OLIVER PAIPOONGE — The Kam River Fighting Walleye continue to show leadership on the reconciliation front.
On Feb. 22, the Superior International Junior Hockey League team will host its fourth annual Warrior Walleye game, a salute to the Indigenous community and, in particular, hockey players, coaches and executives with Indigenous backgrounds.
The team on Wednesday unveiled special jerseys they’ll wear in the Saturday night contest, when they take on the Fort Frances Lakers at the Norwest Arena.
For defenceman Easton Dubray, it will mark the third time he’s played in the Warrior Walleye contest, his second with the Fighting Walleye.
He also played in the 2023 game, as a member of the Dryden Ice Dogs.
It’s a special night, said Dubray, who has 15 points in 17 games with the Fighting Walleye this season.
“The game means a lot,” he said.
“Obviously it’s bigger than just a game, but it’s nice to be able to use hockey as a way of bringing people together and just kind of reflecting on the past about what all has happened. It’s one of those games that’s got a lot of meaning, a lot of emotion behind it and it’s really great to be a part of it.”
Dubray, who hails from Poundmaker Cree First Nation in Saskatchewan, said before each Warrior Walleye game, he reflects a little on his heritage and the struggles his people have faced over the centuries.
“I think about my home and my reserve and everybody that’s been along for part of the way. It’s definitely meaningful for me because I know I’m playing for them,” Dubray said.
Vern Ray, a special advisor to the team, whose home community is the Red Rock Indian Band, said the game is an important way to preach acceptance and that hockey is for everyone.
“I love Indigenous night,” Ray said. “It obviously is an avenue to showcase our culture, our heritage, our traditions. The fact that we have Indigenous players is a wonderful thing. They can be part of this. But going further beyond that … I think we’re situated with a very unique opportunity to actually affect real change.
“The logo that Rob McKinnon designed this year is absolutely phenomenal. It incorporates the seven grandfather teachings, so that in itself can become a conversation piece.”
Ray said they’ve even discussed a variation of the logo that incorporates the 12 First Nations of the Robinson-Superior Treaty area.
It would make the game even more community-oriented.
“And if we can get to that stage, with the amount our players are out in schools, talking with elementary kids and they have that logo, it’s a talking piece. It’s a gateway to a conversation, where education begins to happen and I think reconciliation is a tough, long process … but I think we’re on the right path and it’s not just a one-night splash-in-the-pan kind of deal.”
The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off following the game. Bidding on the jerseys opens on Feb. 12 and runs through 8 p.m. on Feb. 23. Commemorative hoodies will also be sold, with $10 from each sale going to the Warrior/Walleye Fund. The team will giving away a NHL auction package which includes two tickets to the Dallas Stars game in Winnipeg on March 14, two-night hotel stay from Young’s Insurance and a $250 gas card, provided by THP.
