Mianscum is a 6’2 scoring machine currently playing in the ECHL for the Trois-Rivières Lions.
The CNG caught up with “Izzy” in late January soon after getting back from a major injury.
Q – Israel, thank you for speaking with us and congratulations on your success. How is life as a professional hockey player?
Thank you. I’m just returning to playing again but everything is going well and I’m really glad to be back. We have a good group of guys here not just on the ice but off the ice and everyone seems to fit in perfectly.
There’s a lot of older veterans and they’re nice to me, encouraging and very supportive. I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.
Q – You are just coming back from a major injury. The first big injury of your career. How are you coping?
It was a knee injury two months ago, a partial tear putting me out for 10 weeks. I worked with the team a lot during rehab, and I was able to return last week. It’s been healing well and for the past few weeks I’ve been skating a lot. Last week was my first game back with my team.
Q – What kind of advice would you have for your many young hockey fans in the Cree Nation?
I would say work hard and believe that anything is possible. Where we come from, kids have to make a lot of sacrifices if they want to play at a high level. It’s not easy leaving your family, your friends and your culture.
I remember when I was a kid, I would get homesick wanting to be back home but no matter how hard it gets, it pays off in the end. Work hard, make those sacrifices but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. I feel like that’s the difference when you enjoy the game and enjoy what you do, that’s what helps you get better and succeed.
In his first week back off the injured list, at the time of this article, Israel had two points, scoring a goal and an assist in the team’s win January 31st against the Maine Mariners.
The Trois-Rivières Lions are currently 3rd in the league.
Good luck to the Lions for the rest of the season. Sook Madawa Israel!