June 27 (UPI) — The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have joined forces to launch a player inclusion coalition backed by a $1 million initiative. The aim of the coalition is to promote equality and inclusion in the sport of hockey, as announced by the league and union on Tuesday.
Leading the initiative will be a group of 20 current and former NHL players, as well as women’s professional hockey players. Co-chairs of the coalition are former All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban and winger Anson Carter.
“Every member of the NHL player inclusion coalition shares a deep commitment to bringing diversity and inclusion to the forefront of the hockey community,” said Carter in a press release.
“Working together has been an incredible experience, as we amplify the role of players as advisers, ambassadors, and catalysts for real change that benefits underrepresented groups in the game,” he added.
The coalition consists of a “diverse range of perspectives, including players of color, LGBTQ+ players, and allies,” as stated by the league and union. Originally formed in 2020 as the NHL player inclusion committee, the group has now evolved into a coalition, reflecting a renewed emphasis on taking action. The initiatives of the coalition include providing inclusion experiences and educational sessions to NHL officials, rookies, and minor league players, as well as connecting and inspiring underrepresented youth.
“Today marks the official announcement, but the work has already begun,” said Subban in a video shared on his social media accounts.
The league and union have committed $1 million to the NHL player inclusion coalition, with $750,000 allocated to the coalition’s action fund. The action fund aims to support grassroots programs that promote diversity and inclusivity in hockey and welcome a wide range of audiences. As part of this commitment, a $10,000 grant will be provided to the Nashville Predators for their racial equality program, which offers free hockey opportunities to players aged 4 to 9.
The coalition also includes other notable members such as former Team USA forward Julie Chu, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud, and forwards Cam Atkinson of the Philadelphia Flyers and Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers.
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