Indigenous Elite Hockey

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have made an impact at all levels of elite hockey—from trailblazers Fred Sasakamoose, George Armstrong, and Jordin Tootoo in the NHL to Olympians Brigette Lacquette, Jocelyne LaRocque, and Theoren Fleury to numerous varsity players at the College and University levels to Rocket Richard-winner Jonathan Cheechoo, Hart and Vezina-winner Carey Price, and Jack Adams-winner Ted Nolan.

However, the numbers of Indigenous players engaged in elite hockey remain far below demographic averages. Our research team is interviewing current and former elite players, officials, and coaches to better understand their experiences and to learn from their insights and visions for Indigenous hockey’s future. We are particularly alert to hurdles that disproportionately affect Indigenous athletes, with an eye to advocating for policy changes, and to insights toward encouraging elite player-development strategies and resilience training.