The hockey world lost a trailblazer on Tuesday, as Fred Sasakamoose, one of the first Indigenous athletes to play in the NHL, died at the age of 86.
Sasakamoose had been hospitalized over the weekend while battling a presumed case of COVID-19. His son, Neil, announced Sasakamoose’s death in a video on Facebook.
With news Sasakamoose’s passing, people across the hockey world took the time to pay tribute to the former Chicago Blackhawks player, who paved the way for many in the sport.
RIP to my buddy, Freddy Sasakamoose.
He was a trailblazer, a leader and a survivor.
He paved the way for so many Indigenous hockey players.
My thoughts and prayers to the family
Rest Easy, Legend. pic.twitter.com/GQxQJuqGzx— Brigette Lacquette (@briglacquette) November 24, 2020
