The death of hockey player Gino Odjick has plunged the hockey world into mourning. Fans in Quebec and those in British Columbia, where the tough guy spent the majority of his career, remember a warrior willing to do anything to protect his teammates. However, in the small Algonquin Anishinabeg Kitigan Zibi community, very close to Maniwaki, a real “legend” has just been lost.
At the end of the line, chef Dylan Whiteduck tells it like it is: on a personal level, he only knew “a little” the ex-strong man. However, he does not have to be asked to talk about the man who died on Sunday, at the age of 52, following a heart attack.
“It’s a huge loss for Kitigan Zibi and for the Algonquin Nation,” said Mr. Whiteduck. He was very proud of his community and was never shy about expressing it. »
In his eyes, Odjick has “put on the map” this reserve of some 3,000 inhabitants, located just next to Maniwaki, in the Outaouais.
“No one knew who we were until Gino hit the NHL and became one of the league’s most feared brawlers,” he continued.
For years, Odjick has “helped young people pursue their dreams of playing hockey,” including providing free equipment to families who couldn’t afford to buy it. “Every summer he came to visit us,” says Mr. Whiteduck. He came whenever he could. Even today, he inspires many young people here. He is a legend for us. He is therefore not exaggerating when he notes that “the whole community is in mourning”.
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Dylan Whiteduck, Chief of the Anishinabeg Kitigan Zibi Community
At the local school, photos of the man who played more than 600 NHL games are displayed. Odjick, says Chief Whiteduck, has been a strong voice in promoting education among First Nations youth. The Maniwaki arena bears his name.
Last July, on the occasion of the general assembly of the Assembly of First Nations, in Vancouver, Dylan Whiteduck was able to hug Gino Odjick, without knowing that it would be the last time. He tried to find out more about his health, which he knew was bad. The ex-hockey player, however, refused to talk about himself. “He was asking how his son’s golf was going, and he was checking in on the community. He wanted to know how everyone was doing. It shows what a big heart he had. »
Now that Odjick has gone to join “the spirit world”, Kitigan Zibi acknowledges the shock of the children and loved ones of the deceased who still reside in the community and prepares to honor the one who gave him so much pride.
“We will get through this together,” summarizes Chief Whiteduck.