“What we did is give this place a warm Florida or California vibe with elements of the Caribbean
and a modern twist. It makes people feel welcome and relaxed.”

“When I was six years old, I knew that I wanted to be a goalie in the NHL. That was my single-minded focus.” Weekes went on to achieve that goal and played 13 seasons in the NHL, posting a 2.90 goals against average. Yet many never got to see the face behind the mask until now.

With 30 teams in the NHL and more than 41 players of colour on rosters this season, there’s more to the league than Calgary captain Jarome Iginla. P.K. Subban, (Montreal Canadiens) and Dustin Byfuglien, (Chicago Blackhawks) were both integral to their teams during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“Oh, it was unbelievable,” he says. “Breaking into the NHL was great, I’ll remember that. Scoring my first goal, I mean, it was like yesterday. But, the Order of Canada, it’s right there. I have had some wonderful things happen to me since I came aboard the NHL, but this was breathtaking. It really was.”

He has made a point of engaging in the community throughout his career. Rallying in his charge for earthquake relief are the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the league itself. Each organization donated $100,000 to Laraque’s project, Hockey for Haiti.