Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo recently took a break from talking politics and engaged in some puck talk instead.
Atleo showed up at an arena in Gatineau, Que. on July 28 to skate alongside and meet the Aboriginal teenagers from across the country that will appear in the TV show Hit The Ice.
The series, which will debut on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network this coming January, will consist of 13 half-hour episodes.
The series will follow 20 Aboriginal hockey playing teens who go through a gruelling two-week camp led by former National Hockey League player John Chabot.
Hit The Ice producer Jason Brennan said one of Atleo's representatives contacted the show’s officials to ask if he could drop by. The series was being filmed in late July and early August in the Ottawa and Gatineau area.
"He's a hockey fan and he got in touch with our people."
Atleo was invited to come out for a scrimmage that was being filmed on a Saturday. The national chief donned his hockey gear and took part in the warm-up with the teens.
Atleo was filmed taking part with the show's participants during an on-ice warm-up, which lasted about 10 minutes.
"I think that will be left on the cutting room floor," Brennan said, having his doubts this segment will be included in the show's final televised product.
But Brennan said Atleo will still be included in one of the episodes.
"He'll either be in episode 7 or 8," Brennan said. "I'd call it a cameo. We have him in the dressing room where he's offering the guys a couple of words of encouragement. He said that he hopes to see a couple of guys from this dressing room make it to the National Hockey League one day."
Atleo had plenty of praise for the show.
"Opportunities like this are essential for all young people as they pursue their dreams, regardless of whether it's hockey, soccer or dance," he said.
Atleo also believes being physically active has many benefits.
"Sports are much more than the game, winning or losing," he said. "It’s through sport and recreation that we learn important individual and team skills that help build a foundation for us to achieve our dreams and goals.
“Sport and physical fitness also helps to instill the importance of healthy lifestyles in contributing to overall individual and community wellness."
The majority of the Hit The Ice participants were recruited to be on the show following their performances at this year's National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, which were staged in Saskatoon in May.
Some others, however, who did not compete in the national tournament, were invited to take part after submitting video tryouts, including testimonials from their coaches and parents.
The two-week camp was led by Chabot, an Algonquin who played in 541 NHL games. During his pro career Chabot played for the Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
The series will also include various current NHL players who dropped by to lend a hand during different points of the filming.
As for Atleo’s prospects, Brennan said he thinks the national chief might want to stick to politics.
"Maybe if he did the full two weeks of camp it would help," Brennan joked.
