Needs Island support to get her over the top
AUNDECK OMNI KANING—It’s been a couple of years for the family of Lyndon Peltier baa, the popular Manitoulin hockey icon, but with the support of Island voters his daughter Lynndra Madahbee Peltier has reached the position of semi-finalist in the Athlete of the Year competition (currently in first place). Along with the title, Lynndra would be featured in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated and take home a $25,000 prize.
“I love playing with friends and meeting new ones along the way,” said Lynndra. “The coaches and mentors I’ve met have helped guide me, and those bonds mean a lot. Skating is my happy place—the sound of my blades on the ice, the rush I feel, and firing pucks into the net helps me reset. I love exploring new towns, cities and provinces with my family. Each road trip brings us closer and creates memories I’ll never forget. I’m truly grateful for every moment this journey brings.”
Lynndra explains that her father Lyndon always inspired her, both on and off the fields in every sport she has played. “He shared his own sports stories with me, and in tough moments, I remember his words. He taught me to live by the Seven Grandfather Teachings—even in sports. He always pushed me to be my best, give my all, and have fun. Though he’s no longer here, I feel his presence when I play. He’s still with me on my journey, guiding me every step of the way.”
Lynndra describes her most memorable moment is sports as when “at LNHL 2024, I played for my Noos (father) who couldn’t be there. In the semi-final, I scored the game-winning goal that sent my team to the championship—my biggest highlight yet. Before the final, my team dedicated the game to my Noos. We played with heart and won it all. That win wasn’t just about a medal—it was for him. I felt his presence on the ice, and that championship will always be a tribute to his love, support and teachings.
“Lynndra offers her thanks (miigwechs) for helping her get to the quarter finals, “shared her mother, Kendra. “Voting for this round has started and ends September 18.”
In the meantime, Lynndra’s rep hockey season is in full swing, travelling nearly two hours three times a week for practices and games.
This year, she has joined a new association, and it will be her first time playing on an all-girls rep hockey team—the Sudbury Lady Wolves BB. Fastball tryouts will be added to her schedule in the near future, and she has already started her cross-country training at school.
Voting takes place online at athleteoftheyear.org/2025/lynndra-8e76, with both a free vote option and an option to send even more votes with a donation aimed at supporting the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Why Not You Foundation.