By NICK TISO
The NHL dedicated the month of February to everyone that loves hockey, the NHL started #HockeyIsForEveryone month to diversify the game of hockey, as well as share stories of how the game is including everyone.
The NHL decided to take action, and focus on stories of those who are not all that involved in hockey. Everyone was always allowed to enjoy the game, play the game, but the NHL is sharing their stories and shedding light on those who maybe were apprehensive to come out and play the sport.
The NHL have assigned team ambassadors, one for every team. The league ambassador is Willie O’Ree, the first African American to break the color barrier in the NHL. His goal is to help make the game for excesible and easy to play for everyone.
Anthony Carudo who is the captain of the Ramapo College Roadrunners’ hockey team was really happy about the NHL was doing and thought it was a step in the right direction. “Hockey has personally been a safe haven throughout my entire life. It’s always been something I can use to escape the realities of life”
Carudo who just won the championship with the Roadrunners thought everyone who plays the game of hockey deserves a chance, “…everyone deserves a chance to have the same experiences that give so many, including myself, a sense of freedom regardless of culture, social beliefs, religion, etc.”
NHL teams are holding pride night to show their support for the LGBTQ community. They’re dedicating whole nights to the cause and showing others that the hockey community is one.
Every team is making a difference and helping out in one way or another. An Avalanche player is helping a kid with disabilities learn to skate, the Sabres making a donation, the Kings celebrating the LGBTQ community with a kiss cam, Toronto showing off their all gay league, every team is making a difference. From multi-colored jerseys, shirts, tape jobs and more the NHL is making strides to really make everyone feel included.
The Buffalo Sabres showed their support for the transgender community by honoring Harrison Browne, who plays for the Buffalo Beauts, a team that plays in the Woman’s National Hockey League. She is the first openly transgender national sports player in all of North America according to the NHL.
Browne wanted to feel comfortable at first, and didn’t realize how much attention she was going to get. She talks about how she feels the most comfortable on the ice.
[AUDIO: Listen to Allison Lawlor, a literature major from Ramapo College give her thoughts on the NHL diversity month.]
Dream Come True for Muslim Hockey Player
Fatima Al Ali is a Muslim woman who loves the game of hockey just as much as everyone else. Al Ali is a player on the United Arab Emirates woman’s national hockey team, and her wish came true when she came to Washington to get to see her favorite team, and player. Al Ali was able to meet, and shoot around with Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals
If that wasn’t enough she got an autograph from Ovechkin and other Capitals, and was able to do a ceremonial puck drop when they played the Detroit Red Wings. She also took a selfie after dropping it with Ovechkin, and Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg. Al Ali talked about being nervous but eventually got over it and was happy to do something she loved, and dreamed of.
Al Ali got the Verizon Center to its feet and it was a great moment for everyone in attendance, no matter what race, religion, or gender you where. She talked about how it was her goal, and she wants to inspire others to do the same, and be able to break barriers within their culture.
Kelly O’Halloran, 20 of Monroe NY, who is a die-hard hockey fan and read the article, and saw the video of Al Ali was impressed. O’Halloran has a few members of her family who practice the Muslim religion. “It was interesting to see a Muslim woman playing hockey, considering not many woman play, let alone a Muslim woman play. The Capitals are a first class organization for what they did, and other teams around the league should follow in their foot steps.”
Be sure to check out Al ALi Captials’ video and see her hockey skills, as well as when she tears up when the Capitals surprise her.
Really liked the article. Learned a lot on how the NHL players/teams are making a statement addressing social issues.