1 minute read
Roddy Ross: Canoe Lake Cree Nation’s star goaltender breaks barriers on the ice
Written By: Jody Wolverine
Roddy Ross grew up surrounded by the game of hockey, and it quickly became his passion. Inspired by his father, who also spent endless hours practicing the sport, Roddy knew that he wanted to do only one thing: play hockey.
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Hailing from Canoe Lake Cree Nation, a highly family-oriented community, Roddy is proud of his Indigenous background and the lessons it has taught him. “Don’t be afraid to go for your dreams,” he says, “resiliency is in our blood.”
Roddy’s love for the game has led him to build an impressive resume. He has participated in championship tournaments along the Eastern Canada Coast, as well as the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) in Nova Scotia and Ontario. He has even represented Team Canada in the FISU World University Games 2023, held at Lake Placid, New York.
For Roddy, the dream of becoming a professional goaltender is set in stone. He has manifested everything he’s learned on the ice into a work of art, becoming a prime example of what it takes for an individual to play pro hockey. But Roddy’s success isn’t just about his own aspirations. He also men- tors the younger generation of In digenous athletes and is always looking for ways to support his community. “With the full-sup port from my home reserve, Canoe Lake Cree Nation, and along with different First Nation communities and their people, I stay driven and hungry for success, not taking fail ure for an option.”
In 2019, the WHL team Seattle Thunderbirds recognized Roddy’s great skills and experience and drafted him. He went on to receive the 2019-20 Most Valuable Play er award, appearing in 49 games and holding a record of 20-21-4-3 with a .908 save percentage and 3.17 goals against average. He also spent a year with the WHL Regina Pats.
Roddy’s determination and hard work have led to incredible op portunities, including skating and training in Philadelphia, PA, where he was part of the NHL Philadel phia Flyers Hockey Camp. But despite his success, he knows that achieving his goals takes a lot of self-discipline and dedication.
Roddy Ross is an inspirational person who has set goals and does whatever is in his power to achieve them. Through his example, he proves that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
