Hockey celebrities visit Lennox Island, offer kids inspirational messages

NHL playerMaxDomiand Olympic goldmedallistTessaBonhommevisited a P.E.I.First NationreserveWednesdayto talk all things hockey.

Domi and Bonhommeare on the Islandbecause of the SummersideBoys and Girls Club celebritygalaand were invited to speak to youth inLennox Island, P.E.I.

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In her speech, Bonhomme focused on determination, commitmentand what it takes to becomea professional athlete.

"Every day after supper, my dad gave me a choice. I could either wash the dishes or go in the backyard and shoot 100 pucks every day," Bonhommesaid.

'Everyone is watching you'

Domi addressed the challenges that come with being anNHL'erand the adversities he had to overcome as a diabetic.

"You're playing for a gold medal on a stage where everyone is watching you and you're under the microscope and you're still having to worry about your blood sugar," he said.

The Arizona Coyotes' forward was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and says it's something he's had to learn to deal with throughouthis hockey career.

"Definitely a lot of obstacles," he said."I had to learn and educate myself and a lot of trial and error but overall it's something that's been very manageable. Ihaven't let it get in my wayone bit and I'm very proud to say that."

A message kids need to hear

There is a high rate of diabetes in the Lennox Island community, and soDomi's message is one the eventorganizers wantedkids to hear.

"[Domi] doesn't let it [his diabetes] control his life and I think the messaging that came with that around, you know, onceyou set your mind to something you can do anything was really important to the kids," said Jamie Thomas, co-ordinator of culture and tourism for theLennox Island First Nation.

For 11-year-old Jakob MacEwen, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes four years ago,it was a chance to meet his idol.

"I've always looked up to him and as soon as I got diagnosed I followed his story and he's just a great role model," he said.

MacEwan also plays hockey and hopes to one dayfollow in Domi's footsteps by playing inthe NHL.

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