Monday’s news that undrafted University of Maine defenceman Brady Keeper signed with the Florida Panthers may not have made much of a splash around the hockey world, but it was cause for raucous celebration in Cross Lake, Man.
Students were dancing outside of Mikisew School after Keeper became the first person from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation to make it to the NHL.
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It may be equally as unbelievable for kids back in remote Cross Lake, a reserve 10 hours north of Winnipeg. Cross Lake became a national story in Canada in 2016 when five teenagers in the community committed suicide, while 140 others attempted suicide in the weeks that followed – prompting Cross Lake to declare a state of emergency.
Keeper’s story is a breath of fresh air, an enormous positive for an entire generation of indigenous youth.
“It gives them hope. It’s very powerful,” said , who played 723 NHL games by way of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and now mentors Aboriginal kids throughout the country. “They see guys like me and Brady, guys who have seen a lot of things on reserves and in remote communities, and let’s them know that anything is possible.”
Very cool story. Wishing nothing but the best for this kid.
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I never got to watch him play here because I was living in BC but it's nice to hear another OCN Blizzard alumni sign an NHL contract.
My dad said he's probably the best player in franchise history. Tootoo played here with his brother but he was only 16 and didn't make as huge of an impact compared to when he played for the Wheat Kings.
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Keeper’s improbable NHL story cause for celebration in Cross Lake
