A goalie from Canoe Lake Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan is enjoying for Team Canada within the International University Sports Federation winter video games this week in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Roddy Ross has been enjoying as a goalie since he was six years outdated.
“It means lots, it is an enormous alternative and I’m very grateful to be chosen and chosen to symbolize Canada,” he mentioned.
Ross mentioned the video games are going properly and the Canadian workforce completed first of their pool. He mentioned he’s making ready for the semi-finals Saturday and, hopefully, the finals on Sunday.
The goalie, who additionally performs for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, mentioned he’s proud to be from Canoe Lake, 350 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
“It’s one thing that I all the time attempt to showcase as a lot as I can,” he mentioned.
“I’m very happy with who I’m and it means lots to me to be First Nations and be capable of present which you can push these boundaries.”
The welcome signal going into Canoe Lake Cree First Nation options Roddy Ross. (Submitted by Roddy Ross)
Canoe Lake Chief Francis Iron mentioned the neighborhood is happy with Ross and all that he has completed.
“We’ve watched that child develop prior to now what number of years and to see him sporting that maple leaf on his sweater is a really proud second for us manner down within the north.”
Canoe Lake Cree First Nation’s welcome signal has an addition that reads “Home of Roddy Ross” with an image of Ross and his draft choose quantity from when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019.
“To watch that child undergo the system that he went by way of, the struggles that he confronted as an Aboriginal child, to see him get to that nationwide stage stage — as a chief and on behalf of the neighborhood, we’re extraordinarily proud.
“He is an distinctive participant, among the finest. I would not be stunned if he was going to be suiting up within the NHL within the close to future.”
Ross, who’s presently a free agent, mentioned he wouldn’t have been in a position to get to the place he’s with out the assist of his household, mates and neighborhood.
“That’s what retains me going,” he mentioned.
“[The support] reveals me I have to hold going and enjoying for them.”
