When the puck drops at the Scheels IcePlex in Sioux Falls on November 6, 2026, the 11th annual Fight Like a Ninja Girls Hockey Tournament will mark more than just a weekend of regional competition. For three days, 23 teams from across the Upper Midwest will gather for an event that has evolved from a small, four-team memorial into a significant community movement focused on mental health, resilience, and the emotional well-being of young athletes.
From a Local Memorial to a Regional Movement
The tournament was founded by Angela Drake to honor her daughter, Brittany “Ninja” Corcoran, a young hockey goalie whose life was defined by a massive personality and an enduring spirit. Drake launched the event in 2016 with only four teams, uncertain of how the community would respond to a tournament that explicitly integrated mental health awareness into the traditional framework of youth sports. Eleven years later, the scale of the event has shifted dramatically, now hosting 23 teams and attracting participants who view the weekend as a vital space for both physical play and personal growth.
The growth of the tournament shows that youth sports organizations are changing how they address the mental health of their athletes. The organizers emphasize that a player’s worth is never determined by a scoreboard, a message reinforced throughout the weekend by the presence of both current players and alumni who return to the IcePlex to volunteer and mentor the next generation.
Training the Spirit Alongside the Game
The tournament’s core mission is anchored by what organizers call “Ninja Locker Room Talks.” These sessions provide age-appropriate forums for athletes to discuss confidence, kindness, and the importance of supporting teammates through personal challenges. The initiative operates on the premise that while coaches often dedicate the majority of their time to physical drills and tactical strategy, the mental and spiritual health of the athlete is frequently overlooked.
Reflecting on the growth of their outreach, the organizers noted in their mission summary that they started because one girl mattered, and now thousands know they do.
The organizers noted that many of the girls who played in the tournament’s earliest brackets have now transitioned into roles as volunteers, ensuring that the culture of support remains consistent as the event expands.
Local Companies Support Regional Hockey Community
Beyond the emotional legacy, the event serves as a significant gathering point for the regional hockey community. Local companies have stepped in to support the endeavor through raffles and prize sponsorships, helping to sustain the tournament’s operations as it continues to scale. The event schedule for the upcoming weekend includes the “Little Ninjas Game” and an alumni game, both designed to foster deep connections among the families and athletes who travel to Sioux Falls.
For the families involved, however, the primary objective remains clear: to provide a space where young athletes can compete with intensity while feeling supported in their mental health journeys. The tournament is currently seeking additional volunteers to assist with the logistics of the three-day event, emphasizing that the success of the weekend relies on the collective effort of the local community.
By prioritizing the mental health of players alongside their athletic performance, the Fight Like a Ninja organization has carved out a unique role, honoring a legacy built on kindness and advocacy.
