A historic tournament brings Filipino heritage to the ice
The 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup is set to showcase a groundbreaking presence of Filipino‑heritage hockey, as the Philippines fields its first Fil‑Nation Select teams at the international stage.
Former NHL player Tim Stapleton, who recently learned of his Filipino ancestry, seized the opportunity to coach these squads, marking a personal milestone and a broader push to spotlight Filipino talent in a sport that has historically overlooked the community.
Under the guidance of Jonathan de Castro, the Under‑12 and Under‑16 teams, composed of players from the United States and Canada, will compete alongside more than 1,500 athletes representing 16 nations, including Algeria, Argentina and various Indigenous and First Nation communities.
Beyond the scoreboard, the event is framed as a celebration of unity, with families and players emphasizing shared heritage and sportsmanship, turning the tournament into a cultural gathering as much as a competitive one.
The visibility of Filipino‑descent athletes in the NHL, such as Jason Robertson, Nicholas Robertson and Cody Ceci, has helped fuel participation growth, inspiring a new generation to pursue the sport.
Kelly Nash, who coaches the NCAA Division I Long Island University women’s hockey team, and 12‑year‑old goalie Rike Walters have both described the experience as akin to representing their countries at the Winter Olympics, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.
The Philippines men’s national team, currently ranked 53rd in the world, and the newly joined Federation of Ice Hockey League in the Philippines — admitted to the International Ice Hockey Federation in May 2016 — see the tournament as a stepping stone toward greater development.
Parent Fatima Bontigao, whose child participates in the Fil‑Nation program, highlighted the unique bonding that occurs when Filipino families gather under one banner, turning competition into a shared celebration.