Loel Asham (Métis Cree): Hockey and Lacrosse Athlete Coaches Provincial Youth Development Programs

By Dan Ninham (Oneida)

Loel Asham is an aspiring lacrosse player with plans to go to the professional ranks. He also plays hockey. He is of Métis of Cree descent. His parent’s names are Paula and Lee and they live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

“I was always taught to respect lacrosse and remember that lacrosse is much more than just a game,” said Loel. “I’ve always tried my best to take my studies as serious as possible while playing sports.”

“My coach Shaun Saull was one of my first lacrosse coaches and has taught me to love the sport of lacrosse and to enjoy every minute of it and to never stop learning,” said Loel. “Coach Shaun had played for Team Australia field lacrosse and had also played at the provincial level.” 

“Loel Asham is one of the most unique individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” said Coach Shaun Saull. “After being his coach for 10 plus years and through countless tournaments and games, we are now at a point where I am learning things from him. His character on and off the field or box is second to none. He is the first one there and the last one to leave. He is always there to motivate his teammates in adversity or defend when challenged. This young man has grown with the game and no matter what his future holds he will help the development of other lacrosse players or the game in general no matter what his path. If you were interested in having this young man join the team it would be very wise not only his exceptional skills as a player but his attitude, personality and overall kind nature.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel all around North America, to many places that I likely would not have visited, if not for being involved in both field and box lacrosse,” said Loel. “One of my most memorable trips was in 2017 to Bemidji, MN. I participated in a weekend of education about ‘The Creator’s Game’ and learned to play with a variety of traditional sticks. The event was opened with a traditional blessing and song, along with a smudge, all things I had never experienced.” 

“I’m studying to be a red seal carpenter and about to go into my Level 2 as well as a Junior B Tier 1 box lacrosse player for the Manitoba Blizzard,” said Loel. “I’m looking to finish off my junior lacrosse career in Saskatchewan playing for the SWAT Junior ‘A’ team and looking to go to the professional level (National Lacrosse League) after that.” 

“My team won the all state field lacrosse championship in high school with the Grand City Predators in 2016. I was voted tournament MVP and was the leading scorer in the tournament. We won the RMLL championship two years in a row 2016 and 2017. I’ve always tried to play more than just lacrosse so in the winter I play hockey. I played high school hockey in grade 11 and 12 and now play in a senior league.” 

“Loel has always had the skill to play any sport he tries,” said dad Lee Asham. “He loves practice as much as the game. He also takes his game to the next level by studying video, the team and players he’s playing against in each game. He always talks with his coaches about the game and what’s going on during the game to strategies how to make the best of his and his teams chances.”

“Loel is always looking to make plays that involve his entire team instead of just playing for himself. This also carries over to his love for the game to always be first out of the locker room to meet and greet with younger players. Always first to sign autographs and helps our youth club teams as a special guest coach,” said Lee. 

“Now with him playing lacrosse for the past 15 plus years, captaining both Team Manitoba at the national level, his club team the Manitoba Blizzard JR and his many field teams, he has started coaching our youth provincial development program,” said Lee. 

Photo Credits: James Thielen and Paula Asham