Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – Former OCN Blizzard defenseman Brady Keeper made his NHL debut Thursday night.
The Cross Lake native signed with the Florida Panthers after 2 years at the University of Maine.
The 6’2" 194 pound blueliner became the first member of Pimicikamak Cree Nation to play in the NHL.
He says its a dream come true.
"It’s been a wild couple of days here. From school and coming straight here it’s been really unbelievable so far, it’s been really crazy but I’m just happy to be here with the Florida Panthers," Keeper said.
After two weeks at the University of Maine, the 22-year-old was ready to quit until he received a phone call from a former Wheat King.
"Tootoo told me as well that right off the hop that when he left home that he was homesick and he wanted to leave as well but that feeling just blew over and once I started playing hockey and just enjoyed playing hockey it was really fun," said Keeper.
Florida defeated the Senators in Ottawa last night 5-2.
In his 12:40 of ice time Brady blocked a shot, had a shot on goal and made two hits finishing the game a +1.
Keeper had 63 cents in his bank account when he signed with the Panthers and is now guaranteed almost $300,000 over the next four months.
