2nd Annual Native Nations Night at Sanford Center

Bemidji State University and the Sanford Center present Native Nations Night for the second time in as many years. Fans will watch BSU Mens Hockey play the University of Alabama Huntsville. The puck drops at 7:37 p.m., February 28, 2014, at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.

Billed as "a night to honor the Native Peoples and heritage of the Bemidji region," the event will feature discount tickets for all tribal members at $12 for adults and $5 for age 17 and younger.

Those interested in more information or the purchase of tickets should contact Tony at 218-441-4018.

Last year, the inaugural year that BSU and Sanford center honored American Indians of the area, all three tribal chairs, Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain, Jr., White Earth Chair Erma Vizenor, and Leech Lake Chairwoman Carri Jones participated in a ceremonial puck-drop.

Cyrus Pansch, director of marketing and sales, Sanford Center says, "I'm currently working with Royce/Mark Kingbird to book the drum group for this as we did last year, and are also working to invite the Tribal Chairs to this game to participate for our ceremonial puck-drop as they did last year."

In addition, there will be a Special guest appearance by American Indian hockey star Henry Boucha, a former Olympic champion and professional hockey player. Boucha was a silver medalist with the US team in 1972, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings and finished his career with the Minnesota North Stars after a career ending injury. He has been inducted in the US Hockey Hall of Fame.

Boucha in addition to opening ceremonies, will be selling and autographing a new book he's written entitled "Henry Boccha, Ojibwa: Native American Olympian."

Boucha is enrolled at NW Angle #37 at Windigo Island on Lake of the Woods, which is part of Treaty #3. He is Bear Clan, a Pipe Carrier and tries to practice his culture and traditions. He grew up in Warroad and is "a full-blooded Ojibwe."

Boucha is a motivational speaker as well, and has spoken at several high schools and colleges. His topics of motivation include drug and alcohol abuse, goal setting, obesity, and suicide. He hopes to make a difference with American Indian youth referencing his own story.