(The Canadian Press)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Honoured at centre ice

Fred Sasakamoose’s funeral will be broadcast live on Saturday

Dec 2, 2020 | 4:00 PM

About 20 years ago, Fred Sasakamoose told a friend he wanted his funeral to be right at centre ice in the Ahtahkakoop First Nation’s rink named after him.

On Saturday, Sasakamoose will get that wish as his funeral service will be held in Fred Sasakamoose Arena starting at noon.

Only 30 guests will be able to enter the arena as per COVID-19 guidelines. The service will be broadcasted live on Facebook, on the Fred Sasakamoose “Chief Thunderstick” National Hockey Championship page.

Fred’s son Neil Sasakamoose made the announcement on the Facebook page and went through the day’s agenda, which will feature FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron as the Master of Ceremony. Neil will speak on behalf of the Sasakamoose family, Ahtahkakoop Chief Larry Ahenakew will speak on behalf of the First Nation. There will also be a video tribute from various NHL players, and will also feature a Cree Elder prayer from Douglas Joseph, songs from gospel singer Ivan Chartrand and will be officiated by Rev. Sam Halkett.

Fred Sasakamoose died of complications from COVID-19 on Nov. 24. Tributes have poured in from across Canada for Sasakamoose, including from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and various NHL hockey players.

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As a part of Ahtahkakoop’s annual Sobriety Walk last Friday, the walk also served as a tribute to Sasakamoose as all the participants wore hockey jerseys and flags.

According to Neil, his mother Loretta will want everything to run on-time and to not drag on.

“Her husband’s been sitting for a long time, too long in our way. It’s time to go lay him to rest,” Neil said.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow