9 Aboriginal NHL players

Native hockey stars shine in NHLThe rafters shake as 17,000 hockey fans cheer wildly every time Edmonton Oiler Sheldon Souray touches the puck in the opponents zone.

Known for his blistering shot from the point, and his punishing checks into the boards, the six-foot-four, 235-pound defenseman is arguably the most known and feared aboriginal player in the National Hockey League. With 23 goals this season, Souray is the second-highest scoring defenseman in the league.

Although aboriginal players are a rarity in the NHL, there are nine Native players currently spread amongst the 32 teams, and on that night Souray faced one of his peers.

Cody McCormick has spent the past five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche. A member of the Chippewa Mohawk Nation near London, Ontario, McCormick said he looks forward to facing other Native players, and hopes more will soon graduate to the big league.
And:Current Aboriginal NHL’ers

Aaron Asham, Metis, Philadelphia Flyers
Rene Bourque, Metis, Calgary Flames
Jonathan Cheechoo, Cree, San Jose Sharks
Vernon Fiddler, Metis, Nashville Predators
D.J.King, Metis, St. Louis Blues
Cody McCormick, Mohawk, Colorado Avalanche
Carey Price, Carrier, Montreal Canadiens
Wade Redden, Metis, New York Rangers
Sheldon Souray, Metis, Edmonton Oilers
Jordin Tootoo, Inuit, Nashville Predators
Comment:  For more on the subject, see Hockey Part of Native Culture and Book About Aboriginal Hockey Players.

Below:  Sheldon Souray.