Asham, Carey bring Native Presence to Eastern Finals

May 17, 2010

After punching their playoff ticket on the last game of the NHL season, in a shootout victory over the New York Rangers, the Philadelphia Flyers now find themselves in the Eastern Conference finals  against the Montreal Canadians.  Native hockey is well represented in this big series matchup, with Carey Price in Montreal and Arron Asham suiting up for the Flyers.  Native hockey legend Craig Berube is also involved, with the former Flyer now serving as an assistant coach in Philadelphia.

After an impressive regular season in which Asham finished with 10 goals, 24 points and 126 PIMs, Aaron has been enjoying a very strong playoff run  that may well end with a Stanley Cup Finals appearance for the Flyers.

Asham through 13 playoff games so far in 2010, has 2 goals and 2 assists, and is plus – 6.  Aaron has been playing an important role on the third line for the Flyers, playing a physical and fast paced game highlighted by plenty of hitting and relentless forechecking pressure.

The only native hockey player to win the Stanley Cup as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers was Reggie Leach, winning consecutive Cups in the mid ‘70s, during the years of the “Broadstreet Bullies” rough and tumble style of hockey.

As the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs continue, only one thing is certain.  This year there will be native representaion in the Stanley Cup Finals.  The question is who will be representing native hockey players in the Finals, Carey Price or Arron Asham.  Either way, natives are continuing to make the presence known at the NHL level.

Congratulations to Carey, Aaron, and Coach Berube.  Their success is a matter of pride in native communities everywhere, and further proof that hard work, dedication, discipline and determination, can make any dream a reality, if you really want it.