One of the first Indigenous-born NHL players, Fred Sasakamoose, dead at 86

A Saskatchewan-born pioneer in the game of hockey has passed away.

Fred Sasakamoose — one of the first Indigenous-born players to play in the NHL — has died, according to his son Neil Sasakamoose.

His son posted a Live Facebook video Tuesday to deliver the news.

“Fred passed away at 3 o’clock Saskatchewan time,” his son says. “His body just couldn’t keep up.”

Fred Sasakamoose had a presumed case of COVID-19, and was in hospital in Saskatchewan for five days, according to Neil.

“He really wanted to thank everyone for what they did. He was able to see most of the videos that people sent in,” Neil said, before issuing a plea to the public to listen to their governments and then denouncing anti-maskers.

Fred Sasakamoose was 86 years old.

He grew up on the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation during the Depression, making his debut in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks at Maple Leaf Gardens during the 1953-54 season. He played 11 games with Chicago during his NHL career.

Sasakamoose was granted the Order of Canada in 2017.