Celebrating Black History Month: Building Inclusive Hockey Spaces
Black History Month is an opportunity for our hockey community to learn, reflect, and celebrate the contributions of Black athletes, leaders, and changemakers in sport, while also continuing important conversations about inclusion, respect, and belonging.
Hockey is at its best when everyone feels welcome on the ice, in the locker room, and within their team community. Below are resources, conversation starters, and practical ideas that teams and families can use to recognize Black History Month and help foster inclusive environments throughout the season.
Why Black History Month Matters in Hockey
Black History Month is a time to recognize and honour the impact Black athletes and communities have had on sport, including hockey, despite facing systemic barriers and limited access. Learning these stories helps players understand that hockey’s history is broader and more diverse than many realize, and that inclusion strengthens our game.
For young athletes, these conversations support values that extend beyond sport: empathy, respect, leadership, and teamwork.
Hockey and Sport Resources for Families
Families and teams looking to learn more can explore a variety of age-appropriate resources that highlight Black history and representation in sport, including hockey. These resources are designed to support learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
Hockey Canada – Black History Month
Hockey Canada shares stories, videos, and features highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black players, coaches, officials, and community leaders within the game. These resources offer a Canadian perspective on Black history in hockey.
Black Canadian Hockey Histories (University of Toronto)
This digital exhibit explores the history of Black Canadians in hockey, including the Colored Hockey League, which played an important role in the early development of the sport. The resource helps broaden understanding of hockey’s roots and evolution.
Hockey Diversity Alliance
The Hockey Diversity Alliance works to address systemic racism and promote inclusion within hockey. Their website includes educational content and information about initiatives aimed at creating a more welcoming sport for all participants.
Black Girl Hockey Club
Black Girl Hockey Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and amplifying Black women and girls in hockey through community building, mentorship, and increased representation.
Canadian Olympic Committee – Black History Month Resources
Olympic.ca offers stories and educational resources highlighting Black Canadian athletes and their contributions to sport, helping young athletes connect lessons of perseverance, leadership, and excellence across different sports.
Government of Canada – Black History Month
The Government of Canada provides biographies and stories of Black Canadians who have made significant contributions across many fields, including sport, community leadership, science, and medicine.
Active for Life – Black History Month Resources
Active for Life offers age-appropriate educational content, including articles and athlete profiles, that support conversations about Black history and representation in sport.
BC Black History Awareness Society – Learning Centre
This learning centre provides educational guides, timelines, and digital exhibits focused on Black history in Canada, making it a valuable resource for families, educators, and teams.
Documentaries and Media (Best for Older Youth)
Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future explores the history and experiences of Black hockey players in North America.
Too Colourful for the League examines the experiences of Black hockey players from the early 20th century onward and provides important historical context about inclusion and access in the game.
These resources can be used as conversation starters at home, in classrooms, or within team settings.
Ways Teams Can Recognize Black History Month
Teams do not need large initiatives to make a meaningful impact. Small, thoughtful actions can go a long way.
Team Discussions
Take a few minutes before or after practice to talk about why Black History Month is important
Encourage players to share what inclusion and respect mean to them
Emphasize that learning and listening are just as important as speaking
Education Through Stories
Share short articles, videos, or player profiles highlighting Black athletes in hockey or other sports
Connect stories to values like perseverance, teamwork, and leadership
Visual Support
Display inclusive messaging in locker rooms or team spaces
Share Black History Month posts or stories through team social media channels
Creating Inclusive DRESSING Rooms
Inclusion is not limited to one month of the year. Teams can take ongoing steps to ensure dressing rooms are positive and welcoming spaces for all players.
Set Clear Expectations
Reinforce respect, kindness, and accountability as core team values
Address inappropriate language or behaviour immediately
Encourage Belonging
Make sure all players feel heard and supported
Celebrate differences and emphasize that diversity strengthens teams
Lead by Example
Coaches and team leaders play a key role in modeling inclusive behaviour
Positive actions from leaders set the tone for the entire group
For Parents and Guardians
Parents and other role models play an important role in supporting inclusion by:
Having open conversations with their children about respect and diversity
Encouraging curiosity and learning
Reinforcing positive behaviour both on and off the ice
Moving Forward Together
Black History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect, learn, and grow as a hockey community. By continuing these conversations and creating inclusive spaces, we help ensure that hockey remains a sport where every player feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Inclusion is not a single initiative, but an ongoing commitment. Together, we can help make hockey a game for everyone.
