Black History Month 2024: Celebrating Black Canadian Hockey Players

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on the important contributions of Black people to various fields. One of these fields is hockey, where Black athletes have significantly contributed to the sport. Despite facing significant barriers, Black hockey players have persevered and excelled making their mark on the game. 

Before the NHL and even before the Canadian Amateur Hockey League, there was the CHL, the Coloured Hockey League, founded by Black community leaders in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1895.  Four hundred young Black players from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI competed in a dozen teams including the Dartmouth Jubilees, the Halifax Eurekas and the Amherst Royals. They played mainly on frozen lakes and outdoor rinks. They could only play in arenas after the White leagues had finished their seasons. The League was in operation - except for during World War I – until the Great Depression got bad in 1930.  

Innovators 

Though these players pioneered the slapshot and the butterfly way of goaltending, they faced racism at every turn. The premier hockey league in North America, the NHL, remained firmly White until January 18th, 1958 when New Brunswick’s Willie O’Ree debuted with the Boston Bruins vs the Montreal Canadiens.

He faced racism, bigotry, and prejudice during his career because of his skin colour. 

Almost 20 years later, Scarborough’s Mike Marson became the second player in the NHL.  Black players since- like Grant Fuhr, Kevin Weekes, Jarome Iginla, P.K. Subban, and Wayne Simmond - have had long NHL careers. Black Women like World Championship Gold medallist, Angela James, and Winter Olympics Silver medallist, Sarah Nurse, have also had successful careers. 

Sadly, the same systemic anti-Black racist issues which faced players of the past, persist today. 

Challenging hockey culture 

In 2020, former NHL player, Akim Aliu began a painful, important conversation challenging hockey culture - a conversation which continues today. 

The CHL is now getting the recognition it deserves including a commemorative stamp and a documentary, “Black Ice”.

A proud legacy for Canada 

These extraordinary Black Canadians have left a proud legacy to ALL Canadians and fans of hockey.

We encourage all CUPW members to learn more about the history and legacy of Black Canadians in hockey here: 

• https://www.historymuseum.ca/blog/artifactuality-breaking-ice/ 
• https://blackicesociety.com/ 
• https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/black-ice 
• https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/community-engagement/black-history-month
• https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=8354 

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's essential to acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of Black Canadians in all aspects of Canadian society, including sports like hockey.

CUPW is committed to continuing its anti-racism and anti-oppression work, recognizing that until we are all free, no one is truly free. Let's take this opportunity to celebrate Black excellence, contributions, and joy, both on and off the ice. 

Click on the cards to get information on each of the players.

Coloured Hockey Championship

In the Maritimes, all-Black hockey teams competed between 1895 and the early 1930s. Black players had a physical, fast, innovative style of play and they pioneered aspects of the game, including the butterfly style of goaltending. Their skills rivaled players in “white-only” leagues, but racism and segregation prevented them from playing in the same league.

While segregation is gone, the struggle with racism in the sport continues to this day.

Willie O'Ree

In 1958, Willie O’Ree was the first Black player to play in the NHL.

He dedicated his life to promoting diversity and inclusion in hockey.

His #22 Jersey was retired by the Boston Bruins on January 18, 2022.

Grant Fuhr

He’s been described as the best Black hockey player, holding many records.

He was the first Black player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in November 2002.

Photo: Mack Male, CC BY-SA 2.0

Kevin Weekes

As with many players, Kevin Weekes experienced a lot of racism throughout his career.

After retirement, he became the first Black host of Hockey Night in Canada and is still a broadcaster.

Photo: De James Teterenko, CC BY 3.0

Jerome Iginla

In 2002, he was the first Black Man to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

In 2003, he became the NHL's first Black captain after being named to the role with the Calgary Flames.

Photo: Resolute - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

P.K. Subban

Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, in 2007, he’s had an illustrious career, including winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy, playing on the All-Star Team and winning multiple gold medals for Team Canada at the World Juniors and Olympics.

Off the ice, in 2015, he committed to raise $10 million for the Montreal Children’s Hospital. In 2022, he won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership qualities on and off the ice and for making significant humanitarian contributions to his community.

Wayne Simmonds

Drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft, he was a 2017 All-Star and game MVP.

In 2019, he was awarded the Mark Messier Leadership Award.

Photo: Ian D’Andrea, CC BY-SA 2.0

Angela James

She has been called the first superstar of modern women's hockey and has been hailed as a pioneer who brought the women's game into the mainstream.

She won four World Championship gold medals, including at the first ever IIHF women’s championship in 1990 and was among the first class of women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.

Sarah Nurse

Playing hockey since she was five, she won a silver medal with team Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics where she was the first Black Woman on the team.

In 2020 there was a Barbie doll created based on her which aims to inspire children through imaginative play and encourage engagement with meaningful role models.

In 2022, she became the first woman to appear on the cover of EA Sports NHL 23. She also signed with the Toronto Franchise of the PWHL.

Photo: Courtney from Vancouver, CC BY 2.0

Solidarity!