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Attawapiskat, Ont.– It’s become an annual tradition for hockey and music to join forces for the JUNO Cup. The ‘Rock versus Jock’ celebrity hockey game sees musical greats take on former NHL legends in a friendly on-ice match in support of MusiCounts.
This year, Adrian Sutherland from Midnight Shine will be among the Rockers skating it out at TD Centre in Ottawa.
Midnight Shine is a northern Ontario foursome which mixes roots, classic and modern rock. Anchored by the melodic vocals and eloquent lyrics of singer/songwriter Sutherland, the music explores Cree culture, tradition and life in the North. Midnight Shine released sophomore album Northern Man in 2014.
Sutherland lives in Attawapiskat in Northern Ontario, a First Nation community on the coast of the James Bay. Growing up in the remote region without organized hockey leagues or formal instruction, Sutherland had to teach himself to play.
”For as long as I can remember, hockey has been a passion of mine,” said Sutherland. “I first started playing hockey as a boy in Attawapiskat. The school would collect donated gear from the south and we each got what we could grab.”
Sutherland became obsessed with learning everything he could about the good ol’ hockey game, reading every book and watching every video he could to study the plays, the skating skills, and build the mental toughness.
He spent endless hours practicing alone on his backyard rink, way up in the far North, wishing for teams to play with.
Over the years, Sutherland progressed on his own in the sport so well that he made the cut on a Senior AA League team during a period of time when he lived in Alberta.
Now, he’s made the cut once again, this time joining forces with the Rockers for the 14th JUNO Cup.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play in the JUNO Cup. It will definitely be the highlight of my hockey career,” said Sutherland.
Sutherland, in addition to making contemporary music, sings in a traditional drum group, takes part in ceremonies, and is said to be a genuine example of someone who lives and pays homage to his culture, traditions and life in the North. He is a father, grandfather, and role model, proud of who he is and where he comes from.
You can read more about Sutherland’s hockey journey in his own words on this blog post http://midnightshineonline.com/good-ol-hockey-game/