The Hockey Diversity Alliance Celebrates Five Years of Impact
Five years ago, a group of NHL players came together in a chat to address civil rights issues and the barriers preventing equality in hockey. This weekend, the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) is celebrating its Summer Fest in Toronto, a community event that will bring together more than 2,200 people from diverse communities and economic backgrounds.
The event will feature NHL players and sports celebrities, and will offer an exposure to hockey, which has been the core of the HDA’s mission.
“We simply want to keep showcasing the incredible work we are doing.”
Akim Aliu, former Calgary Flames player and founding member of the HDA.
Wayne Simmonds, a 15-season NHL veteran and founding member of the HDA, describes the Summer Fest as a culmination of five years of work. The event will include roller hockey, food, and activities for children.
Among the NHL players who will participate are Akim Aliu, Wayne Simmonds, Nazem Kadri, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, 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.
The HDA was founded in June 2020, amidst protests against racial injustice in the United States. Initially, a group of current and retired players came together to form a coalition that sought to eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey.
In 2020, the organization had a presence during the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the NHL recognized the protests by displaying messages of support. Matt Dumba, a founding member of the HDA, delivered an emotional speech against racial injustice before kneeling during the national anthem.Matt Dumba delivering an emotional speech before the Blackhawks-Oilers game, a memorable moment from the 2020 NHL playoffs.Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via APThe HDA sought significant changes, publishing an eight-point commitment that it presented to the NHL, including hiring goals and funding for community initiatives. After negotiations, the HDA decided to operate independently of the NHL, which created its own Player Inclusion Coalition.
Despite the challenges, the HDA has had a significant impact in the last five years. Aliu highlights the importance of people seeing the organization’s work and the pride they feel for what they have built.
The biggest challenge for the HDA has been the decrease in corporate support. However, the organization continues to expand its programs and currently has a waiting list. The HDA focuses on breaking down barriers to access for disadvantaged youth, especially economic ones.
The HDA supports programs in the Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Vancouver areas, with expansion plans in Chicago. The organization has achieved an 80% retention rate in its programs.
The main goal of the HDA is to bring hockey to everyone, seeking to expand the sport and make it more accessible and safe.
Player Nazem Kadri has expressed his satisfaction upon hearing from the families who have participated in the programs, highlighting the positive impact on the lives of the children.
The HDA focuses on grassroots development, offering free clinics and programs for children from diverse communities. Akim Aliu estimates that the HDA has 1,500 young people involved in its free hockey programs. Around 45 to 50% of those players have gone on to play competitive hockey.Thanks to its grassroots hockey programs, around 1,500 children can play hockey “completely free,” according to Akim Aliu.Courtesy of Akim AliuDespite the independence between the HDA and the NHL, Aliu dreams of a possible collaboration in the future, believing that their goals could align to benefit the sport and communities.
Kadri, who is about to begin his 16th season in the NHL, has stated that he has never experienced friction with the league due to his role in the HDA, and believes that a partnership is not impossible.
