Young Algonquin hockey player hopes to motivate others to stay active through his videos

Ten-year-old Washiiyeh Jeannotte is so passionate about playing hockeythat he used to sleep in his skates the night before games.

The videos that Washiiyeh, a member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake about 300 kilometres northwest of Montreal,sharesof his hockey skills are popularand he recentlyposted oneshowing him jumping out of bed with skates on,heading swiftly to his outdoor rink to make a tricked-out goal.

Jeannotte's dad Andrew saidgetting views on social mediaisgreat, but keeping up the motivation for Washiiyeh and others to stay active is the most important goal for them.

"We're in a generation where everybody's playing video games or inside their house all the time," he said.

"Just showing what we dohopefully inspires people to get outside and do some physical activity ... just get out and explore."

Andrew saidWashiiyeh hasn't worn his skates to sleep for a couple of years, but thought the video would be a fun way to show how much he's invested in hockey.

"I just want to keep them in tune, and want them to love the game," Andrew saidabout Washiiyeh and his older brother.

"That's the most important part of team sport and hockey."

Andrew also saidstaying active as a family is important for keeping children motivated. He said the whole family plays hockey, which is how Washiiyeh picked it up.

John Chabot, a former NHL player from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabegin Quebec, is the CEO and founder of First Assist, a non-profit organization that helps Indigenous youthwith on-site education and sports integration programs.

Chabot has worked with the Jeannotte family and saidthey are an example of what his program aims to do.

"What Wash has done, and his parents in supporting him, they've done a great job," he said.

"He gets out and he's active, he keeps himself healthy and moves. I think that should be an important part of everybody's lifestyle, not just First Nations kids, but kids in general."

Washiiyeh's love of hockey has also been recognized by his home community.

Family friend Wanda ThuskysaidWashiiyeh has become a skilled hockey player who hascaptured people's attention and brings people together.

"It's been very beautiful to watchand inspiring. I think, for everybody," she said.

She saidher nephews play alongside Washiiyeh, and thatit'snice to see their development within the sport.

Washiiyeh will be heading back to practice with his AA atoms team on Wednesday, after pandemic restrictions easein the province. His dadsaidWashiiyeh is excited to get back to seeing his teammates on the ice.