HDA: 5 Years of Impact in Hockey and Future Challenges

The Hockey Diversity Alliance: Five Years of Impact in Hockey

Five years ago, what began as a group chat among NHL players of color, transformed into the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA). This group, which discussed civil rights issues and obstacles to equality in hockey, is celebrating a major milestone. Last Saturday, Canoe Landing Park in Toronto was the setting for the HDA’s Summer Fest, a community event that brought together more than 2,200 people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with NHL players and other sports personalities, and to get closer to hockey, the core of the HDA’s mission.

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

Akim Aliu, founding member of the HDA

Wayne Simmonds, a 15-season NHL player and founding member of the HDA, described the Summer Fest as a “wonderful culmination of the last five years of work.” The event, branded HDA, included roller hockey, food, and activities for children. Among the NHL players who support the HDA and attended the event are Akim Aliu, Wayne Simmonds, Nazem Kadri, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Chris Stewart, Joel Ward, and Trevor Daley. The presence of Marshawn Lynch and Colin Kaepernick, who have maintained a long relationship with the HDA, was also expected. Kaepernick, who shares representation with Aliu, participated in video conferences with the founding members before the initiative’s launch.

It was good to hear his opinion on how his struggle was and how he went through 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. What began as a conversation in a text group between current and former players turned into a pioneering coalition, with Aliu and Evander Kane as leaders. In a cover letter, the six current and former NHL players announced their intention to “eradicate racism and intolerance” in hockey. The organization had a presence during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, which were held in the “hub cities” of Toronto and Edmonton due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHL recognized the national protests by displaying “We Skate For Black Lives” advertisements on the video screens around the rink. Matt Dumba, a founding member of the HDA, gave an emotional speech against racial injustice before kneeling during the American national anthem.

In its early months, the HDA strived to drive change. In August 2020, it published an eight-point pledge that it wanted the NHL to sign, with requests ranging from hiring goals for hockey-related personnel to funding for community initiatives. After months of negotiations, the HDA announced that it would “operate separately and independently” from the NHL, which created its own Player Inclusion Coalition to address inequality issues.

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 is having a significant impact. The biggest challenge the HDA faced in the last five years was the decline in corporate support in North America. Despite these obstacles, the HDA is having a substantial impact. Akim Aliu commented that the character of the organization has shone and that they now see the positive impact on children, families, and young people.

Hockey Diversity Alliance Post

The HDA focuses on community work. Its initial statement in 2020 included a passage that said: “We will promote diversity at all levels of the game through community outreach and engagement with young people. We will strive to make the game more affordable and accessible.” The first successful HDA youth hockey program was in the Greater Toronto Area in 2022, with free hockey clinics for children aged 6 to 15 from diverse communities. Aliu estimates that the HDA has 1,500 young players involved in its “playing hockey completely free” programs, with programs lasting 22 to 26 weeks.

These are children who develop a greater passion for sports. The initial obstacle was just the introduction to hockey, and that’s what we have provided.

Nazem Kadri

The HDA supports programs in the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal and Halifax, and is launching one in Vancouver. Aliu said there have also been conversations about launching one in Chicago. The HDA said it has an 80% retention rate in its programs. The organization seeks to break down barriers for disadvantaged youth, especially economic ones.

We just wanted to help kids who couldn’t afford to play hockey. Our programs are 40% girls. Our programs are 30% white kids. White kids can be poor, Black kids can be poor, kids of color can be poor, and Asian kids can be poor and not be able to access the game of hockey because of how financially demanding it is.

Akim Aliu

Nazem Kadri has expressed that the most rewarding experience with the HDA has been listening to the families who have gone through the program. Simmonds emphasizes that the goal is to expand the game and make it better. Aliu acknowledges that the future of the HDA is largely out of his control, but emphasizes the importance of moving forward and seeking financial opportunities. Regarding a possible association with the NHL, Aliu considers it a “dream” but believes their goals can align. Kadri, who is about to begin his 16th season in the NHL, states that he has never experienced friction with the league due to his participation in the HDA and believes that an association is not impossible.