How does the symbol of hockey play a role in this story?

Hockey becomes a symbol of freedom for Saul. It is an activity that transcends race and even the hell of residential school. Hockey allows Saul to literally and metaphorically escape his reality at school. Later in the novel, hockey becomes a prison for Saul. When Saul makes it to the Toronto Maple Leaf’s farm team, it becomes a white man's game and Saul finds himself isolated in the game that used to free him.