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Bryce Debassige, U10 Sudbury Wolf, carries the flag as Leafs affirm Indigenous culture

TORONTO—On January 11, Bryce Debassige of M’Chigeeng First Nation had the opportunity to participate in the opening of the Toronto Maple Leafs Indigenous celebration game against the Vancouver Canucks. This young hockey player was invited to carry the Leafs flag around the ice and skate to the center of the ice and wave the flag prior to the game. It was an honour that Bryce was proud to do as he is a Toronto Maple Leafs fan himself. 

Before the game, Bryce had an opportunity to rehearse as he needed to ensure his timing was right. He was also quite nervous prior to being told to “Go!” 

He said, “I was nervous, especially when I looked out into the crowd of people but, when they said, go, I focused on the boards and just went.” The crowd cheered loudly when he waved the flag to open the game, and before he knew it his flag carrying duties were over. After he was finished Bryce was able to take in the game. Even though the Leafs lost this avid hockey player knows that when you lose it’s an opportunity to work hard and come back. Bryce Debassige currently plays for the U10A Sudbury Wolves team.

Bryce Debassige waves the Leafs flag proudly before the puck dropped at the January 11 game.

Bryce was requested to complete the flag duties after he had the opportunity to participate in the Leafs Next Gen game on December 23, 2024. The Leafs Next Gen game is a yearly celebration where they introduce young hockey players as the next generation of Toronto Maple Leafs hockey. During this game Bryce was able to skate on the ice prior to the game and then watch the Winnipeg Jets come out to skate. During this game he also stood with the Winnipeg Jets players during the national anthem. The opportunities that Bryce has had through the Leafs Development team has been incredible and he is very thankful and knows that this will shape his future. 

Bryce is looking forward to continuing his season with the Sudbury Wolves, and also partaking in the Little Native Hockey League, a long standing successful tournament where his great grandpa the late James (Jim) Debassige was one of the cofounders. 

Article written by

Expositor Staff
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