January 2004

Happy New Years from Nativehockey.com!

It’s been a great hockey season so far. Here we on New Year's Eve and we have been treated to some great hockey already. For us at Nativehockey.com, we’ve been busy trying to keep up with all of your emails and the information you have provided to us. Thanks so much for your correspondence, because without you we wouldn’t be able to recognize and honor the many Native hockey players from all across North America. We will do our best to keep the player lists updated, so keep the information coming.

As the end of 2003 draws near, we feel it is appropriate to recognize the accomplishments of some of our Native players in the NHL. It has been a great year so far for Natives in the NHL. Who can forget seeing Sheldon Souray skate onto the ice at the Heritage Classic in Edmonton? A few shifts into the game we were finally able to see his face. Let’s not forget Scott Ferguson. He was also a part of that historical night in Edmonton.
A couple of rookies broke into the NHL this year. Cody McCormick and Jordin Tootoo both made the rosters of their respective teams. Not many players make it to the NHL in their first season as a pro, but congrats to Cody and Jordin earning the opportunity to be NHL players.

Chris Simon is having a very good year in New York City this season, and is really enjoying his time as a Ranger. And on Long Island, Aaron Asham is having a solid season with the Islanders. Continued good luck and health to both Chris and Aaron.

Wade Redden is having a good season in Ottawa as usual. Wade, an instructor at the Aboriginals Role Model Hockey School, has been contributing on a consistent basis at both ends of the ice for the Senators.

Out west, the emergence of Jonathan Cheechoo is taking place. The San Jose Sharks forward is playing great hockey, and has significantly improved his game at all levels over last year. It wasn’t that long ago when Nativehockey.com received an email informing us about a kid from Moose Factory, Ontario, who was playing for the Belleville Bulls in the OHL. Jon Cheechoo has arrived in the NHL!

We wish continued success and good health to all of the Native hockey players, from NHL players to those tough little atoms. Nativehockey.com also wishes to thank all of those dedicated hockey parents who help and support their youngsters as they skate after their hockey dreams.

As the Christmas Holidays are in full swing, here is our wish list to Santa:

- For Chris Simon, a healthy season and a return to the playoffs.
- For Ted Nolan, a chance to coach in the NHL again.
- For the community of Rankin Inlet, a visit from Don Cherry
- For Don Cherry, a trip to Rankin Inlet and a seal skin tie.
- For Jordin Tootoo, a delivery of fresh food from home, and more ice time too.
- For Sandy McCarthy, a speedy return to the Bruins lineup.
- For Theo Fluery, good health and wellness, and a chance to play in the NHL again.
- For Sheldon Souray, more hat tricks and a full year without injury.
- For Darcy Johnson, an ice pack for your hand, suntan lotion, and a better golf game.
- For Cody McCormick, more scoring chances, a few shifts with Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic, and a chance to celebrate in June.
- For hockey parents everywhere, a little publicity about the good things you do, because without you it would be tough for your kids to have the opportunity to play hockey, and follow their dreams.
- For the Canadian Hockey Association and USA Hockey, a way to promote hockey parents in a positive manner, because they are positive.
- For the families of Dan Snyder and Keith Magnuson, lifelong memories of your loved ones, and peace.

Nativehockey.com would like to pass on our Holiday wishes to all the Native hockey players everywhere, and also Holiday wishes to our website visitors.
Happy Holidays from Nativehockey.com!