Growing up in hockey, I always understood that the game was more than just competition. It was about identity, responsibility and representing something bigger than myself. Over the years, my journey has taken me across the country and even onto international ice, but some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had have been through my involvement with Team Saskatchewan, participating in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC).
My first opportunities with Team Saskatchewan came in 2022 in Membertou, N.S. and 2023 in Winnipeg. Representing my Indigenous community and wearing my province’s colours was something I had dreamed about for a long time. The environment NAHC provided helped me grow as a player and more importantly as a person. The pace of the game, the level of competition and the pride of representing my community all came together to make those experiences unforgettable.
The 2023 tournament held in Winnipeg was especially meaningful for me because it tested my resilience again, as I suffered my third broken collarbone. This injury became a lesson in perseverance and commitment, as I stayed with the team throughout the tournament. The recovery process was challenging both physically and mentally, but it reminded me why I loved the game and the importance of staying committed when faced with adversity. Looking back, that experience strengthened me not only as an athlete, but as a person. It taught me that setbacks do not define us; how we respond to them does.
What stood out most to me during those years wasn’t just the hockey itself, but the people. Being surrounded by Indigenous athletes from across the province created a strong sense of connection and belonging. There was an unspoken understanding that we were all there for a reason; to compete, to learn and to represent our families and communities with pride. Those experiences taught me how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and building confidence in who we are.
In 2024 in Grande Prairie, Alta., and in 2025 in Kamloops, B.C., I returned to NAHC as a mentor. This shift changed my perspective on the game in a meaningful way. Instead of focusing on my own performance, I focused on supporting younger athletes as they experienced NAHC for the first time. I saw myself in many of them: the excitement, the nerves and the pride of stepping into something bigger than just hockey. Being able to share advice, encouragement and support was something I took seriously because I knew how much those small moments can impact a player’s confidence and experience.
Mentoring also made me realize how important leadership is in sport. It isn’t just about wearing a letter on your jersey or leading in games; it’s about how you carry yourself every day, how you treat others and how you help create an environment where everyone feels like they belong.
In 2026 in Regina, I had the opportunity to return once again, this time as an assistant coach. This role allowed me to see the game from an entirely different perspective. I was no longer just focused on my own development or even just supporting players. This time around, I was helping guide team culture, structure and communication. Coaching at NAHC challenged me to think deeper about leadership and accountability. It reinforced how important it is to create a positive environment where athletes can succeed both on and off the ice. Looking ahead to 2027, I hope to continue growing in that coaching role and giving back to the team that has given me so much.
Through all these experiences, including player, mentor and coach, I have come to understand that hockey is about more than wins and losses. It is about growth, connection and opportunity. NAHC has played a major role in shaping my journey and it has given me the chance to develop not only as a hockey player, but as a leader within my community.
That is one of the reasons National Indigenous Peoples Day is so meaningful to me. It recognizes the strength, resilience and stories of Indigenous peoples across Canada, while celebrating the cultures and communities that continue to thrive today. For me, it is a reminder of the importance of representation and of continuing to create spaces where Indigenous athletes and people can thrive and feel proud of who they are. My experiences through NAHC have shown me how powerful those spaces can be and I am grateful to have been part of a program that celebrates culture and sport together. As I continue forward in hockey and coaching, I carry these lessons with me. I hope to keep giving back to the game that has given me so much and to help the next generation of athletes find their own confidence, pride and sense of belonging both on and off the ice.
To this day, I continue to play hockey with the Saskatoon Westleys in the Prairie Junior Hockey League, as I go into my fourth year of the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Despite the injuries I’ve faced throughout my career, those challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of pushing forward no matter the setback. Through it all, I’ve focused on being a strong teammate and supporting others on and off the ice. Integrating my Indigenous culture into sport is very important to me and I take pride in representing it in everything I do through hockey, coaching and nursing.
My name is Kaden Johns and thank you for listening to my journey.