Panthers young D-man gets hero’s welcome as he returns home after one NHL game

A surreal moment for the player!

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Panthers young D-man gets hero’s welcome as he returns home after one NHL game
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Back on March 28th, 22-year-old Brady Keeper from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation became the first person from Cross Lake, Manitoba, to suit up in an NHL game. 

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.


On Wednesday afternoon, Keeper returned to Pimicikamak Cree Nation for the first time since he became an NHL player and he was welcomed back with a hero’s welcome. 

There was a parade where many people surrounded the blue liner to get an autograph and a picture. 

He made grand entry to his homecoming ceremony in front of a packed Cross Lake arena and was visibly moved by the supports he has received from his nation. 

“It’s surreal having all these people here,” Keeper told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s crazy. I love coming back home and like I said, it’s unbelievable.”

Keeper played just the one game with the Panthers and did not manage to record a point.  He 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 way to return home to his family and friends. 

Source: Twitter