Players form Hockey Diversity Alliance to confront racism in sport

Seven current and former NHL players of color have created the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA), an independent group striving to “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey,” according to a press release Monday.

The official release, which leaders of the committee posted on social media, revealed that Sharks winger Evander Kane and former NHLer Akim Aliu were appointed as co-heads of the HDA. The executive committee is made up of Red Wings defenseman Trevor Daley, Wild blue-liner Matt Dumba, Sabres winger Wayne Simmonds, retired forward Joel Ward and veteran winger Chris Stewart, who currently plays for the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Aliu told Sportsnet the group is preliminary and plans to add female members soon.

Aliu, who now plays professionally in the Czech Republic, went public with allegations in 2019 that then-Flames head coach Bill Peters directed racial epithets at him in the locker room while he played for the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, leading to Peters’ resignation four days later. The 31-year-old Aliu also detailed his tumultuous experience, which included hazing because of his race as a young hockey player, while trying to make it to the NHL in a Players’ Tribune article entitled “Hockey Is Not for Everyone” in May.

“As minorities who play professional hockey, we have come together to create the Hockey Diversity Alliance,” the release reads.

“Our mission is to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey. We will strive to be a force for positive change not only within our game of hockey, but also within society. Although we will be independent of the NHL, we are hopeful that we will work productively with the league to accomplish these important changes. We believe in the importance of accountability in developing inclusivity and diversity for all involved in our sport, including fans and the league office.”

TSN reported that members of the new organization recently spoke via Zoom call with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who protested police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 and has not played in the NFL since that season. The report also said the alliance has been in the works for months.

The HDA plans to “promote diversity at all levels of the game through community outreach and engagement with youth and will endeavor to make the game more affordable and accessible,” per Monday’s release.

“We will also focus on educating the hockey community about the racism issues confronting the sport, while advocating for acceptance and equality,” the release said. “We have partnered with a charitable fiscal sponsor and we will be launching a charitable division in the coming weeks to assist us in achieving our objectives.”

The formation of the HDA comes on the heels of nationwide protests against police brutality, which were sparked by the police-related death of George Floyd.

“In creating our alliance, we are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans,” the announcement said. “We are hopeful that anyone who puts on skates or sits in the stands will do so without worrying about race, gender, socioeconomic background and will be able to express their culture, identity, value 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.”