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Photo Credit: Yukon News / Audio Courtesy: 98.1 CHON-FM

RTT MARCH 25, 2022

Part V: Krystal McKenna: Hockey's Lifelong Journey

Grand Chief Peter Johnston welcomes Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin citizen Krystal McKenna to talk about the meteoric rise of women's hockey in Yukon and the excitement surrounding her 14-year-old son Gavin. Selected as captain of the first-ever women's team at the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament, Krystal reflects on her hockey journey and the important life lessons (and fun) that team sports offers young women and girls in the territory today.

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