National Hockey League embraces aboriginals

0 Comments | Indian Country Today (Lakota Times), November, 2005 | by Wiwchar, David

Wiwchar, David Indian Country Today (Lakota Times) 11-23-2005 PORT ALBERNI, British Columbia -- With the season-long National Hockey League lockout now settled, a dozen aboriginal league players have taken to the ice for the 2005 -- '06 season. It's a long, hard road to the NHL; and according to Montreal Canadiens and Team Canada player Sheldon Souray, that road is even longer for players from remote aboriginal communities. "I moved from Fishing Lake to Edmonton when I was 13 so I could play in the city league," said the 29-year-old, 6-foot-4-inch, 227-pound Metis defenseman.

"It was really hard to do. As close-knit as Native people and communities are, a lot of kids get really homesick and call it quits. I guess I was lucky because my parents made me...