Mayers, now the Community Liaison for the Blackhawks and an NBC Sports Chicago network analyst, is grateful for the organization's commitment to making his vision a reality. He has been deeply involved in community and school initiatives for several years with the assistance of Blackhawks personnel such as Spencer Montgomery (Manager, Fan Development) and Annie Camins (Senior Director, Fan Development and Youth Hockey).
"I am very lucky working with Annie Camins and Spencer Montgomery with everything that we do in the community," Mayers said. "Especially when it comes to G.O.A.L., First Stride and Little Blackhawks. One of those programs starts in third and fourth grade, so the antithesis and the idea was born of thinking: How are we going to engage kids that are from (kindergarten) to third grade and kind of get them excited and interested about trying to stay and maybe even further down the line learning how to play hockey?
"I was playing around, writing some stories based loosely off of my upbringing and reading them to my kids and with my son who was five at the time. I found out that I might have something there. So I kept writing and he kept asking me about what happens next. Before I knew it, I had about five books. I am excited that the first one is released. I am excited that hopefully it helps start a conversation and gets people thinking about possibly trying to learn to skate and one day play hockey."
The NHL has stated a mission to improve diversity within the sport and make the game more accessible to all communities across the nation.
"I think they have taken great strides," Mayers said of the league's efforts. "I still think there is a lot of work to be done. I hope that my book for all coaches, educators and parents ... I hope it's a conversation-starter to think about what diversity looks like currently within their activities and around their kids' sporting activities. What are ways they can make it a more inviting and inclusive environment. And if this book is a conversation-starter for that progress, I will be very proud. I think it can be if everyone buys into the fact that the demographics are naturally shifting in a certain direction. And making hockey a more inclusive and inviting sport for everyone will only make the game better."
Mayers, 45, played 15 seasons in the NHL. In addition to the Blackhawks, he played for St. Louis, Toronto, Calgary and San Jose. He played collegiately at Western Michigan University. Individuals looking to purchase a copy of the book can do so online
here
, or by visiting the Madhouse Team Store at the United Center Atrium or the Blackhawks Store on Michigan Avenue. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.
"I have a lot to be thankful and grateful for because of the game," Mayers said. "There are a few things that happened that were challenges. Not unlike some other kids who had different challenges. So my story is a happy one. My story ends up being a positive one. I wanted to share a similar story with kids that may have a single parent home. They may have encountered their own personal struggles, but found a way on the other side and found a way to persevere. That, to me, is a fun story to tell and it's an exciting story to tell. It has been a fun process and I am excited that it is finally here."
