RELEASE: Oilers mourn the passing of Fred Sasakamoose

EDMONTON, AB -The Oilers organization is deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, hockey trailblazer and First Nations icon Fred Sasakamoose.
Sasakamoose became the first Canadian Indigenous player to compete in the National Hockey League when he suited up for 11 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1953-54.
He was an integral part of Edmonton's first-ever Celebration of First Nations Hockey at Rexall Place in 2014, he performed the ceremonial puck-drop prior to the Oilers vs. Blackhawks game in December 2017 in recognition of his appointment to the Order of Canada, and he often travelled from Ahathkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatchewan to attend games with youth from his community.
Sasakamoose was also inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
"On behalf of the entire Oilers organization, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Fred's family and many friends," said Oilers Chairman Bob Nicholson. "Fred was a great man whose true passion and dedication to the game of hockey will be greatly missed, but his legacy will be forever lasting.
"Fred made an extraordinary impact on the hockey world, helping develop minor hockey and sports programs across Saskatchewan after playing in the NHL. Fred was one of the first Indigenous-born athletes to play in the NHL and served as a role model for indigenous athletes across Canada, leaving an amazing impact on many along the way. He will be greatly missed by his many friends with the Oilers and throughout the hockey community."