Sequoia Swan adjusted well when it came to living away from home this year in the MJHL – and at the same time, wound up enjoying a fine rookie season with the OCN Blizzard.
“Honestly OCN has been so good to me this season,” said the rookie forward who wound up with 10 goals and 20 points in 58 regular season games. “The fans up here in OCN are like no other. I’ve been so lucky to have awesome billets.”
Swan, whose name has family ties to Peguis First Nation, Lake Manitoba and Garden Hill First Nation, is a prospect of the WHL’s Tri-City Americans (drafted in the sixth round, 114th overall in 2017). He credits the MJHL for helping him prepare for the next level.
“Playing fast-paced hockey at this level will definitely help prepare me. I’ve gotten a lot of ice-time and hope to be playing in Kennewick (Washington) next season.”
Before joining OCN, Swan, a Winnipeg product, was a member of the Rink Hockey Academy Elite 15s last year and prior to that, the RHA bantam prep squad that participated in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. The CSSHL is an education-based hockey program where development is a key feature and includes a daily workout as well as on-ice and study hall sessions.
“I learned so much and enjoyed all the top-notch training I received attending their academy,” Swan said. “Travelling across western Canada and playing with such skilled players is definitely an experience I’ll always remember.”
Swan says he really embraced his surroundings living up north in The Pas this season.
“Since being in OCN, I’ve been enjoying the outdoors, ice fishing and hunting are the things I try do as much as possible.”
A life highlight for Swan was when he travelled to Sweden as a member of the Western Canada Selects peewee team back in 2015. Prior to the event, Swan and his family were showcased in a CTV Winnipeg story which provided some insight into how dedicated he was to playing in the tournament.
“It’s something I’ll always remember. Travelling overseas was such a great experience and I hope to go back someday.”
Swan says he hasn’t really made any plans when it comes to his future – but one thing is for certain: he’s hoping for a professional hockey career.
“In 10 years, I hope to be playing hockey in the NHL. I want to travel the world doing what I love. I’d also like to be role model for aboriginal kids who love hockey as much as I do.”
