He had been recently hospitalized for treatment for COVID-19.
Sasakamoose was born in Debden, Sask. on Dec. 24, 1934. He would play four seasons with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the Western Canadian Junior Hockey League, emerging as one of the league’s top players and catching the eye of the NHL in his final season after putting up 31 goals and 57 points in only 34 games.
He was signed by the Chicago Black Hawks and played 11 games but was held without a point.
It was after his playing career that Sasakamoose became a true legend.
Returning home to the Ahathkakoop First Nation, Sasakamoose was a tireless advocate for sports in the community as he sought to give other the same opportunities -- and as William Douglas of NHL.com pointed out in his article, that led to “tournaments, leagues and sports days followed as a result of these initiatives, as well as the Saskatchewan Indian Summer and Winter Games.”
Sasakamoose also served on the NHL Diversity Task Force, as well as the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, a fitting role given his status as a survivor of the residential school system.
Saskamoose was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and was a regular guest of NHL teams after. He was named to the Order of Canada in 2017.
You can read Douglas’ full tribute right here.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Sasakamoose. Fred holds a special place in the history of our great game and it is important to honour his perseverance and character in becoming the first Indigenous Canadian to play in the NHL."
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) November 24, 2020
— Tom Renney pic.twitter.com/ESmSBr4R5o
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Fred Sasakamoose.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) November 24, 2020
The first Indigenous-born athlete to play in the NHL, Fred worked tirelessly to develop of sports programs for Indigenous children in the years after his pro hockey career.
He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/WsnKrWuR2z
From last season’s Heritage Classic — Fred Sasakamoose as part of the ceremonial puck drop. https://t.co/01cGIwruaY
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 24, 2020
Our condolences go out to Fred Sasakamoose and his family and friends and everyone whose lives he touched in Saskatchewan and beyond. He was was the first Indigenous player to reach the National Hockey League and was a pioneer on and off the ice. pic.twitter.com/LVwwwZuFlb
— SaskSports H of F (@SaskSportsHF) November 24, 2020
The Warriors send their condolences to the family and friends of Fred Sasakamoose.
— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) November 24, 2020
Fred played for the Moose Jaw Canucks from 1950-54 and was the first Indigenous player to reach the NHL, and was a role model to many across the world
