Ochapowace, Saskatchewan’s Courage Bear has been coaching hockey for over 20 years.
Bear has spent the last three seasons with the Saskatoon Contacts Midget AAA team. He was recently honoured for his work when he was named Saskatoon Minor Hockey’s Coach of the Year.
“It’s nice to get the recognition, but at the end of the day, it’s not why you really do it,” said Bear.
Bear spent time in the SJHL with the now-defunct Lebret Eagles. He also played Junior B with Grenfell. Bear says he hopes the players he coaches take away life lessons from his messages.
“It’s more just trying to instill life lessons, values and hard work – teamwork,” said Bear. “Dealing with adversity, those types of things and just being a good person – being a good citizen.”
Bear has also been involved with Team Saskatchewan at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships for several years.
(PHOTO: Courage Bear. Photo courtesy of Courage Bear, Facebook.)