The Northwest Warriors was created in 2012 from the amalgamation of the Westwood Warriors and the Crowchild Blackhawks hockey programs. There were two factors that lead to the merger. First, it was recognized that having more participants in each age group would provide the best hockey experience and, second, Hockey Calgary mandated that hockey programs participating in the community leagues needed to have a minimum number of participants. Crowchild had fallen below the suggested minimum level of participants and Westwood was close to being there, if they didn’t come up with their own solution Hockey Calgary would mandate a change in boundaries.

When the two groups came together, it was determined the group needed a new name, logo and colours that would reflect both original organizations. The Westwood teams were known as the Warriors, with a logo using a caricature of a Viking and team colours of navy blue and white, with green trim. The Crowchild teams were known as the Blackhawks, with a logo using an Indigenous avatar and team colours of red and white, with black trim. The result of deliberations was that the new organization would be known as the Northwest Warriors, with a logo using the Indigenous avatar and team colours of navy blue, red, and white.

The Northwest Warriors continues to honour Chief David Crowchild and the Crowchild family by using the logo that connects it to Crowchild Hockey Association and the Crowchild Twin Arena. The Crowchild Hockey Association still exists as one of the two groups underpinning the Northwest Warriors hockey teams, and is the primary tenant of the Crowchild Twin Arena. The Northwest Warriors and the Tsuu T’ina Nation have an active, respectful working relationship.

The Northwest Warriors are proud to represent the communities served by the Westwood Hockey Association and the Crowchild Hockey Association.

For more information about Chief David Crowchild and his legacy, please visit:
http://albertachampions.org/Champion/david-crowchild/