CHIEFS & CHAMPIONS - FRED SASAKAMOOSE – HOCKEY

Fred Sasakamoose took up hockey at the Duck Lake Indian school where his playing was first noticed in 1948 when Joe Primeau who was scouting for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 1953, Fred was offered a contract with the Chicago Black Hawks and played his first game at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. Known for his deadly slapshot, Fred became the first status Indian to play in the NHL. After leaving the NHL, Fred moved to BC and played for the Kamloops Chiefs for many years, delighting the fans with his reflexes and speed. After finally returning home, Fred served as Chief and presently works with the NHL’s Diversity Committee’s annual hockey camp for boys and girls.