According to a report in USA Today, only 26 players in the National Hockey League are Black with only 3% of the league consisting of different ethnicities. Ever since Willie O’Ree first stepped on the ice in 1958 for the Boston Bruins, he paved the way for many who laced up their skates after him. Despite facing horrific acts of racism, Black players have endured to not only remain, but thrive in the NHL. Whether it was Grant Fuhr standing between the pipes for the Wayne Gretzky-led Edmonton Oilers of the 1980’s, to the marvelous play of Jarome Iginla in Calgary, to P.K. Subban becoming one of the league’s best defensemen, Black players have excelled in a sport that hasn’t always been kind to them. Now, there is another group who is looking to make their mark in the game: Black women.

The Black Girl Hockey Club is a non-profit organization that has an astounding online presence, dedicated to being a community space for Black women who love the sport. According to their website, their purpose is to “inspire and sustain passion for the game of hockey within the Black community, specifically with our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends. To prevent exclusion in hockey based on race, gender, sexuality or ability in the face of institutional racism, financial gatekeeping and program access, the Black Girl Hockey Club will provide education, scholarship opportunities and community spaces that will give Black women access to hockey.”

They have introduced the “Get Uncomfortable” campaign, which has three main objectives:

• ENCOURAGE the hockey community to make a welcoming space for Black girls and all BIPOC communities as players and fans of the sport.
• EMPLOY and recruit BIPOC applicants to begin the process of diversifying hockey at all levels.
• EDUCATE the hockey community on social justice and allyship with guidance from BIPOC leaders, anti-racism experts, advocates, players, and fans.

The organization also has a mentorship and scholarship programs, all with the aim of empowering Black youth who want to know more about the sport and grow in all of its aspects, from competition to media participation. Interested parties can apply here.

Currently, the National Women’s Hockey League has been a great pathway for Black players such as the Toronto Six’s Saroya Tinker. As the Stanley Cup Finals get underway, maybe one day we will see a Black woman lift up Lord Stanley’s Cup. Thanks to the efforts of Black Girl Hockey Club, that day is even closer to reality.