SportsLife 2015, issue 5 | Page 15

Rain Slater with family “They respected his decision and said to think about next year,” said Ryan. “But I honestly think Rain is happy where he is. Football is fun again.” “Regardless, Slater is only 15 and is talented far beyond his years” According to WHSFL Commissioner Rick Henkewich, Slater was ranked as the fifth best player in the province and the No. 2 offensive lineman behind Matt Kaneski of St. Paul’s. However, as good as Kaneski is, he’s also 17 and in Grade 12. Regardless, Slater is only 15 and is talented far beyond his years. As Henkewich said this week, “he is only going to get better.” At the U-16 provincial level, Slater was an offensive team captain for Team Black. He’s also a talented guitarist. According to his uncles Mike Bruyere and Jesse Green – Buffy St Marie’s drummer and lead guitarist respectively – Slater is a guitar prodigy. He’s self taught, but he can play it all. He can listen to a song and almost immediately figure it out. There are a growing number of gifted Metis and First Nation’s athletes in Manitoba. From Brandon Wheat Kings winger Linden McCorrister to University of Manitoba Bisons offensive lineman Nevin Gamblin, a