HDA celebrates 5 years: Challenges and triumphs in hockey, what’s next?

The Hockey Diversity Alliance Celebrates Five Years of Impact in Hockey

Five years ago, what began as a conversation among NHL players of color, transformed into a powerful alliance dedicated to addressing issues of equality and diversity in hockey. The Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) has celebrated its fifth anniversary with a community event in Toronto, demonstrating its commitment to growth and inclusion in the sport. The Summer Fest event, held at Canoe Landing Park, brought together more than 2,200 people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with NHL players and other sports personalities, as well as participate in hockey-related activities.

“We just want to keep showcasing the incredible work we are doing,” said Akim Aliu, former Calgary Flames player and founding member of the HDA. “None of us gain anything from this personally, financially, or in any way. It’s just the families and communities that continue to flourish and grow through our program. And that’s something that, I think, the world should see.”

Akim Aliu, Founding Member of the HDA

Wayne Simmonds, who played 15 seasons in the NHL and is also a founding member of the HDA, described the Summer Fest as “a wonderful culmination of the last five years of all the work we have been doing at the HDA”. The event included activities such as roller hockey, food stalls, and a children’s play area. NHL players in attendance included Akim Aliu, Wayne Simmonds, Nazem Kadri, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Chris Stewart, Joel Ward, and Trevor Daley. In addition, the event was attended by figures such as former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, and American football player Colin Kaepernick, who has had a long relationship with the HDA. The HDA was founded in June 2020, amidst the protests against racial injustice in the United States. What began as a text chat among players turned into a pioneering coalition led by Aliu and Evander Kane. In a cover letter, the founders expressed their intention to “eradicate racism and intolerance” in hockey. Although the organization has operated independently of the NHL, they sought to collaborate with the league to achieve significant changes. During the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, the HDA was present, and defenseman Matt Dumba delivered an emotional speech against racial injustice before kneeling during the American national anthem.

Matt Dumba giving an emotional speech during the NHL playoffs in 2020.In August 2020, the HDA presented a series of proposals to the NHL, but after months of negotiations, the organization decided to operate independently, although the NHL created its own Player Inclusion Coalition. Despite the challenges, the HDA has achieved a significant impact, especially at the grassroots level. The organization has implemented free hockey programs for young people from disadvantaged communities. The HDA supports programs in the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, and Halifax, and is launching one in Vancouver. Plans to expand to Chicago have been discussed. The main goal of the HDA is to break down barriers to entry into hockey, especially economic ones. The organization’s programs include girls and boys from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Kadri highlighted the positive impact of the HDA on the families participating in the programs. “I’ve had people tell me that the HDA has helped their children make friends because of the camaraderie aspect of playing a sport they love,” he said. The Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) is committed to its mission of bringing hockey to everyone, expanding the sport and making it more inclusive. The organization expects financial support to continue in order to expand its programs and reach more communities. Although a partnership with the NHL remains a goal, the HDA continues to work independently, focusing on its inclusion and diversity objectives. Akim Aliu believes that collaboration between the HDA and the NHL could benefit both parties. “We’re tapping into a lot of different demographics. It will grow the audience, it will grow the talent, it will grow all the things they care about,” he said. Kadri, who is entering his 16th season in the NHL, believes that both organizational goals are common and that a partnership is not impossible. “Although we could do it in different ways, I think the ultimate goal is very similar,” said Kadri. “One of these days, it could come to fruition, but as of now, we are completely independent. And what a long way we’ve come.”