Former Canucks Fan-Favorite Indigenous Defenseman Retires After Brutal Leg Injury

Despite it being successful, the pain hasn't gone away, though he did make a brief return during the 2022-23 season with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League, but that did not last too long.

Brady Keeper is an Indigenous hockey player from the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and he paved the way for future Indigenous hopefuls, as well as carried the torch of past Indigenous hockey players.

He showed everyone that hard work and determination can yield successful results.

There may be no highlight packages like those of other Indigenous athletes and former Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, but he had a physical edge to his game.

Keeper had a rod in his knee to stabilize the bones and continued pushing for a return to professional hockey. He signed with the Glasgow Clan in the Elite Ice Hockey League as he hoped to return to play.

The Clan, unfortunately, announced that they were releasing him from his contract, an admittedly frustrating decision for Keeper, but one that was certainly for the best in terms of his long-term health.

Keeper Only Played in Pre-Season Games for the Canucks, but Suited Up Twice With the Panthers

Keeper was an undrafted player who played out his collegiate career with the University of Maine before signing as a free agent with the Florida Panthers, where he played a total of just two career NHL games.

We wish all the best to the 29-year-old in life after hockey and hope he takes good care of his health.