Tough guy turns to teaching

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For 23-year-old Wally Wuttunee of the Red Pheasant First Nation, taking a step back from professional hockey was not a difficult decision for him to make. The six-foot-four-inch defenceman is studying to become a teacher.

Wuttunee played with the Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League until Nov. 14, 1999. He is now suiting up for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies with his first game on Nov. 17 against the University of Regina Cougars. Making the utmost use of his size and strength, the Cougars were painfully aware of his presence.

His on-ice persona is a complete contrast with his off-ice personality.

"I'm a pretty big guy, so I think I'll add some size and strength, along with some experience of playing professional hockey into the [university league]," said the soft-spoken Wuttunee after a practice before his first game.

"I played until November, and then I came back home and started attending school here at the university. Before that, I played a year of professional hockey, so that was a really good experience. I got to travel the world. I got to experience new things."

Sports broadcaster Bill McLaughlin, who is presently the sports director for the Greenville Grrrowl, said that he was happy for Wuttunee's new direction.

"I think that it's great that he's playing for a university team," said McLaughlin. "It's tough to play in the minor leagues when you come from a small Canadian town [and go] to a different culture, because, no matter what some people may say, the Canadian and American cultures are different. Often, young players from Canada do experience culture shock when they come here, and then drop out of hockey altogether.

"The route Wally is taking is a good one, because after he's finished getting his education through playing university hockey, as you know, sometimes those graduating players get picked up by professional teams."

Before turning pro, Wuttunee was one of the original players for the OCN Blizzard in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He played there for two years, and, according to Leonard Stranberg, former GM of the Blizzard, he was a contributing member of the team.

"Wally was a pretty good hockey player," said Stranberg.

"He was a tough guy, really big, physical, punching, everything. He's a big physical guy, really tough, and probably a lot better than average skills."

Off the ice, Stranberg said "he was quiet, well-spoken, respectful. He was a very good guy in the community, and was well behaved, for the most part. Everybody has their moments."

Wuttunee is focusing on his future, and he would advise other young First Nation kids to take the route he's taking because "it's a good way to meet people and friends. You learn a lot of discipline and responsibility, and respect. It's just a good route for people to take."