Indigenous Hockey Star Abby Roque Inspires Girls in Montreal

Forward's connection with Kahnawà:ke Mohawk community uplifts youth and sparks interest in hockey

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:00am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey player on the ice, with the player's jersey and equipment dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.Abby Roque's dynamic on-ice presence and connection with the Kahnawà:ke community have ignited a new generation of Indigenous hockey players in Montreal.Sault Ste. Marie Today

Abby Roque, a forward for the Montreal team in the Professional Women's Hockey League, has forged a meaningful relationship with the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk community near the city. Roque, who is Ojibwe, has visited the community, spoken at the local high school, and hosted a hockey clinic for young girls, inspiring them and sparking greater interest in the sport among Indigenous youth.

Why it matters

Roque's engagement with the Kahnawà:ke community is important because representation and visibility of Indigenous athletes in hockey can have a powerful impact, especially for young girls who may not have seen many role models from similar backgrounds. By connecting with the community and sharing her own journey, Roque is helping to break down barriers and show the next generation that hockey is an attainable goal for Indigenous players.

The details

Shortly after being traded to the Montreal PWHL team, Roque connected with Kahsennenhaw Sky-Deer, the former Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke. Together, they organized events for the community, including Roque speaking at the local high school and hosting a hockey clinic for about 35 girls. Roque, the first Indigenous woman to play for the U.S. national team and compete in the Olympics, shared her hockey journey and brought her championship medals and rings to inspire the students.

  • In February 2026, during the PWHL break for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, Roque visited Kahnawà:ke Survival School.
  • Last month, Roque hosted a hockey clinic for about 35 girls at the Kahnawà:ke Sports Complex.

The players

Abby Roque

A 28-year-old forward from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, who plays for the Montreal team in the Professional Women's Hockey League. Roque is Ojibwe and the first Indigenous woman to play for the U.S. women's national team and compete in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in 2022.

Kahsennenhaw Sky-Deer

The former Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and a former women's professional football player, who helped connect Roque with the Kahnawà:ke community.

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What they’re saying

“I jumped out of my chair and threw my arms up. It was amazing seeing her play and meeting her. It meant a lot to me because she's someone who I look up to in hockey coming from a small place with Indigenous people and her being Indigenous and coming from a small place.”

— Wahiarihtha Aria Kirby, 12-year-old forward with the Lac St. Louis AAA team

“It gives me hope for the future that, like, more Indigenous athletes will make it far, because I know that wasn't a very big option in the past. But seeing other Indigenous athletes pursue their careers, it's really awesome.”

— Niiohenta:'a Diabo, 17-year-old defenseman with the Suroit Rockettes U18 A girls' team

What’s next

Roque plans to continue her engagement with the Kahnawà:ke community, with more school visits, hockey clinics, and opportunities for the local youth to connect with her and the PWHL team.

The takeaway

Abby Roque's connection with the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk community demonstrates the powerful impact that representation and visibility of Indigenous athletes can have, especially for young girls who may not have seen many role models from similar backgrounds. By sharing her own journey and inspiring the next generation, Roque is helping to break down barriers and show that hockey is an attainable goal for Indigenous players.