Number 23
Photo credit: Luke Colavecchia / NHL.com
NHL and NHLPA Honor Black History Month with Community Stories
Featured Focus: Athlete-Driven Impact, Community Programs, Access / Inclusion / Equality
Scope of Impact: National
The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) acknowledged Black History Month this February across the league, and across the country, with inspirational stories of community change-makers who used hockey as a tool for progress. The initiative included celebrating Black hockey culture; sharing stories from young players and their parents on what it means to be a hockey enthusiast; and the Willie O’Ree Skills Weekend, which empowers boys and girls from diverse backgrounds and teaches life skills, hosted by the Minnesota Wild.
Beyond Black History Month, the NHL and NHLPA also have a year-round commitment to access and equity in the sport. Affiliated programs include Hockey Equality’s annual Black Hockey Summit, a youth development camp; the Coaches’ Association’s BIPOC Coaches Program, aimed at supporting hockey coaches at all levels; and their support of the Black Girl Hockey Club Canada, founded by PWHL star Sarah Nurse.
Make no mistake about it: we love to see these types of initiatives come along. Whether it’s from the NHL or other leagues across the country, we celebrate all of the Black History Month-related projects that promote equality and diversity via heartfelt stories and community activations. The NHL’s VP of Social Impact agrees. “February represents a moment for the NHL to express our gratitude to the Black men and women who shaped hockey history.”
However, what often gets overlooked in moments like these are the opportunities to shine a spotlight on what leagues are doing the other 11 months of the year, too. We love that the NHL is committed to hosting programs, development camps, training, tournaments, and all kinds of support to make hockey more accessible to everyone. They know that the WIN | WIN isn’t just about honoring the past or the present (though that’s super important). It’s about opening doors for the future, too.
Hockey Equality
Grassroots programs, the annual Black Hockey Summit, and financial support to make hockey accessible for all.
BIPOC Coaches Program
Started in 2020, this initiative supports black, indigenous and coaches of colour across all levels of hockey.
Hockey Diversity Alliance
More about the effort to promote inclusivity, spearheaded by 8 NHL players.
Anthony Duclair Foundation
Florida Panthers’ forward launches organization to increase black youth participation in hockey.
