A dream come true, not only for Brady Keeper, but for his entire family as well.
On Thursday, the 22-year-old from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation became the first person from Cross Lake, Manitoba, to suit up in an NHL game.
“I’ve got no words to explain it,” said Keeper, surrounded by the media scrum the visitors’ dressing room at the Canadian Tire Centre. “It’s really exciting for me and my family.”
His family was indeed excited as his whole supportive gang was brought to tears as he stepped on the ice. Keeper’s mother cried of joy as her son took to the ice in a Panthers jersey, while his grandmother was pretty excited about getting a puck from her grandson. One of the coolest moments of the night came during the pre-game skate as Keeper got to take a picture with his son, Navyn, his girlfriend, Shaylyn, and his stepson, Napesis.
Even though the Panthers defenseman was on the road against the Senators in Ottawa, he sure got a lot of supporters for his NHL debut. Florida won the game 5-2 over the Sens.
Keeper finished the game with a shot on goal, two hits and a +1 rating in 12 minutes and 40 seconds of ice-time.
What a great moment for Keeper and his family!
