The unfortunate truth...

The topic of diversity in hockey, particularly within the NHL, has complex historical, societal, and institutional roots. Here’s a closer look at several key factors, including issues often avoided by hockey traditionalists.

Historic Barriers to Entry

Economic Hurdles:

Hockey has long been expensive to play, especially at high levels. Ice time, equipment, and travel costs put it out of reach for many lower-income communities, which, due to broader socio-economic structures, tend to include a high percentage of racial minorities. Other sports with less costly barriers, such as basketball or soccer, have naturally become more accessible alternatives.

Geographic Limitations:

Historically, hockey developed in colder regions like Canada, Northern Europe, and northern parts of the United States, areas with fewer communities of color. This has limited the pipeline for more diverse talent to reach the highest levels of the sport.

Exclusionary Practices and Early Racism

Systemic Racism:

The NHL’s early years saw unspoken (and sometimes explicit) exclusionary practices that discouraged or outright blocked players of color. Black leagues, like the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL) in Nova Scotia, existed in part because Black players were not welcome in predominantly white leagues. This league, running from 1895 to the 1930s, is rarely acknowledged in the NHL's narrative.

Societal Attitudes and Segregation:

In North America, the early 20th century was marked by racial segregation, which impacted many sports. The implicit expectation that hockey was a “white” sport persisted, discouraging diversity.

Hockey Culture and ‘Traditionalist’ Gatekeeping

Strict Adherence to Tradition: Hockey culture is one that reveres tradition, often to the exclusion of change. From the style of play to locker room conduct, “fitting in” has historically meant conforming to a particular image and attitude. This has impacted not only racial minorities but also players who stand out culturally, as the sport tends to prize conformity over individualism.

Unspoken ‘Code’ of Homogeneity:

Many traditionalists prefer the “old boys’ club” culture, valuing uniformity within teams, which subtly pressures players from diverse backgrounds to assimilate and discourages expressions of individuality. This often goes unaddressed, as it’s woven into the culture itself and rarely publicly scrutinized.

Lack of Diverse Representation and Role Models

Few Role Models in Leadership Positions:

Even today, diversity is limited among coaches, executives, and owners within the NHL. This lack of representation in leadership means there are few advocates within the sport who understand the unique challenges faced by players from diverse backgrounds, perpetuating a system that favors the status quo.

Underrepresentation in Media and Marketing: Media portrayal also reinforces the image of hockey as a predominantly white sport. Players of color, who have made impactful contributions, often receive less attention compared to their white counterparts, impacting how diverse communities view hockey as a viable option.

Challenges of Being the “First” or “Only”

Isolation and Pressure:

For players of color who do break through to the NHL, there’s often a sense of isolation. With few other players who share their background, they face unique pressures and challenges that are often ignored by traditionalists.

Facing Overt and Subtle Racism:

Instances of racial taunting and abuse have persisted into the modern era. While the NHL has taken steps to curb this behavior, incidents continue to surface, discouraging younger, diverse players from pursuing hockey as a career path.

Tokenism and Surface-Level Initiatives

Lack of Authentic Diversity Initiatives:

Though the NHL and some teams have launched diversity campaigns and celebrated pioneers like Willie O'Ree, these efforts are often seen as surface-level and short-term, doing little to address the deeper structural issues. Many initiatives lack genuine engagement with diverse communities and end up being more about image than substantive change.

Addressing the lack of diversity in hockey means breaking down these entrenched barriers. It requires a re-evaluation of hockey culture, which must embrace inclusivity and change at every level—from youth leagues to professional organizations. For hockey to become truly diverse, the NHL and its fan base need to recognize and actively counter the legacy of exclusion within the sport.

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ENGAGEMENT DOESN'T COME EASY

Achieving community engagement for a common goal can feel like an uphill battle, and it’s often because what seems like a simple objective isn't so easy in practice. People are busy, have different priorities, and are often skeptical of new initiatives. Yet, the desire to see change in our neighborhoods remains strong. So why the disconnect? What keeps people from coming together, and how do we bridge the gap?

Barriers We Face to Engagement
First, there's the issue of trust. In many communities, people have seen initiatives come and go with little to no follow-through. Maybe a program started with excitement, but faded out due to lack of resources or leadership. We know this history breeds a sense of cynicism—“Why should I care if nothing will change?” Trust isn’t something one can force; it has to be earned slowly through consistent action.

Next is time. We know people lead busy lives—work, family, personal commitments. Engaging in a community effort feels like one more thing to add to an already packed schedule. If our initiative isn’t flexible or accessible, it’s hard to convince people to carve out the time. We also have to contend with the reality that some people might not see how the issue at hand directly affects them, making it even harder to ask for their involvement.

Then there’s communication. Often, initiatives are presented in ways that don’t resonate with the very people you're trying to reach. Maybe the language feels too formal, or the messaging doesn’t speak to the daily realities of the community. Without a relatable message, it’s hard to get anyone to pay attention.

Overcoming These Barriers
We understand that the key to overcoming these hurdles is to first recognize them. Engagement doesn’t happen overnight—it requires building trust. Being consistent in our efforts, even if the progress seems slow. Show up for the community before asking the community to show up for you.

Offer flexibility. Not everyone can make the monthly meetings at 7 PM, and that’s okay. Create multiple ways for people to get involved that fit into their lives—whether that’s online, through short volunteer bursts, or simply giving them the space to offer their thoughts and ideas.

And perhaps most importantly, we want to listen. Too often, community initiatives come from the top down, without input from those they’re meant to help. We want to open the floor for genuine feedback, and be prepared to adjust our plans based on what we hear.

Community engagement isn’t about getting people to do what you want—it’s about creating a shared vision that everyone can believe in. We feel that with patience, flexibility, and communication, we can break down the walls that stand in the way of true collaboration.

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Breaking the Mold: How the OPEN RINK, Mix’d Tapes Pro Roller Hockey Tour is Redefining Sports Engagement

In a time where traditional sports face challenges in attracting new audiences, the OPEN RINK, Mix'd Tapes Pro Roller Hockey Tour is blazing a fresh path, offering a new vision for how roller hockey can break into the mainstream. While sports like basketball and soccer have dominated grassroots growth, roller hockey is emerging as an alternative with a powerful business model that merges dynamic sports entertainment with community engagement—one that has already proven its effectiveness.

The core idea is simple: OPEN RINK is much more than just a roller hockey tour. It’s an immersive experience designed to create excitement at every level, from seasoned athletes to curious newcomers. By breaking down barriers of accessibility, affordability, and cultural relevance, the tour taps into the spirit of inclusion that roller hockey desperately needs to reach new fans and participants.

The Mix’d Tapes Tour presents roller hockey as a lifestyle, combining music, streetwear, and community-focused events that emphasize both competition and collaboration. This allows roller hockey to speak to the next generation of sports enthusiasts who may not have previously considered the sport, offering them a unique platform that blends entertainment with raw athleticism. Just as streetball did for basketball, the OPEN RINK model invites creativity, expression, and street-style swagger into the rink, making the sport more relatable and fun.

By providing more than just a game to watch, the OPEN RINK, Mix’d Tapes model fosters connection, inviting new fans to become part of a movement that is reshaping roller hockey’s cultural identity. With a proven formula that includes grassroots outreach, integration of local talent, and high-energy tournaments, this tour is leading the charge in bringing roller hockey to the forefront of community-driven sports growth.

What makes this model so exciting is that it doesn’t wait for fans to find roller hockey—it takes roller hockey to them. Through a series of outdoor events, inclusive competitions, and partnerships with local rinks, the tour generates buzz and excitement in every city it visits. Fans don’t just watch; they get to play, socialize, and immerse themselves in the experience, giving them a sense of ownership in the sport’s evolution.

The success of this model is already being seen in early stages of the tour production process, with increasing interest from players, social media outlets, and business community. It’s more than just a sporting event—it’s a movement that is proving roller hockey has what it takes to attract new fans, build community, and grow the sport for the next generation.

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Breaking the Myth: Grassroots Roller Hockey Isn't Expensive to Start—Let’s Focus on the Basics

As a community, we often hear one particular complaint about hockey: “It’s too expensive to get into.” This sentiment usually comes from those familiar with the costs associated with ice hockey—expensive gear, ice time, and league fees. While these barriers exist for many, roller hockey is an entirely different experience, especially at the grassroots level. And yet, despite being a more affordable option, we often find ourselves focusing on the hurdles instead of the possibilities.

Let’s Rethink the Message
Too often, hockey as a whole is marketed as a sport requiring significant investment from day one. But the truth is, roller hockey—especially in the grassroots, recreational space—requires little more than a $25 stick, a $3 ball, and an open park or community rink. That’s it. And yet, as a community, we haven’t done enough to highlight these accessible entry points. Instead, we unconsciously reinforce the idea that hockey is expensive, leaving potential new fans and players discouraged before they even give the sport a try.

The Minimal Gear Myth
The beauty of roller hockey lies in its simplicity. The most basic setup doesn’t require high-end skates or protective gear when you're playing pick-up games with friends at the local park. It’s a sport where you can learn the fundamentals with just a stick and a ball. Of course, as players progress, they may choose to invest in more equipment, but to get started? The investment is far less than we often communicate.

We should be shouting this from the rooftops. Instead of presenting hockey as a sport that’s cost-prohibitive, we need to emphasize how easy it is to get started. We should be marketing the experience—the fun, the accessibility, the community aspect of roller hockey—rather than making equipment and costs the focal point.

Targeting the “Unexpected Fan”
One of the primary missions of our grassroots roller hockey community should be to reach the “unexpected fan.” These are the individuals who have never been exposed to the sport, or who have been intimidated by its perceived costs. Maybe they’re soccer or basketball players, used to playing in open parks and on community courts with minimal equipment. Roller hockey fits right into this mold, but we need to be intentional about our messaging.

We’re not looking for the fans who already know and love the sport. We’re looking for those who think they need to spend hundreds of dollars just to try it out. We’re looking for the kid who already has rollerblades in their closet and just needs a reason to pick up a stick.

A Grassroots Movement
It’s time for us to actively change the way we talk about the sport. The grassroots roller hockey movement is about inclusion and accessibility, and we need to start speaking that language. We need to start highlighting the fact that all it takes to get started is a few dollars and some open space. There’s no need to invest in rink time or expensive skates. All you need is the love for the game, and we’ll handle the rest.

By shifting our message, we can invite a whole new generation of players and fans into the roller hockey community, making the sport as approachable and exciting as it is.

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