Hon. Patrick Brazeau: Thank you, honourable senators.

[Editor’s Note: Senator Brazeau spoke in Algonquin.]

Honourable senators, on January 15, we lost a legend — an Algonquin legend; former NHLer Gino Odjick from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg reserve passed away. Born September 7, 1970, to Papa Joe and Giselle, Gino had humble beginnings like many of us. One of six children, Gino learned the importance of sharing and taking care of others, as his parents had cared for up to 32 foster kids during their lives.

He worked hard with his dad, helping to take care of the horses and working in the bush until he had the opportunity to play hockey outside of the community, first with Hawkesbury and then with Laval.

In high school, a teacher asked Gino what he was going to do with his life. Without missing a beat, Gino replied, “I’m going to be a professional hockey player,” to which the teacher’s reply was, “Yeah right. Good luck with that.”

Gino went on to play 605 NHL games with the Canucks, Islanders, Flyers and my team, the Montreal Canadiens — although he had a few more penalty minutes than 605.

[Translation]

Gino could light up a room with his presence, his friendly personality and his unwavering optimism. He had a heart of gold and a way of making everyone in his orbit feel special. His zest for life was contagious.

For Gino, life was never about accolades and achievements. He was a humble, authentic, loyal man, always ready to listen to others. He was committed to giving back to the community and First Nations.

Gino was much more than a hockey player. He was a role model who showed us what determination and a positive attitude can accomplish. He was also a loving father, very proud of his children, and a loyal friend to many.

[English]

While Gino passed into the spirit world at the young age of 52, we can take solace in the fact that he lived life to the fullest and had many unique experiences. He lived every hockey player’s dream, having the opportunity to play in the Stanley Cup finals against the New York Rangers in 1994.

In a moment of pride to all of us, he was immortalized in the BC Sports Hall of Fame, where he was pleased to be placed beside Pat Quinn, for whom he had much respect.

Colleagues, I invite you to join me and the entire Algonquin Nation in paying tribute to his spirit and to do what the fans in Vancouver used to do, and that is to chant his name so that the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg reserve, an hour and a half north of here, can hear: “Gino, Gino, Gino.”

Meegwetch.