Sasakamoose never strayed too far away from his home or his people

“I think he always an inspiration to all our youth here, especially our whole community. We all spoke highly of him,” Ahenakew said. “He was a past leader, the first NHL native hockey player. Everybody knew him in our community, our surrounding community and just about the whole of Canada. He was an advocate and a leader. He inspired a lot of youth to move ahead not only in hockey but in any other sport and any kind of event he went to he spoke ‘never give up.’

Sasakamoose was always attached to Ahtahkakoop and came back after his NHL career. He was Ahtahkakoop’s Chief and a leader in the community. But Ahenakew said the biggest reason Sasakamoose couldn’t leave the community he grew up in was how close he was with his rather large family.

“Even after his NHL career, he moved home and stayed home. He always said his biggest accomplishment is his family. He has 135 grandchildren. He spoke highly of his family,” Ahenakew said. “He was rich in that way. ‘I’m rich. I’m the richest man in the world,’ he said, ‘I have a big family,’ and that was his biggest accomplishment. He was always happy to stay.”

Throughout the last two days, the hockey community paid its respects with online posts about Sasakamoose.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Sasakamoose. Fred holds a special place in the history of our great game and it is important to honour his perseverance and character in becoming the first Indigenous Canadian to play in the NHL."

— Tom Renney pic.twitter.com/ESmSBr4R5o

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) November 24, 2020

Today we lost a luminary in the hockey world with the passing of Fred Sasakamoose.

Fred inspired many across the sport and North America after becoming one of the first Indigenous-born athletes to play in the NHL when he played 11 games with the Blackhawks in the 1953-54 season. pic.twitter.com/SiTmcXKQty

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 25, 2020

RIP to my buddy, Freddy Sasakamoose.

He was a trailblazer, a leader and a survivor.

He paved the way for so many Indigenous hockey players.

My thoughts and prayers to the family 🤍

Rest Easy, Legend. pic.twitter.com/GQxQJuqGzx

— Brigette Lacquette (@briglacquette) November 24, 2020

So sorry to hear about @FredSasakamoose today. Thank you for being a leader and paving the way for all of us indigenous hockey players and helping us dream big. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/SYAYozKDEs

— Theo Fleury (@TheoFleury14) November 24, 2020

The Raiders send their condolences to the family and friends of Fred Sasakamoose, who passed away today.

The first Indigenous player to reach the NHL, he was a role model and a leader in our community and across the hockey world. pic.twitter.com/XG0uw4whTj

— Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) November 24, 2020

The PJHL teams send their condolences to the family and friends of Fred Sasakamoose. pic.twitter.com/dfcroZVwnT

— PJHL (@PJHLofficial) November 24, 2020

Today we are sadden to hear the passing of @FredSasakamoose. You will be greatly missed by our indigenous communities. You have paved the way and allowed us to believe in our dreams. #warrior #leader #Inspiration #nativepride pic.twitter.com/B7pvNFHhCC

— Jordin Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) November 25, 2020

Fred Sasakamoose survived the residential school system, became the National Hockey League’s first-ever Indigenous player, and inspired many with his stories of suffering and success. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. My condolences to all who are mourning his passing today.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 25, 2020

–

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

by Jeff D'Andrea and Trevor Redden

Sasakamoose never strayed too far away from his home or his people

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