Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

 

Chiefs and Champions

Fred Sasakamoose was born just north of the Saskatchewan River on the Big Fish reserve in 1933. In 1953 he was offered a contract with the Chicago Black Hawks and played his first game at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. At that time the NHL only had six teams. Known for his deadly slapshot, Fred became the first status Indian to play in the NHL. He left the NHL to return home, something he had always longed to do, but hockey was not done with Fred. He moved to BC and played for the Kamloops Chiefs, delighting the fans with his reflexes and speed. After finally returning home, Fred served as Chief for many years.