The Canadiens unveil a new jersey and announce a special concept for tonight's game

Longtime Kahnawake resident, Deer also works as a graphic designer, cultural liaison and librarian at the Kanien'kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center.


Deer didn't expect Canadians to seek out his creative talents, but he is honoured that they did.

"It was kind of a shock to get the call, but as I got into it, it reminded me how much I missed following field hockey," said Deer, whose credits include illustrating Transformers, G.I. Joe, Godzilla, M.A.S.K., Micronauts, Ghostbusters, Star Trek and Star Wars. "I wish I could tell the kid I was at six years old that I would be asked to do creative work for the Montreal Canadiens one day. I was such a big fan of the Canadiens in the early 1980s."

Deer is proud that the organization is celebrating Aboriginal culture in addition to raising funds to support First Nations youth in Quebec, as all proceeds from the auction of these warm-up jerseys will go to the New Pathways Foundation.

"It's great that Canadians are making this a priority. The connection between Aboriginal people and field hockey is strong, at least in my community," said Deer. "After being field hockey fans for so long, receiving this kind of recognition will be a very important moment for Aboriginal fans."

Deer's jersey design was created in the spirit of peace, friendship and reconciliation.