As Black parents we sometimes must expose our children to spaces that may not always be ready for them. For me, the sport of hockey is one of those spaces. For Black kids who love hockey, the sport can seem to pose unique risks to our safety. And not just from all the body checking.
High-profile incidents, and ones that don’t make headlines, expose hockey as a less than welcoming space for our kids.
Hockey gets is fair share of bad press for its lack of diversity and how leagues handle (or, well don’t handle) incidents of racism. Explicit racism attacks occur and the leaders within the sport seem unable and unwilling to address these incidents or dismantle racism within the sport.
From the outside looking in, I think may of us assess the culture as problematic at best.
But like, I digress. I’m not here to hate on hockey.
In fact, as fate would have it, I became an unwilling hockey mom myself.
As a supportive mom, I had little choice but to be invested in the game my son loved. But I also couldn’t pretend all was well. Instead, I researched organizations and people improving the odds of a positive experience for Black kids who love hockey.
If your child wants to play hockey, these folks are working to make the game a safer space for all of us.
Organizations you should know if your Black child loves hockey
First Shift
was the program we entered when my son wanted to learn the game of hockey. At his age, he was “late” to start playing but the First Shift program was the perfect entry point. Volunteers taught basic rules of the game and brought to life the sport’s sense of fun and laughter. Players new to the game gained the confidence to simply enjoy their time on the rink.
First Shift has a number of programs aiming to make the game more inclusive for players of all backgrounds. The registration fee removes many barriers to entry. The price includes not only six on-ice practice sessions but a full set of fitted head to toe equipment! They are also wise enough to host fitting sessions that help parents new to hockey know how to use it all!
First Shift is a supportive, fun and low-cost entry to hockey for children aged 6-10 who have never played in minor hockey.
Hockey Organizations for Black girls who love hockey
Black Girl Hockey Club
is a self-described community space for Black women in hockey and the folks who love them. BGHC is dedicated to opening up doors for girls and women of colour who love the game. The organization boasts programs that offer mentorship opportunities, events for hockey players and campaigns designed to disrupt racism in hockey. If Hockey fees present a barrier to the game, the organization is known for its scholarship program which subsidizes the costs of playing hockey for Black girls and women aged 9 to 18 years old.
BGHC scholarships offer funds that subsidize season costs, tournament fees, equipment and participation in hockey camps. Applications are required by the deadline check their website for more details or follow @blackgirlhockeyclubca.
An alumni of the Black Girl Hockey Club, Saroya Strong is using her voice to drive diversity in hockey. A defensive player on the NWHL’s Toronto Six, the Yale graduate began an organization which offers mentorship support to young women who are not only hockey players but who may be looking to excel in their sport of choice.
Deeply invested in changing the culture of sports, Saroya also speaks to groups and teams on mental health, diversity and inclusion and resilience.
Organizations supporting 2sLGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey and sports
You Can Play’s
mission is to ensure inclusion of more 2SLGBTQ+ in sports as athletes, coaches, staff and fans. The organization roots for more inclusive locker rooms, spectator areas and fairness in all sports. You Can Play provides resources and support to encourage teams, schools and fans at every level towards safety, inclusion and belonging. You can play seeks to foster athletic environments free of judgement and discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression.
Black children who love hockey benefit from support
There is no way to ensure sports are safe for all kids all the time. These organizations are working to build inclusive spaces that allow Black children to invest in their love of the game.
If you are a hockey parent, coach or fan and know of any other resources that encourage diversity and inclusion in sport or help our kids to play, drop it in the comments!
