Saul is an Ojibway man who spends his early childhood living deep in the bush, shielded from white society. Endowed with a visionary gift inherited from his ancestors, he possesses a natural, highly intuitive ability for ice hockey. He relies on his quiet observation skills and physical abilities on the ice to find belonging and escape his traumatic youth.

Naomi is the matriarch of the Indian Horse family and a steadfast protector of her grandchildren. She actively resists the influence of white society and the Catholic residential schools, preferring the traditional Ojibway way of life. She serves as Saul's primary source of stability, warmth, and cultural education during his early years.

Father Leboutilier is a Catholic priest assigned to the residential school who presents a kinder demeanor than his colleagues. He introduces the game of ice hockey to the students, forming a team and organizing practices. He recognizes Saul's interest in the sport and provides him with early opportunities to access the ice.

Virgil is the seventeen-year-old son of Fred and Martha Kelly and the captain of the Moose hockey team. Due to his father's work schedule, Virgil often acts as the team's coach and mechanic. He becomes one of Saul's closest confidants, helping him adjust to public school and training with him on the ice.

Shabogeesick is Saul's great-grandfather and a revered seer among the Ojibway people. He holds a deep connection to the natural world and passes down a prophetic teaching about a coming change that will scorch their lives. His presence lingers over the family through spiritual visions.

Benjamin is Saul's older brother who shares his early years in the bush. After being captured by the white authorities and taken to the St. Jerome's school, he eventually escapes and reunites with his family. He suffers from a severe cough and tuberculosis, forcing the family to seek healing at Gods Lake.

Fred is an Ojibway man living in the mining town of Manitouwadge and an alumnus of St. Jerome's. He manages the Moose, a traveling Indigenous hockey team. Recognizing Saul's high-level talent, he offers the young player a place in his home and an opportunity to play hockey away from the residential school.

Martha is Fred's wife and a fellow survivor of the St. Jerome's residential school. She welcomes Saul into her home, ensuring his practical needs are met while treating him with the respect of a friend rather than a child.

Jack Lanahan is a scout for the Toronto Marlboros, a Major Junior A feeder club for the Maple Leafs. He tracks Saul's rising success in the regional tournaments and ultimately offers him a chance to try out for a professional hockey career in Toronto.

Patrick is a former hockey player who, along with his wife, hosts young players drafted into the Toronto system. He provides Saul with a place to live in the unfamiliar, fast-paced environment of the city.

Elissa is Patrick's wife. She assists in hosting Saul during his time playing for the Toronto Marlboros, offering a domestic base in a city completely devoid of the wildness he is used to.

Ervin is a childless widower who befriends Saul during his transient period. After nursing Saul through a severe alcohol withdrawal, Ervin offers him a room and a job cutting and delivering firewood. He asks no questions about Saul's past, providing a quiet, undemanding friendship.

Sister Ignacia is a strict, severe nun at St. Jerome's Indian Residential School. She firmly believes in the school's mission to erase Indigenous identity, utilizing corporal punishment and intimidation to maintain control over the children.

Father Quinney is an authority figure at St. Jerome's who oversees the school's activities. Though initially skeptical of allowing a younger boy to play hockey, he changes his mind upon witnessing Saul's skill, declaring it a divine gift and clearing the way for Saul's transfer to Manitouwadge.

Levi is a hardware store owner and a local hockey coach. Recognizing Saul's immense talent, he recruits the young boy for his team, though he ultimately yields to pressure from white parents who want their own children to play instead.

Ernie is a player for the Moose who works the graveyard shift at the local mine. He serves as a voice for the team's collective dreams, urging Saul to take the opportunity in Toronto as a victory for all the players who will never escape their difficult labor conditions.

Rachel is Saul's older sister. Abducted by the government men before Saul was born, she represents the initial fracture of the Indian Horse family and stands as an invisible source of grief for her parents and grandmother.

Lonnie is a young Ojibway boy forced into the St. Jerome's Indian Residential School alongside Saul. He attempts to defend his given name, explaining he was named after his father, but faces severe physical punishment until he submits to being called Aaron.