Are There Any Black Professional Hockey Players
When you think of hockey players, you might picture a group of white men skating around on the ice. And while it's true that the majority of professional hockey players are white, that doesn't mean there aren't any black players in the NHL. In fact, there have been several black players who have made a big impact on the game over the years.
The First Black NHL Player
The first black player in the NHL was Willie O'Ree, who made his debut for the Boston Bruins in 1958. O'Ree faced a lot of racist abuse during his time in the league, but he persevered and went on to have a successful career. He played in 45 games for the Bruins and scored four goals and 10 assists.
Other Black NHL Players
Since O'Ree's debut, there have been several other black players who have made a name for themselves in the NHL. Jarome Iginla is one of the most well-known black players in the league's history. He played for several teams over his career, including the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Colorado Avalanche. He scored 625 goals and 675 assists over his career and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
Another black player who has been making waves in the NHL is Seth Jones. He currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been named to multiple All-Star teams. He was also a member of the United States Olympic team in 2014.
Diversity in Hockey
While there may not be as many black players in the NHL as there are white players, there are efforts being made to make the league more diverse. The NHL has a Diversity and Inclusion Program that aims to promote and support diversity in the league. They offer programs for underrepresented groups, such as girls and women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals, and work with teams to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Conclusion
So, are there any black professional hockey players? The answer is yes, there definitely are. While they may be a minority in the league, black players like Willie O'Ree, Jarome Iginla, and Seth Jones have had a significant impact on the game. Furthermore, the NHL is continuing to work towards creating a more diverse and inclusive environment for all players.