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June 30, 2023
This week, the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) announced a new NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, a group of current and former NHL and professional women’s hockey players to advance equality and inclusion on and off the ice. A $1 million+ budget has been earmarked to support its programs through contributions to grassroots organizations, player centered storytelling and other special projects.
Co-chaired by NHL Alumni Anson Carter and P.K. Subban, the coalition currently has 20 members reflecting a range of perspectives across diversity, inclusion, players of color, LGBTQ+ players and allies. The group was first formed in 2020 as the NHL Player Inclusion Committee, which would inform and develop recommendations to the league’s Executive Inclusion Council on how to improve experiences for diverse players in elite hockey.
Now evolving from a recommendations-based body to action, the group is leading and contributing to initiatives that accelerate social change through and within hockey. This includes conducting inclusion experiences and educational sessions for NHL on-ice officials, NHL rookies and minor professionals, as well as bringing voice to diversity and inclusion issues impacting the sport, and leading and supporting events to connect with and inspire underrepresented youth.
“Every member of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition shares a passion to bring diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the hockey community. It has been incredible to work together to amplify the role of players as advisors, ambassadors, and catalysts for real change, which benefits underrepresented groups in the game,” said Carter. “As we enter the coalition’s next phase, we are excited to grow our impact by sharing more of our work with fans to invite everyone who loves hockey to join the movement with us.”
As part of the one million USD commitment, through support from the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, a $750,000 USD NHL Player Inclusion Coalition Action Fund has been created to direct resources toward grassroots programs that welcome and celebrate diverse hockey audiences. The Fund intends to build the future of hockey by engaging a new generation of participants and fans with support from local community leaders. Additionally, each coalition member selected an organization that supports diversity and inclusion in hockey to receive a $5,000 grant.”
Current Players, NHL alumni, and women’s professional hockey Players in the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition are strengthening the game through new activations focused on inclusive outcomes,” said Chris Campoli, NHLPA Divisional Player Representative and former NHL Player who played in 440 NHL games. “The NHLPA looks forward to working with the coalition to facilitate continued progress and growth throughout hockey.”
The launch of the coalition was recognized with an on-ice clinic and panel for the Nashville Predators Creating Opportunities for Racial Equality (CORE) program, which introduces the game of hockey at no cost to new players aged 4 to 9. The CORE program will receive a $10,000 grant from the Fund.
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