Marty McSorley, who spent years grinding it out for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, made his way to Kapawe’no First Nation for Hockey Day and gave our young players something they will carry with them a long time. McSorley won two Stanley Cups with the Oilers in 1987 and 1988, playing alongside Wayne Gretzky for eight seasons and earning a reputation as “The Great One’s” bodyguard on the ice. He was even part of the 1988 trade that sent him and Gretzky together to Los Angeles. He did not just show up and shake hands in Kapawe’no. He got out along the ice, talked with the kids about the game, and shared what it takes to play at that level and to stay humble while doing it.
What stood out most was how McSorley treated every kid the same, whether they were the strongest skater on the ice or still finding their footing. He answered questions, offered pointers, and reminded them that hard work carries a person further than talent alone. Hockey Day in Kapawe’no has always been about bringing the nation together around the game, and this year the Nation’s young players got to stand beside a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Gretzky’s own protector, someone who lived that game at the highest level and still made time to invest in the next generation coming up on Turtle Island.
Kiniw Management 