The San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks each featured an article of mine for Black History Month.
Representation and inclusion in hockey lags behind perhaps any other sport. Arenas were segregated, costs remain high, and racism is a constant issue in the game. NHL teams have started to recognize the need for change, including celebrating historic Black figures in hockey.
For the San Jose Sharks, this came in the form of Wilfred ‘Boomer’ Harding. Harding was the first Black player to compete in the International Hockey League, and was the first Black man to play a hockey game at Detroit’s Olympia Stadium.
The Anaheim Ducks showcased Eddie Wright. Wright was the first Black coach in NCAA hockey history, and also the first Black scout in NHL history.
Ian Kennedy is a Canadian author and journalist.
