‘Kind of lost for words’: Red Pheasant’s Jay Peeaychew signs pro hockey contract in the United States

Living and playing hockey in the United States is a new experience for Peeaychew. Despite the nerves, he is trying to live in the moment.

“Just travelling, the nerves were there. Heading down south for my first professional season and just living in the States. Everything is my first time — playing professional, playing hockey in the States in general — something I never done. I’m just kind of soaking it in.”

Head coach Jerome Bechard helped calm Peeaychew’s nerves by picking him up at the airport.

“I’m very happy that I got to meet my coach right away. He seems like an honest and down-to-earth, cool man. I’m just living life and loving it so far.”

As he begins a new chapter in the United States, Peeaychew continues to represent his roots in the Battlefords and Red Pheasant wherever he goes.

“That’s a very big thing for me. I grew up in the Battlefords and Red Pheasant and, you know, that’s my home. To be able to represent both of my homes in the USA in professional hockey, that’s just another dream come true,” he said.

“I love North Battleford and Red Pheasant. They support me in everything, whether it was hockey or my Indian Relay racing. I’m just very happy to be from both places.”

During the summer, Peeaychew races with Black Bear Indian Relay. He said the physical demands and teamwork required in each sport complement the other, although he needs to rebuild his conditioning after the relay season.

“Transitioning from horses to hockey, your muscles are all there already. I just got to put in the work on getting my lungs built back up because when I ride, I don’t really use much lungs. It’s just all muscles. But it does help me very well to transition,” he said.

“Indian Relay racing, you got to have a good team and work as a team. Hockey is also a team sport, so it helps, just always being on a team and being positive for your teammates and working together with others for that main goal.”

Peeaychew added that Indian Relay helps his balance on the ice.

“You need balance in hockey and relay racing. That definitely helps me out. For me, really, the legs and upper body. My legs are pretty fit from squeezing and hanging on. Then my arms are pretty decently in shape too from just stopping the powerful animals and controlling them.”

Back on the ice, the left-shooting forward described himself as a high-energy player.

“Two-way forward. I can play a little bit of defence, but I like to shoot, pass and get to the dirty areas and throw my body around. Making those hits, finishing my checks. I’m definitely not scared to drop the gloves if I got to.”

As he embarks on a new chapter, Peeaychew is taking things one day at a time and not taking anything for granted.

“I came here with an open mind and open heart. I’m just trying to navigate through it the best way I can and make the best out of it. Everything is all new here, so I’m just soaking it in and trying to live a good life over here.”

Peeaychew could make his River Dragons debut against the Blue Ridge Bobcats on Oct. 16.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

‘Kind of lost for words’: Red Pheasant’s Jay Peeaychew signs pro hockey contract in the United States

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