Latest news with #GardenRiverFirstNation
CTV News
4 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Two from Garden River First Nation to be inducted into national sports hall of fame
Ted Nolan grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and played with the Greyhounds from 1976 to 1978. Former NHL coach Ted Nolan and Darren Zack, a gold-medal winning softball pitcher, will be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony this fall. Both members of Garden River First Nation will join other sports luminaries in the hall at an Oct. 29 event. '(They) will receive the Order of Sport — Canada's highest sporting honour — marking their induction into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame,' the hall said in a news release. 'Representing the very best of what sport can embody — excellence, leadership, and a lasting impact on communities across the country — the Class of 2025 have used their platforms to uplift others, champion inclusion, and inspire the next generation.' Nolan grew up playing minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and played with the Greyhounds from 1976 to 1978. Drafted by Detroit He was drafted in 1978 by the Detroit Red Wings and appeared in 78 NHL games before a back injury cut his career short. He became a coach and led the Greyhounds to three straight Memorial Cup appearances before winning it in 1993. 'The next year, Ted moved on to the professional ranks as an assistant coach of the NHL's Hartford Whalers,' the hall of fame said in its writeup on Nolan. 'In 1995, he was named the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres and in just two short years, took his team to first place in the Northeast Division and was named NHL Coach of the Year.' He returned to the NHL to coach the New York Islanders and in 2013 he made his second appearance coaching the Buffalo Sabres. Noland also led the Latvian Men's National Ice Hockey Team to the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, almost upsetting Team Canada in the quarter-finals. In 2023, he released his bestselling book, 'Life in Two Worlds: A Coach's Journey from the Reserve to the NHL.' He and his wife of 45 years, Sandra, are grandparents to Hunter, Ryder, Sadie, Quinn, and Harper. Darren Zack Darren Zack's pitches included 'the overpowering rise ball, the mystifying drop ball, the elusive screwball and the tantalizing curve ball.' (Photo courtesy of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame) For his part, the hall described 'Zack (as) a legendary Ojibwe pitcher who dominated the softball diamond in the 1990s.' 'Growing up on the Garden River First Nation, Darren mainly played softball and hockey with his numerous uncles and cousins. Everyone on the team was part of a large extended family, and this nurturing family-oriented style was how he continued to see his teammates throughout his career.' His pitches included 'the overpowering rise ball, the mystifying drop ball, the elusive screwball and the tantalizing curve ball. 'To further disarm batters, he threw each of these pitches with changes of speed and locations,' the hall said. 'These changeups left batters the world over shaking their heads in bewilderment.' He rose quickly in the softball ranks and joined the Canadian national team in 1991. 'His stint wearing the maple leaf included a gold medal at the International Softball Federation World Championships in 1992, and two silver medals in 1996 and 2004,' the hall said. 'He also won a remarkable three consecutive Pan American Games Gold Medals with Canada: 1991 in Havana, 1995 in Argentina, and 1999 in Winnipeg.' No runs allowed in 10 games At the 1995 International Softball Congress World Championships, Zack didn't allow a run in 10 consecutive games, recording 150 strikeouts in the process. He won the most outstanding pitcher award in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2000. 'A lifelong resident of the Garden River First Nation, Darren has been actively involved in his community, focusing on youth mentorship, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging participation in sports,' the hall said. 'His work with organizations dedicated to Indigenous youth has been pivotal in creating opportunities and fostering a sense of pride and identity among young athletes.' A full list of all the athletes entering the hall Oct. 29 can be found here.
Ottawa Citizen
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Headrick heads East: Garden River forward commits to UNB Reds
Mya Headrick of Garden River First Nation is taking the next stride in her hockey and academic career—committing to the University of New Brunswick for the 2025-2026 women's hockey season. Article content The 20-year-old forward, who spent the past three years playing NCAA Division I hockey at Bemidji State University in Minnesota, is following in the footsteps of her biggest inspiration, her older sister, who spent two seasons at the Fredericton university. Article content Article content Mya is currently studying kinesiology, with hopes of going to medical school to become a doctor. She told the Sault Star she thinks that going to UNB will support her aspirations in hockey and academics. Article content Article content But, no matter how far Mya's hockey career takes her from Garden River, her ultimate goal is to return to her community. Article content 'If I do end up getting into med school, I'd want to come back and give back to my community, make it more accessible,' said Mya. Her 'big picture goal' is to open a doctor's office in Garden River. Article content Her path has taken her from Northern Ontario to Toronto, the U.S., and now the Maritimes. At just 14, she moved from Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury to join a travel team and gain more game experience. She later played for the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins, helping them win Ontario's Provincial Women's Hockey League title in 2022, then earned gold with Team Ontario U16 at the 2018 Ontario Summer Games. Article content In Grade 11, she committed to Bemidji State University (NCAA Div. 1), where she has played for the last three years. Article content Article content This past season, Headrick scored one goal and one assist as the Beavers went 6-30-1 (W-L-T) in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Article content The year prior, she served as one of the Beavers' alternate captains and was named to the WCHA's All-Academic Team for a second straight season. Article content Mya describes herself on the ice as a power forward who goes to the hard areas and can score goals. Article content 'I always give my 110%. I'm a very hard worker. I'm very dedicated and passionate. I also think I bring a good, positive attitude, and I'm a pretty good teammate,' said Mya. Article content Moving away at a young age was the catalyst to Mya's success, but also her biggest challenge. Article content 'I had a dream, and that's what had to be done,' said Mya about leaving her friends and family in Garden River and Sault Ste. Marie to pursue hockey at a higher level. Article content Now, Mya looks to the East Coast of Canada to see what she can accomplish next. Article content 'I just felt like UNB was the right fit for me,' she said. 'It's a great academic school. I'm studying kinesiology and I want to go to med school in the future. I think it's a better fit for me to increase my odds of getting in.'
