Diversity in Sports: NHL Players Expect More Action

It's not much of a secret that hockey does not have a very diverse fanbase compared to other sports. Even today, players from youth hockey to the NHL still experience racism from fans and other players. Issues like those and the death of George Floyd in 2020 lead to the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance by a group of players. 

In class we have discussed diversity issues within sport, including the UCF Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport report cards, which the NHL is now looking to take part in. 

Although, many players and staff already accept that the results won't be very favorable to the league. 

Matt Dumba, a defenseman for the Minnesota Wild and member of the HDA, has recently spoken out pushing the league to improve. 

    “It just goes back to everything that’s been done for a long, long time in the same fashion. You know,     the old boys’ club and them dictating who is and who isn’t welcome. Yeah, I’m sick of it.”

Additionally, Sarah Nurse of the Canadian women's national team and cousin of NHL defenseman Darnell Nurse, has cited unfavorable culture, expense, and a lack of colored role models all as potential reasons. 

Full Associated Press article:

https://apnews.com/article/nhl-entertainment-sports-minnesota-hockey-feed49ed82e0790e3c3f585fd4d33976

Hockey Diversity Alliance:

https://hockeydiversityalliance.org/