Anishinabek News

Sam on Sports: Ted Nolan

Published

7 months ago

April 21, 2023

Ted Nolan has teamed up with writer Meg Masters to co-author, Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back, which is expected for release on October 10, 2023.

By Sam Laskaris

GARDEN RIVER FIRST NATION — Ted Nolan has been a role model for Indigenous youth and someone that adults also look up to and respect for a few decades now.

And no doubt the Garden River First Nation member will garner even more acclaim later this fall.

That’s because it was announced this past week that Nolan, a former National Hockey League (NHL) player and coach, has also become an author.

Nolan has teamed up with Toronto-based writer Meg Masters to co-author Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back.

The book, which is available for pre-order now, is scheduled to be released Oct. 10.

No doubt a few eyebrows will be raised when the book is released. In a quote that is promoting the soon-to-be-released book, Nolan states that if his skin was white, he’d still be coaching.

Nolan, who had NHL head coaching stints with the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders, last worked in the world’s premier hockey circuit during the 2014-15 campaign.

After winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s best coach during the 1996-97 season with the Sabres, it took Nolan almost a decade to land his next gig in the league with the Islanders.

Can’t wait to pick up Nolan’s book and read the reasoning in his own words about why this happened.

The book description also includes the following:

“This is a story then, of succeeding against the odds, and then having success stripped away. It is partly an angry story, a story of injustice, that makes this memoir a story of learning. It is a fierce look at one man’s journey as he comes to know the wider world—with the courage to reach for the previously unattained, and the humility to recognize what really matters in the end.”

Since his junior and pro playing careers were during the 1970s and ’80s, younger generations might not be too familiar with Nolan’s accomplishments.

Those keen to learn more about him or those that read his book will discover he was able to defy the odds and make it to the NHL, as a player and coach. Nolan, who is now 65, grew up in Garden River, a small First Nation in Northern Ontario, in a house with no running hot water or electricity.

A lot of perseverance and hard work allowed him to move up the hockey ladder. After suiting up for the nearby Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the junior ranks, Nolan’s pro aspirations started to take fold after he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 1978.

He went on to play eight seasons of pro hockey and appeared in 78 NHL matches, 60 of those with the Red Wings and the rest with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Like countless other former pros, Nolan turned to coaching once his playing days were over. And at times, he was pretty good at that.

We all know about some of the things that went right for Nolan.

Looking forward to the near future to be able to read Nolan’s thoughts about other aspects of his life, the parts when things weren’t quite as good.

That should make for a book that will be hard to put down.

Anishinabek News

Administrative Coordinator

Published

16 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

Published

16 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

Published

23 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179