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Family of the late Fred Sasakamoose, and members of Ahtahkakoop First Nation, have been invited to Chicago for a special celebration Nov. 20.
This Thursday marks the 72nd anniversary of when ‘Chief Thunderstick’ first stepped onto the ice in the National Hockey League (1953). It was also the first time ever that an Indigenous man played in the professional hockey league.
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Prior to their game against the Seattle Kraken, the Chicago Blackhawks will honour Sasakamoose with a ceremonial puck drop at the United Center indoor arena. Due to a recent operation, Fred’s son Neil won’t be able to attend the celebration.
“The closest spiritual living part of him now is his headdress and we sent that on the bus and so he’ll be on the ice on Nov. 20,” Neil said.
Neil recalled some of his father’s stories, including his first experience in the NHL.
“They had to feed him some soup because he wouldn’t eat. He was so nervous and excited.”
Neil said his dad also talked about finding comfort by looking up at the lights, advice he had received from his former coach in Moose Jaw, who had also played professionally.
Fred Saskamoose’s son, Neil, and Elder Gerry Greyeyes hold a large container with the Chicago Blackhawks logo. (Leigh-Anne Isbister/submitted)
While Fred only played 12 games in the NHL, Neil said he is happy his father’s legacy is appreciated both on and off the ice. In particular, he noted how his dad helped people recovering from drugs and how he placed importance on mentoring and being a good volunteer.
Gabriel Michael, Fred’s grandson, will be dropping the puck along with Chief Larry Ahenakew and Chief Tanya Stone from Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation.
The date of the puck drop holds significance for Michael; Nov. 20, 1953 was the day of his grandfather’s first NHL game against the Boston Bruins. Nov, 20, 2020 was the last time he had seen his grandfather in hospital. He passed away due to COVID a few days later.
People load the charter bus bound for Chicago for the Blackhawks game that will honour the late Fred Saskamoose Thursday. (Leigh-Anne Isbister/submitted)
“It’s kind of an emotional day for us because it’s where the story began for Fred and kind of where the story ends too.”
Michael also noted his grandfather was a strong advocate for youth sports and held clinics for local area schools. Fred was also responsible for the development of hockey rinks on First Nations and a non-profit he created, which continues to support youth in sports today. In the past year alone, over $100,000 has been donated.
“He’s a legend and he inspires me,” Michael said.
Chief Larry Ahenakew left on Tuesday and he is excited to participate in the puck drop.
“It is a really big honour coming from myself, leadership, and all our elders,” he said.
Commenting on Fred’s accomplishments and role model for generations of youth, Chief Ahenakew said Fred was a trailblazer for Indigenous people all across North America.
“It’s going to be a really good day for the family and the community and the city of Chicago.”
In total, more than 70 people from Ahtahkakoop and Sandy Lake are headed for the Windy City by way of a charter bus.
Lachlan Vandall was named Tournament MVP at the Graham Tuer U15 Challenge and was named to the First Team All Star at a recent tournament in Red Deer, Alta. (Facebook/Venice House Pirates)
Lachlan Vandall, 14, plays for the U15 AA Prince Albert Venice House Pirates and is on the bus with his dad. He told paNOW he wants to follow in Fred’s footsteps and play in the NHL someday too.
“He’s Indigenous and I am too, so I really like that about him and how he just had the drive to go to the professional hockey league.”
Prior to Thursday’s game, the youth on the trip, many of whom play hockey and attend First Nation hosted tournaments, have the opportunity on Wednesday to practice with the Blackhawks. Vandall noted how much he is looking forward to meeting his heroes, including Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard.
“This is like a lifetime experience just to go there and do this with them.”
Inspired by Sasakamoose, Vandall has seen his own success on the ice. He was recently named to the First Team All Star at a tournament in Red Deer, Alta. and was selected as the MVP of the Graham Tuer U15 Challenge in Regina.
His dad Jason Vandall said both Sandy Lake and Ahtahkakoop First Nations have done an incredible job supporting young athletes on a path that Sasakamoose helped pave.
“It shows how much appreciation they have for our kids,” he said.
