About

 

Devin Buffalo created Waniska Athletics in 2020. Devin is a proud member of Samson Cree Nation, located on Treaty 6 Territory. 

Devin's story is one of resilience, hard work, and character. After dealing with racial incidents in his hockey career, Devin made it his life mission to flip the current stereotypes of Indigenous people. In order to accomplish this, Devin set out on two of his dreams: playing professional hockey, and to graduate from an Ivy League school.

Growing up, Devin was used to seeing these prestigious schools on TV and in movies. After mentioning his Ivy League dream to an adult in his school, he was told that this dream was unrealistic, and unattainable. Despite feeling discouraged, he was determined to prove people wrong.

Kicking off his his junior career in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Devin played for the Bombers in the SJHL for three seasons. After being traded to the Drumheller Dragons in his final year, his team made it to the AJHL championship, falling short to the Spruce Grove Saints.

The following year, Devin achieved his Ivy League dream when he accepted a scholarship to Dartmouth College. During his 4 year college tenure, Buffalo started over 60 NCAA Division 1 games. His college hockey success earned him nominations for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award & the NCAA Hockey Humanitarian Award. Buffalo was also chosen as the MVP of Dartmouth Hockey, and was named to the Second All-Ivy League Team his senior year. Additionally, Buffalo was a 4-time ECAC All-Academic. Devin graduated with a degree in 2018, majoring in Political Science & Government. 

Following his graduation, Devin accomplished his dream of playing professional hockey. After suiting up for various teams in the ECHL, and one appearance in the AHL, Devin concluded his career with the Edmonton Oilers ECHL affiliate: Wichita Thunder. 

In the following years after his hockey career, Devin embarked on a new journey with the creation of Waniska Athletics.  This is a brand that will empower the next generation of Indigenous athletes. A brand that will create student-athletes who will open up doors that have never been open before to Indigenous people.

Waniska Athletics rose to develop a new way of thinking, and to inspire the rise of Indigenous athletes. He has given back by speaking to schools, and communities across Canada. With the development of Waniska Goalie Camps, Devin wishes to encourage young Indigenous goalies across Turtle island.  Not only does he believe that sport & physical activity is a catalyst for the wellness of Indigenous youth, but he emphasizes and shows how education is sport's counterpart.