Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege today to rise and honour the life of Fred Sasakamoose, who passed away yesterday.
Fred was a trailblazer, becoming the first first nations person to play in the NHL. After his last game of junior hockey, a telegram was read in the dressing room. It said, “Please report immediately to the Chicago Black Hawks to play in the NHL in Toronto on Hockey Night in Canada.” Fred's words described the story best when he said, “I was warming up on the ice. And somebody skated up to me and said, 'Somebody wants to talk to you over there.' I'd never seen Foster Hewitt in my life. He was just on the radio. He said, 'How do you pronounce your name? Is it Saskatchewanmoose or Saskatoonmoose?'”
Fred went on to be a champion for his people, and his family can always be proud of his many accomplishments. I ask all members to join me today in recognizing the life and the legacy of Fred Sasakamoose.