Color of Hockey: Black Hockey Summit shows 'anything is possible'

In its second year, the Event aims to foster a sense of community among young players by actively producing and nurturing their growth.

By William Douglas

@WDouglasNHL NHL.com Staff Writer

July 08, 2024

William Douglas has been writing The Color of Hockey blog since 2012. Douglas joined NHL.com in 2019 and writes about people of color in the sport. Today, he profiles Hockey Equality’s Black Hockey Summit, held last week at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto.

TORONTO — Trey Caracciolo said it felt refreshing not feeling like a unicorn at the Black Hockey Summit.

Caracciolo, a 17-year-old goalie who played for Kitchener-Waterloo of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League last season, expressed, “Throughout my entire career, in every team I’ve been a part of, I’ve always been either the only player or one of two players fulfilling my position.”

“It is uplifting to witness individuals who resemble you gracefully gliding on the ice. Equally heartening is the sight of a diverse array of individuals surrounding you.”

Caracciolo was among the participants of Hockey Equality’s second annual Black Hockey Summit, which brought together nearly 500 players of diverse backgrounds. This week-long event united boys and girls of all skill levels, from pee wee to elite, hailing from various regions of Canada and the United States.

In suburban Toronto, at Scotiabank Pond, they had the pleasure of participating in fast-paced on-ice skills sessions led by volunteer coaches. Additionally, they engaged in ball hockey games and exercised on a field located behind the four-sheet rink facility. Moreover, they were able to listen to insightful discussions regarding various hockey pathways and opportunities, both on the ice and beyond.

The summit aims to foster inclusivity and hospitality in hockey through the development of skilled players, fostering their growth, and establishing a strong community and support network for both players and their families.

Throughout the week, Tennessee State University athletes had the opportunity to meet with coach Duante Abercrombie, who shared his vision of introducing the inaugural hockey program at a historically Black college (HBCU). The program is anticipated to commence in the 2025-26 season.

During a presentation to players, he expressed, “We are revolutionizing hockey, introducing a completely novel approach. I envision music accompanying our practices on the ice. DJs will be present during the games. A live band will grace the event… This spectacle demands to be witnessed, to be embraced in our unique way.”

Karl Subban, father of former NHL defenseman and current ESPN analyst P.K. Subban and eight-year NHL veteran goalie Malcolm Subban, captivated younger players with a story time reading from “The Hockey Skates,” a children’s book he authored in 2023.

“Isn’t it true that raising a hockey player requires the support of an entire community?” remarked Anthony Stewart, the chairman of Hockey Equality and a former first-round pick (No. 25) in the 2005 NHL Draft. Stewart played for the Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, and Carolina Hurricanes from 2005-2012, spanning six seasons.

Stewart and his wife, Chante Eastmond, form an integral part of the brain trust within a nonprofit organization. Their aim is to expand the reach of hockey by reducing the financial and other obstacles faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) boys and girls. They achieve this through various initiatives such as mentorships, grassroots efforts, and development programs.

Hockey Equality’s impact was evident at the 2024 NHL Draft, when three players of color involved with the organization were selected.

Defenseman Zayne Parekh was taken by the Calgary Flames with the No. 9 pick; forward Kevin He, the highest-drafted China-born player in NHL history, was chosen by the Winnipeg Jets in the fourth round (No. 109); and defenseman Ty Henry went to the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (No. 163).

Stewart expressed, “I shed tears, literally. This demonstrates that nothing is impossible for us. We often discuss change as a thing, but it’s actually an action. We are the ones who put that action into motion.”

Parekh and He were thankful to Hockey Equality, Stewart, and Eastmond for their invaluable assistance in their hockey endeavors.

Parekh praised the game for its remarkable progress in fostering diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. He expressed gratitude towards Anthony and Chante, who played a significant role in supporting him during his minor midget years and including him in various activities.

In a written message, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “Please convey my heartfelt thanks to Anthony for his contributions to Hockey Equality. The future appears promising.”

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association’s International Growth Fund lend their support to Hockey Equality and the summit.

In 2013, the fund was created as a component of the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement. It received backing from all NHL teams with the aim to expedite the growth of League and club business endeavors. Additionally, it aimed to drive projects that foster long-term fan engagement and boost participation in hockey at all levels, placing a special focus on youth involvement.

Rob Knesaurek, NHL senior vice president of hockey development and industry growth, expressed his honor in being a part of Hockey Equality and witnessing the remarkable program created by young athletes. He emphasized the significance of inclusive programs in hockey by participating in the Black Hockey Summit. Knesaurek considers himself privileged to celebrate and learn alongside these inspiring individuals.

After attending the summit, Karl Subban, a former school principal, expressed how deeply he was moved and motivated by the experiences he witnessed.

According to Subban, as they survey the room, they witness their own presence being acknowledged. Upon observing the showcased books, they find reflections of themselves within those pages. Additionally, they catch sight of Willie O’Ree’s image gliding on skates, and it resonates with their own skating experiences. Personally, I believe they identify with PK’s narrative, perceiving it as a source of inspiration. Witnessing their own likeness in triumph is an incredibly powerful and motivating experience for young individuals.

The purpose of the summit was to establish a sense of community and family, while also offering a chance for immediate families to bond. Dwight Green traveled from Dallas, accompanied by his 7-year-old grandson, Brandon.

The older Green dedicated his time as a volunteer coach, while the younger one honed his skills and skated alongside peers of his own age.

Dwight Green expressed that they sought out this place for its diversity, observing various players who resemble him and appreciating the friendships forged, as well as the valuable lessons learned on the ice. Green referred to this environment as a network due to the presence of coaches, trainers, and equipment managers.

On Tuesday, Bernice Carnegie, the daughter of the late Herb Carnegie, who was recognized as the finest Black player to never make it to the NHL, visited the summit to watch her 7-year-old grandson, Jacob Chambers, glide on the ice.

According to his daughter, if Carnegie had been alive to witness the summit, he would have smiled proudly when he was posthumously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.

Carnegie, co-founder of the Carnegie Initiative in 2021, emphasized the significance of encountering individuals who resemble oneself. Despite the possibility of succeeding without such encounters, as demonstrated by his own experiences and those of numerous others, Carnegie believes that it brings an invaluable element to one’s life. He stated, “To witness someone who resembles you adds a unique dimension, inspiring the thought, ‘If they can do it, maybe I can too.'”