History of Hockey
First Nations Contribution to the
Sport
Oil Canvas Painted in 1848
Origins
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People may never know exactly when or where
hockey originated.
The first versions of hockey in Aboriginal
communities were most likely played with carved
one-piece wooden sticks and a makeshift puck.
There is evidence that hockey may have started
as a winter version of a pre-lacrosse game,
invented by First Nations tribes hundreds of years
ago.
Origins
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Over one hundred years ago, the Mi’kmaq people
of New Brunswick made the first one piece
hockey sticks.
These were used in organized leagues during the
early stages of organized hockey in Canada.
This helps to explain the connection Aboriginal
people have to the game and why it is such an
important part of Aboriginal communities today.
Fact
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Over the last few decades, the numbers of
Aboriginal children playing hockey has
increased dramatically. It may have
something to do with the fact that more and
more Aboriginal players are making it to the
National Hockey League (NHL). Again,
interest in the game is also linked to the
early origins and connections First Nations
have to the game.
First players
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The first NHL season was 1917-1918.
It was not until the early 1950’s that Aboriginal
people began to play in the NHL.
Fred Sasakamoose was the one of the first
Canadian Aboriginals to play in the NHL. He,
along with George Armstrong, had a strong
influence in breaking down barriers for First
Nations players.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu5A1iuDPq0
Fred Sasaskamoose did not play a full season in the league, however, his
being part of an NHL team was an enormous accomplishment because at
the time he played, there were only 6 franchises in the NHL.
George Armstrong
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'Chief' George Armstrong,
spent 21 seasons with the
Toronto Maple Leafs and
won 4 Stanley Cups in the
1960s. He was one of the
most prominent NHLers of
his generation, having
captained the Leafs to
their last Cup win in 1967.
Go Leafs Go!!!! 
George Armstrong
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George Armstrong didn't light-up the scoreboard
like some of his teammates, but his sound
positional play, dependability and strength of
character made him one of the most important
players to ever wear the Maple Leaf on his chest.
His contributions went beyond the score sheet.
Armstrong certainly chipped in offensively,
recording 713 points in 21 seasons with the team,
but it is his leadership and resilience for which he
will be most remembered.
Notable First Nations Hockey Players
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Fred and George helped pave the way for
many outstanding hockey players. They
served as role models for many future
Canadian Aboriginal hockey players.
Reggie Leach and Bryan Trottier
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Both of Metis descent, these men
followed the leader of George and
Fred.
Reggie played for the Bruins,
Flyers, and Red Wings. He played
in two NHL All-Star games.
Bryan played centre for the
New York Islanders and
Pittsburgh Penguins. He
played in the NHL All-Star
game in 1976, 1978, 1980,
1982, 1983, 1985, 1986 and
1992. Later became a coach
in the NHL.
Wade Redden and Sheldon Souray
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Sheldon, a defenceman
played in the NHL All-Star
game in 2004.
Wade, originally from
Lloydminster, SK, is a
defenceman for the Ottawa
Senators. He has represented
Canada in many International
tournaments. He played for
Canada in the World Cup in
2004.
Jordin Tootoo
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Originally from Rankin
Inlet, Nunavut, he was
the first Inuit to play in
the NHL. Known as a
very smart hockey
player, he started his
career with the
Nashville Predators.
Carey Price
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Price was selected 5th
overall in the 2005
NHL entry draft. He
played in the World
Juniors and was
named MVP in 2007.
Now, he is considered
an outstanding
goaltender for the
Canadiens.
DJ King
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Originally from Meadow
Lake, King has proven to
be a hard worker. He
started his professional
career in the AHL, but has
become a regular player
with the St. Louis Blues
due to his hard work. Last
year, he played for the
Washington Capitals.
Exceptional and Inspiring Athletes
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The hockey players in this slideshow are
just a few of the talented and hardworking
First Nations athletes. As a country, these
men have proudly represented Canadians
and become role models for many young
aspiring athletes.
Besides hockey, First Nations athletes have
contributed to many other sports!