Sask. author reflects on life of Fred Sasakamoose

Saskatchewan’s hockey community is mourning the loss of one of its greats.

Fred Sasakamoose was the first Indigenous athlete from Saskatchewan to play in the NHL. Sasakamoose grew up on the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and was a residential school survivor.

He died Tuesday after being hospitalized due to COVID-19.

“I should’ve written a whole darn book about Fred Sasakamoose. What a life the man lived,” Darrell Davis told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Wednesday. “When you think about him going from residential schools to the NHL — the abuse he took in residential schools and the racism he faced — and he forgave everyone.”

Davis, whose book “Fire on Ice” told the stories of Saskatchewan’s best NHL players, recalled some of the instances in which he met Sasakamoose.

“He told me, ‘The white man helped me get to the NHL, he taught me discipline and taught me strength so I thank him for all the things and the awards I’ve won since then.’ It was a tough life but he’s forgiven everyone and thanking people for doing that. It touched my heart and made me cry a little bit (Tuesday) thinking about the loss of Fred Sasakamoose,” Davis said.

Sasakamoose played 11 games for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1953-54 season.

“Those 11 games were so important and that’s what he shared with people — how hard it was to get there,” Davis said.

Along with his trailblazing ability, Sasakamoose was also a key member of the Saskatchewan sporting community, setting up programs for youth. He was also a long-time councillor and was also a chief on the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

“He was just always helpful,” Davis said. “The entire hockey world is mourning. He just touched so many people.”