Brady Keeper's family was brought to tears as he took to the ice for his NHL debut

BarDown Staff

Sens Ice Chips: Keeper overcomes the odds to make his dreams a reality

Brady Keeper made NHL history on Thursday night as the 22-year-old became the first person from Cross Lake, Manitoba, to suit up in an NHL game.

Meet Brady Keeper, the first kid from Cross Lake, Manitoba to make it to the #NHL. His story is incredible - from MJHL to NHL in two years. He almost quit. Now he's a beacon of hope for a generation of indigenous youth in 🇨🇦 that desperately need one: https://t.co/kwBwmWFniP #TSN pic.twitter.com/Q8GNU5gofK
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 19, 2019

Keeper’s story is unlike most as the Florida Panthers defenceman went from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League to the National Hockey League in just two years, but nearly called it quits along the way. On Thursday, Keeper’s dream became a reality as he hit the ice for his first-ever NHL game and his family’s reaction was priceless.

Puck for grandma. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZIAmfd4wdB
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 28, 2019

Keeper’s mother was brought to tears as her son took to the ice in a Panthers jersey, while his grandmother was pretty excited about getting a puck from her grandson. One of the coolest moments of the night came during the pre-game skate as Keeper got to take a picture with his son, Navyn, his girlfriend, Shaylyn, and his stepson, Napesis.

📸 pic.twitter.com/Gdi16EJ177
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) March 28, 2019

It might have been a road game for the Panthers, but it felt like a home game for Keeper who had plenty of friends and family in attendance for the historic night.