"We believe we are a higher performing League when we have an inclusive culture that harnesses the power of diversity," said Commissioner Bettman. "Now, equipped with the learnings and recommendations of our Player, Fan and Youth Hockey Inclusion Committees, we are taking the next step to bring real, positive, systemic change to the game. While this work takes time and diligence, because it is predicated on relationships and authenticity through action, we know the lasting value this work will have for our Clubs, the Players, fans, employees, business partners and everyone else who makes up the hockey community."
Following are some of the areas that will be the focus of this new investment:
This investment is in addition to the ongoing efforts across the League and 32 Clubs, many of which have been launched in recent months across dimensions of leadership, education, employment, marketing, partnerships, participation and community and civic engagement. Examples include, the
Toronto Maple Leafs Management and Coaching Development Program
, which offers paid contract positions to Black or Indigenous candidates (or those who identify as part of another marginalized and/or racialized group); the Pittsburgh Penguins' development of the
Willie O'Ree Academy
, which offers tailored training and enrichment for local Black youth hockey players; and the Vegas Golden Knights' ball hockey program in partnership with Ryan Reaves, which will build a ball hockey rink and sustain programming for the James Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada
Progress has been realized through the establishment of employee resource groups; the launch of numerous BIPOC development, fellowship and mentoring programs; expert-led internal inclusion experiences for leadership and staff; a League-wide hotline to report unethical behavior and misconduct; the launch of hockey programs that increase opportunities for girls and BIPOC youth; and more.
A more complete, aggregated report updating League-wide inclusion investments and initiatives will be made available at the start of the 2021-22 season.
