A group of Native former NHLers has been formed and they are lacing up the skates for worthy causes. Hall-of-famer Bryan Trottier, will be the General Manager of Team Aboriginal NHL.
Players will be visiting classrooms to talk about the importance of staying in school and staying away from drugs and alcohol. The goal is to instill pride and help young people set high goals as the Aboriginal leaders of tomorrow.
Team Aboriginal was created with the assistance and encouragement of NHL Alumni Association members Ron Ellis, Rene Robert, John Chabot, Kent Douglas and Dan Frawley. The Bank of Montreal has signed on as major sponsor for the team’s first year.
Trottier, who won six Stanley Cups in his career with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins, said that the format would include setting up hockey camps for youth during the day to hone the tremendous athletic skills Aboriginal youth across Canada possess. Players would then talk to community elders and at the same time learn more about the communities they visit.
