HDA: 5 years breaking barriers in hockey, challenges and future

The Hockey Diversity Alliance Celebrates Five Years of Impact

Five years ago, what began as a chat group among NHL players of color has transformed into a powerful force driving change. The Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) celebrates its fifth anniversary with a community event in Toronto, demonstrating its commitment to inclusion and access to hockey. The Summer Fest event, scheduled for this Saturday at Canoe Landing Park, will bring together more than 2,200 people from diverse communities and economic backgrounds. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with NHL players and sports celebrities, as well as participate in hockey-related activities.

We want to keep showing the incredible work we are doing. None of us benefits from this personally, financially, or in any way. It is the families and communities that continue to flourish and grow through our program. And that is something that, I believe, the world should see.

Akim Aliu, founding member of the HDA

Wayne Simmonds, a player with 15 seasons in the NHL and also a founding member of the HDA, describes the Summer Fest as the culmination of five years of hard work. The event, designed for the community, will include roller hockey, food, and activities for children. Among the NHL players who support the HDA are Akim Aliu, Wayne Simmonds, Nazem Kadri, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Chris Stewart, Joel Ward, and Trevor Daley. Figures such as Marshawn Lynch and Colin Kaepernick, who has worked closely with the HDA since its inception, are also expected to be present.

It was good to hear his ideas on how his struggle was and how he overcame it. He said that if we were going to do this, we obviously had to stick together no matter what.

Wayne Simmonds, on Colin Kaepernick

The HDA was founded in June 2020, amidst social tensions in the United States. What began as a conversation between players turned into a coalition with the goal of eradicating racism and intolerance in hockey. Evander Kane, although no longer affiliated with the HDA, was also part of the co-leaders. In a cover letter, the founders expressed their hope to collaborate with the NHL to achieve significant changes, emphasizing the importance of accountability in promoting inclusion and diversity. The organization had a presence during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, with the support of the NHL which displayed messages of “We Skate For Black Lives”. Matt Dumba, a founding member of the HDA, delivered an emotional speech against racial injustice before kneeling during the national anthem.

Matt Dumba giving a speech against racism.The HDA presented an eight-point plan to the NHL, seeking concrete commitments. Although the negotiations did not result in an alliance, the HDA decided to operate independently, while the NHL created its own Player Inclusion Coalition.

The first route for us was to try to partner with the league, but we really didn’t agree on some of the issues.

Wayne Simmonds

Despite the challenges, the HDA has achieved a significant impact, especially in the grassroots sphere. The organization has seen a decrease in corporate support, which poses a challenge. However, the HDA continues to expand its programs and foster the participation of young people from diverse backgrounds. The HDA has implemented programs in the Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver areas, and is considering expanding to Chicago. These programs offer free hockey clinics for youths aged 6 to 15, with an 80% retention rate. Akim Aliu estimates that 1,500 young people participate in HDA programs, with a significant number of players who have progressed to competitive levels. The HDA’s focus is on eliminating barriers to entry, especially economic ones, so that young people from all backgrounds have access to hockey.

Akim Aliu, with some of the children participating in the HDA programs.The goal of the HDA in the next five years is to continue expanding hockey and making it more accessible. Although the relationship with the NHL remains independent, the HDA hopes that its goals can align to achieve a greater impact. Nazem Kadri, who is about to begin his 16th season in the NHL, believes that a partnership between the HDA and the league is possible, as they share common goals. Kadri highlights the importance of the HDA in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. HDA has shown that hockey can be a sport for everyone, regardless of their background or economic situation. Their work continues to transform the hockey landscape, building a more inclusive and diverse future.