A group of seven has taken a significant stand.
With Akim Aliu and the San Jose Sharks’ Evander Kane co-heading, a group that includes current and former National Hockey League players has formed the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA).
The executive committee of the Alliance, announced Monday, is formed by Trevor Daley of the Detroit Red Wings, Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild, Wayne Simmonds of the Buffalo Sabres, Chris Stewart of the Philadelphia Flyers organization and Joel Ward, who retired in April.
The mission of the group is to “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey,” and to be “a force for positive change not only within our game of hockey, but also within society.”
The group said it will be independent of the NHL, but wishes to work with the league to bring about change.
“We love our sport,” the group’s statement says, to begin. “We believe that hockey is the greatest game in the world.
“As minorities who play professional hockey, we have come together to create the Hockey Diversity Alliance.
“We believe in the importance of accountability in developing inclusivity and diversity for all involved in our sport, including fans and the league office.
“We will promote diversity at all levels of the game through community outreach and engagement with youth and will endeavour to make the game more affordable and accessible. We will also focus on educating the hockey community about the racism issues confronting the sport, while advocating for acceptance and equality.
“In creating our alliance, we are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans. We are hopeful that anyone who puts on skates or sits in the stands will do so without worrying about race, gender or socioeconomic background and will be able to express their culture, identity, values and personality without fear of retribution.
“We are united in our efforts and promise to work tirelessly to bring about the change our sport and society needs.”
The group says it has partnered with a sponsor and will be launching a charitable division in the coming weeks.
The issue of racism in hockey came to the fore last November when Aliu tweeted that Bill Peters, his coach with Rockford of the American Hockey League some 10 years earlier, used a racial slur. Not long after, Peters resigned from his role as coach of the Calgary Flames. More recently, Aliu and former NHL defenceman Mark Fraser have published powerful pieces on The Players’ Tribune, and up to 100 players across the NHL have voiced support via social media for racial equality. Players, like many across the world, have come together to add their voices to supporting racial equality following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police two weeks ago.
HOLTBY STEPS UP
Five days after posting on Twitter a passionate plea for racial equality, Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby has put some action behind his words.
Along with his wife Brandi, Holtby launched on Monday an auction called “Get Off the Bench for Racial Equality” with proceeds benefitting Black Lives Matter DC and The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
Holtby, a native of Lloydminster, Sask., and his wife donated $5,000 to each organization and will equal any funds raised by the auction.
Among the items up for bid include a Caps sweater and puck autographed by Holtby, as well as memorabilia signed by Washington teammates Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom.
The auction is being held by Handbid and runs through 12 p.m Eastern on Friday.
On June 3, Holtby posted on Twitter that he “couldn’t find the words to say. And still haven’t. But I had to try.”
Part of Holtby’s message that followed: “I know I will truly never know what it’s like to walk in a black man’s shoes. But I know I have arms, and ears, and a voice to walk beside and listen to every word of anguish and give my strength to every black man, woman or child until their shoes weigh the same as mine.”
Holtby long has been a supporter of human rights and is the Caps’ Hockey is for Everyone ambassador.
ICE CHIPS
The Arizona Coyotes announced on Monday that Xavier A. Gutierrez has been named the club’s president, CEO and alternate governor, making Gutierrez the first Latino team president and CEO in NHL history … Some NHL clubs have entered Phase 2 of the Return to Play plan, with players gathering for small-group activities in their respective home rinks, and the Edmonton Oilers tweeted a photo of five players on the ice on Monday at Rogers Place. Some players have opted to remain at their off-season homes until the NHL gets closer to Phase 3 and the start of training camps, which will not come before July 10 … Hockey Canada is taking its annual Program of Excellence goaltending camp on-line, starting Tuesday and running through Friday. The camp, which will include 23 goalies from across the country as well as 11 instructors, will focus on development, mental and physical performance, planning for short-term competition, environments for success and embracing the role of being a backup … Calgary Flames prospect Dustin Wolf of the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League has been named the Canadian Hockey League goaltender of the year.
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