Imagine a young Indigenous boy from a remote community, stepping onto the ice for the very first time in the NHL. That was Fred Sasakamoose, a trailblazer who shattered barriers and inspired generations. Now, his legacy is being celebrated in a powerful way at a Chicago Blackhawks game, but it’s not just about hockey—it’s about resilience, mentorship, and the enduring impact of a man who gave back to his community. And this is the part most people miss: Fred’s story isn’t just about his 12 games in the NHL; it’s about how he used his platform to uplift others, from helping those recovering from addiction to building hockey rinks on First Nations land. His non-profit continues to thrive, raising over $100,000 in the past year alone to support youth in sports.
Fred’s son, Neil Sasakamoose, shares heartfelt memories of his father’s journey. “He was so nervous and excited for his first NHL game that they had to feed him soup,” Neil recalls. Fred even found solace in a simple piece of advice from his coach: “Look up at the lights.” This small act of comfort became a symbol of Fred’s ability to find strength in the face of adversity. Neil proudly highlights his father’s off-ice contributions, emphasizing his dedication to mentoring and volunteering—a legacy that continues to resonate deeply.
But here’s where it gets emotional: Fred’s grandson, Gabriel Michael, will drop the puck at the Blackhawks game on November 20—a date that holds profound significance. It marks the anniversary of Fred’s first NHL game in 1953 against the Boston Bruins, but it’s also the last day Michael saw his grandfather in the hospital before he passed away from COVID in 2020. “It’s where the story began for Fred, and kind of where it ends too,” Michael reflects. This moment isn’t just a tribute; it’s a full-circle moment for a family and community that Fred held so dear.
Joining Michael for the ceremonial puck drop are Chief Larry Ahenakew and Chief Tanya Stone from the Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation. Chief Ahenakew, who will travel to Chicago with over 70 community members, calls it “a really big honor” and praises Fred as a role model for Indigenous youth across North America. “It’s going to be a really good day for the family, the community, and the City of Chicago,” he adds.
Among those making the journey is 14-year-old Lachlan Vandall, a rising hockey star who dreams of following in Fred’s footsteps. “He’s Indigenous, and I am too. I really admire his drive to reach the professional league,” Lachlan says. As a member of the U15 AA Prince Albert Venice House Pirates, Lachlan has already tasted success, earning MVP honors at the Graham Tuer U15 Challenge and a First Team All-Star nod in Red Deer, AB. For him, practicing with the Blackhawks and meeting players like Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard is “a lifetime experience.”
But here’s the controversial part: While Fred’s story is undeniably inspiring, it also raises questions about the ongoing challenges Indigenous athletes face in professional sports. How many more Fred Sasakamooses are out there, waiting for their chance to shine? And what more can we do to support Indigenous youth in pursuing their athletic dreams? Fred’s legacy is a call to action, but it’s also a reminder that progress is slow—and not everyone agrees on the best path forward. What do you think? Is enough being done to honor and uplift Indigenous athletes today?
As the bus carries over 70 people from Ahtahkakoop and Sandy Lake to Chicago, it’s clear that Fred’s impact extends far beyond the ice. His story isn’t just about hockey; it’s about breaking barriers, giving back, and inspiring the next generation. “He’s a legend and he inspires me,” Gabriel Michael says simply. And on November 20, that inspiration will come full circle, as a community gathers to celebrate a man who proved that with determination and heart, anything is possible.
