Greetings fan’s and fellow Nitty Gritty crew!!
The one sport that gives me joy during the most depressing time for me is hockey. Being this far West in Alberta isn’t easy and isn’t for the faint of heart. We’re in a recession, and I’m battling every day! Nights are long, and winters are harsh.
I wanted to shift focus on the Flyers for a moment on this and would would like to talk about the many and various Métis/First Nations and Aboriginal NHLers that made the show. Players like Brandon Montour, Zach Whitecloud, T.J. Oshie, Reggie Leach even former Flyer Aaron Asham. Who, by all accounts was a solid NHL’er. He played for the orange and black, and even helped them reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2010. I will be highlighting some of my favorite players and mention some who even helped carve their way for the First Nations/Aboriginal community to have a chance at making the NHL. So let’s mention some great and honorable players who helped pave the way for the National Hockey League.
Recent Stanley Cup Winner and former Florida Panther Brandon Montour is of Aboriginal decent. He has been making quite the name for himself. A solid defenseman who moves the puck well and is good in the offensive zone. He signed a deal with the Seattle Kraken, and that’s a good deal in my eye’s because Seattle is home to many people of Aboriginal decent and has a good community who will welcome Brandon onto their team with open arms.
Zach Whitecloud, the big, intimating defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights is another player I’d like to highlight. He is your run of the mill typical defenseman who plays a big game. I’ve always admired that style of Whiteclouds. Often overlooked in today’s finesse filled NHL because he plays a big boy game.
The last two I would like to mention are two very important player’s of mine as I admire them on and off the ice. I am talking about T.J. Oshie and Riverton Rifle. Reggie Leach.
T.J. has been a stellar player since breaking into the league. He’s a good player, when healthy, as he’s been injured the last few seasons at different times. His numbers would be even more impressive, if you were able to. Stay healthy.
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Reggie “The Rifle” Leach was a great player for the orange and black. He happened to play on the most famous LCB line, Leach shout the puck over 100 MPH. I mean it would intimidate anyone. He also possessed a lethal wrist shot, that could pick any corner. Leach had an arsenal of moves and a backhander that fooled the goaltenders more often than not.
He finished his great career with 381 goals in 934 games played. That is a good way to end this article. I appreciate everyone for reading.
