The Hockey Diversity Alliance Celebrates Five Years of Impact
Five years ago, what began as a group chat among NHL players of color, focused on civil rights issues and obstacles to equality in hockey, has evolved into an influential organization. The Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) is preparing to celebrate its Summer Fest in Toronto, an event for more than 2,200 people from diverse communities.
The event, which will be held at Canoe Landing Park, seeks to bring communities closer to hockey and give them the opportunity to interact with NHL players and sports celebrities. Akim Aliu, former Calgary Flames player and founding member of the HDA, highlighted the importance of this work: “We just want to keep showing the incredible work we are doing.” Wayne Simmonds, with 15 seasons in the NHL and also a founder of the HDA, described the Summer Fest as “a wonderful culmination of the last five years of work.”
The event will include roller hockey, food, and activities for children. NHL players participating include Nazem Kadri, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, as well as Chris Stewart, Joel Ward, and Trevor Daley. Marshawn Lynch and Colin Kaepernick, who has collaborated with the HDA since its inception, are also expected to attend.
“It was good to talk to him about how his battle 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 was founded in June 2020, amidst the civil unrest in the United States following the murder of George Floyd. The initiative, led by Aliu and Evander Kane, aimed to “eradicate racism and intolerance” in hockey. In an introductory letter, they expressed their hope to collaborate with the NHL to achieve significant changes.
During the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, the HDA had a presence, and the NHL acknowledged the protests with 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 American national anthem.Matt Dumba’s speech was a memorable moment in the 2020 playoffs.In August 2020, the HDA presented an eight-point commitment that it hoped the NHL would sign, but after months of negotiations, the HDA decided to operate independently, while the NHL created its own Player Inclusion Coalition. Simmonds explained that, after failing to reach an agreement, they focused on grassroots work.
Aliu noted that, despite the challenges, the HDA has achieved a significant impact, especially at the grassroots level. The organization has implemented successful youth hockey programs in the Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and soon-to-be Vancouver areas, with plans for Chicago. These programs offer free clinics for young people from diverse backgrounds, achieving an 80% retention rate.
The HDA focuses on breaking down economic barriers for disadvantaged youth. Aliu emphasized that their programs are open to all children, regardless of their race or economic situation. Kadri highlighted the positive impact of the HDA on families, mentioning how it has helped children make friends and develop a passion for hockey.
The organization is dedicated to promoting “people of color, because I believe they have been largely overlooked for a long, long time”, but the organization focuses on breaking down all barriers to entry for disadvantaged youth, especially economic ones.
Simmonds highlights that the main goal is to expand the game and make it more accessible. Aliu acknowledges that the future of the HDA is largely out of his control, but emphasizes the importance of continuing to push, grow, and seek financial opportunities. Although collaboration with the NHL remains a “dream”, Aliu believes that their goals can align, benefiting both parties. Kadri, for his part, considers that, although the HDA and the NHL operate independently, they share common goals.
The HDA is making a significant impact, with programs offering free hockey to young people from diverse communities. The organization seeks to expand the game and make it more inclusive, hoping for a future where hockey is a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
