The Hockey Diversity Alliance Celebrates Five Years of Impact
Five years ago, a group of NHL players from various ethnicities started a conversation that would eventually transform into the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA). This weekend, at Canoe Landing Park in Toronto, the HDA will hold its Summer Fest, a community event designed for over 2,200 people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The event will feature the presence of NHL players and sports celebrities, and its main objective is to promote hockey among disadvantaged communities. Akim Aliu, former Calgary Flames player and founding member of the HDA, highlighted the importance of the event:Wayne Simmonds, with 15 seasons in the NHL and also a founding member of the HDA, described the Summer Fest as the culmination of the work of the last five years. The event will include roller hockey, food, and activities for children. Among the NHL players who support the HDA are Aliu, Simmonds, Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames, Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders, Matt Dumba of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and retired players Chris Stewart, Joel Ward and Trevor Daley. Figures like Marshawn Lynch and Colin Kaepernick, who has collaborated with the HDA since its inception, are also expected to participate. Kaepernick, now a civil rights activist, offered his support and experience to the founders of the HDA. Simmonds highlighted the importance of his advice:“We want to keep showing the incredible work we are doing. None of us benefits personally, financially, or in any other way. It’s the families and communities that continue to flourish and grow through our program. And that’s something that, I believe, the world should see.”
Akim Aliu
The HDA was founded in June 2020, amidst the protests over the death of George Floyd. Initially, a group of current and retired NHL players came together to address racism and intolerance in hockey. Evander Kane, now with the Vancouver Canucks, and Aliu were the co-leaders of this initiative. In a cover letter, the founders of the HDA expressed their desire to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey and their hope to collaborate with the NHL to achieve significant changes. The organization was present during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, where messages of support for the Black community were displayed. Matt Dumba, then a player for the Minnesota Wild and a founding member of the HDA, gave a speech against racial injustice and knelt during the American national anthem. The HDA also presented a series of proposals to the NHL, including hiring goals and funding for community initiatives. After months of negotiations, the HDA decided to operate independently of the NHL, which in turn created its own Player Inclusion Coalition. Simmonds explained that differences of opinion prevented an initial partnership. Aliu noted that the biggest challenge for the HDA has been the decline in corporate support, which has limited the expansion of its programs. Despite this, the organization has achieved a significant impact, especially through its hockey programs for young people. The HDA focuses on promoting diversity and breaking down the economic barriers that prevent disadvantaged youth from accessing hockey. Its programs include 40% girls and 30% white boys, among others. Kadri highlighted the positive impact of the HDA on families:“It was good to hear his perspective 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
The HDA operates programs in the Toronto, Montreal, Halifax area and is launching one in Vancouver. Aliu mentioned that options for Chicago are being considered. The organization reports an 80% retention rate in its programs. The Hockey Diversity Alliance (@theofficialhda) post The HDA seeks to bring hockey to more people and improve the sport. Simmonds emphasized the importance of expanding the game to make it better. Aliu recognizes that the future of the HDA depends on external factors, but the organization will continue to strive to find financial support and promote its community goals.“I’ve heard people tell me that the HDA has helped their children make friends because of the camaraderie aspect of playing a sport they love. Just seeing the emotion on the parents’ faces when they tell us these stories, makes you realize, ‘OK, this is why we’re doing this.'”
Nazem Kadri
Although there is no formal relationship with the NHL, Aliu hopes that they can collaborate someday, highlighting that both have similar goals. Kadri, with 16 seasons in the NHL, has not experienced friction with the league and believes in the possibility of a future partnership.
