Price: 'Leading by example has always been my way of leading'

MONTREAL -- "Be proud of your heritage and continue to be a positive example for those that are following you."

That was Carey Price's message during a sit-down interview in conjunction with Indigenous Celebration Night at the Bell Centre in March.
The Canadiens goaltender detailed some of his experiences growing up in Anahim Lake, BC.

"Anahim Lake is, first and foremost, pretty remote. It's small. Growing up in a rural area, it was three hours from cell phone service, and at the time it was an hour and a half of gravel road to get to Anahim Lake, so I gained a real appreciation for the outdoors and spending time outside that's still with me today," explained Price. "The people there are friendly people. They're survivalists. Everybody out there has a great spirit. They're always willing to help and lend a hand, because you never know when you're going to need a hand in return."

The 34-year-old's Instagram account features countless images showcasing his genuine appreciation for hiking and fishing alike.
It's a nod to his past and a passion that he intends to continue sharing with his children Liv, Millie and Lincoln as they get older.
"Sustenance hunting and gathering is a big part of our community. That's always been a huge part of our identity as a Peoples in Anahim Lake and its surrounding area. It's something that everyone takes pride in. There's traditional practices that are still practiced today as a means of sustenance," added Price. "I always enjoyed the outdoors and being able to put food on the table for my family. I think those practices are essential to our people, and hopefully that I'll be able to pass that knowledge on."

The 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner also spoke about the impact his parents had on him over the years.
His father, Jerry, is a former goaltender. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1978, which was "probably the main reason I became a goalie ultimately."
"I always wanted to be like dad," mentioned Price. "Sometimes I do wonder what it would've been like if I would've stuck to playing defense. It was something that I also really enjoyed when I was a kid."

His mother, Lynda, meanwhile, is a community leader in Anahim Lake where she serves as Chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation.
She was re-elected to a second consecutive term last June.
"My mom has the leadership qualities that I looked up to. She's a very hard-working person. She's very dedicated to the betterment of the community. It's not always an easy position to be in, in a position of leadership. My analogy to being a Chief is kind of like being a referee, no matter what call you make, somebody's not going to be happy about it," noted Price. "I'm very proud of her. She puts her heart and soul into the betterment of the community, so I think she's the perfect person for that job and I hope everybody appreciates that."

The 15-year veteran says his kids "call my mom 'Utsoo, which is grandmother in our native language."
Price's roots are clearly very much alive in his household.
"Right now, they're still pretty young to understand most of it. Livy's starting to get to an age where I think she understands a little bit more," said Price, regarding his six-year-old daughter. "As we progress, I'll continue to tell her stories about our past, and hopefully she'll take that into account and be a part of a better future."
With good role models all around her, no doubt she will.
"Leading by example has always been my way of leading," concluded Price. "I think that your actions will always speak louder than your words."