Summit

The Carnegie Initiative (The CI) was thrilled to host our third annual summit, themed “For the Love of the Game” in Toronto on January 30-31, 2024.

The topics illuminated the joy many of us felt as kids, when skating, being active with our friends, and playing or watching hockey. We focused discussions around underrepresented identity experiences including those who identify as: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, Persons with Disabilities, Women, those facing financial barriers, and others who have felt unwelcome or unloved in hockey spaces or culture.

The CI Summit 2024, held in advance of the NHL All-Star Weekend, aimed to create a safer space for hockey lovers/leaders to engage in meaningful conversations about the progress, challenges, and actionable insights necessary for the ongoing growth of the culture and game of hockey.

Highlights from The CI Summit 2024

Pics taken by Attendees at this Year’s Summit

Audience

Grassroots hockey leaders, parents and players
Professional Women’s Hockey League, NHL, NHL Club members and other leagues
Corporate Leaders, Media, and Influencers
Governing Bodies and Hockey Event Organizers

Recap of The CI Summit 2024

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

“Herb’s Hall” Exhibitor Area

In-person attendees were invited to mix and mingle with great community and corporate CI Partners at our interactive exhibitor space, called “Herb’s Hall,” located in the foyer of the Hilton Downtown. Attendees also had an opportunity to check-in, receive their conference badge and an official CI Summit 2024 gift bag.

Exclusive Virtual/In-Person session BONUS in the ballroom
Leafs Design-Athon Debrief

Mark Fraser, former Toronto Maple Leafs player and current Director of Culture & Inclusion with the Leafs, shared the key takeaways & learnings from the inaugural Leafs Design-Athon at MLSE LaunchPad on January 28, 2024.

The Leafs Design-Athon was designed for young professionals from underserved, racialized or Indigenous communities with the objectives to inspire participants about careers in sports & STEM, create a unique learning journey, practice Design Thinking, and to network with front office staff, and sports industry leaders. In line with the objective of The CI Summit to create a safer space for hockey lovers, this session will also touch on the Toronto Maple Leafs House of Hockey, a new ball hockey league committed to elevate the sports of hockey at the grassroots level.

Intro & Land Acknowledgement

Shelley Nicholls (welcome) and Ted Nolan (Land Acknowledgement)

Keynote Conversation with David Amber

David Amber, a Toronto-born hockey enthusiast, took the audience on a journey from playing the game starting at age 8 to becoming a prominent figure in sports journalism. David, with a rich academic background from McGill University and Syracuse University, has spent 26 years shaping sports narratives across networks like TSN, ESPN, and NHL Network. Currently, a revered reporter and host for Hockey Night in Canada and the NHL on Sportsnet since 2011, he offered unparalleled insights into his career and his love of the game.

Hockey is for Everyone
Presented by MLSE

It was a look at the people and programs that support the development of hockey in diverse communities with a focus on their challenges and successes.

This panel highlighted the individuals and programs cultivating inclusion in hockey in diverse communities. Through shared experiences, insights and success stories, our esteemed panelists shed light on the challenges they face, and the milestones they’ve achieved while championing diversity and inclusion in hockey. Let’s ignite meaningful change and ensure that hockey truly becomes a sport for all.

Panelists – Brent Dodginghorse (Diversity Ambassador), Chante Eastmond (Hockey Equality), Mark Fraser (MLSE), Rico Philips (OHL), Amy Walsh (Future of Hockey Lab),

Moderator – Tara Slone (San Jose Sharks)

Beyond the Sport of Hockey Fireside Chat
Presented by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities

We took a look beyond the sport of hockey to uncover “best practices” for authentic engagement with culturally diverse, and often underserved communities. This enlightening conversation explored creative strategies and offered a fresh perspective on inclusive outreach.

Panelists – Marco Di Buono (Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities), Vincent Kuber (STAC Hamilton), Humaira Sedu (Muslimah Athletic Club)

Moderator – Dr. Richard Norman (TwelfthSeed Consulting)

Building Effective Networks and Navigating Relationships
Presented by Canadian Tire Corporation

We brought together industry leaders and seasoned professionals to share the tools and strategies needed to forge meaningful connections, navigate the complex landscape of networking and build strategic relationships. Attendees learned the invaluable art and science of networking and positioning oneself for success in today’s competitive career landscape.

Panelists – Ashley Curran (Canadian Tire Corporation), Marsha-Gaye Knight (CBC/BSB), Lindsay Pennal (NHLCA), Brett Peterson (Florida Panthers), Bobby Sahni (Equity Matters)

Moderator – Biju Pappachan (ED POV Film)

Breakout Sessions/Networking
Presented by Canadian Tire Corporation

Attendees further discussed the first three sessions with the panelists and other attendees.

Hockey is for Everyone

Jumpstart

Building Effective Networks

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Presented by Air Canada

Women’s hockey legend Angela James was presented the prestigious award for her more than 40 years of dedication to hockey in a manner that embodies The CI’s mission to “work to ensure that hockey is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all.”

Dinner

Beyond Their Years” Documentary Screening and Panel
Presented by IG Wealth Management

Welcome – Damon Murchison (IG Wealth Management)

Introduction – Brooke Chambers (The CI)

Panelists – Bernice Carnegie (The CI), Rane Carnegie (The CI/OWN Aces Sports Group), Mark DeMontis (Sports Accessibility), Bryant McBride (The CI/Burst), Lester McLean (TSN), Damon Murchison (IG Wealth Management)

Moderator – Renee Hess (Black Girl Hockey Club)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

Government Support for Athletes and Communities

Minister Qualtrough joined via videoconference and Minister Khera shared a pre-recorded welcome and update on their actions and future plans for how the government will help build healthy culture sports systems from grassroots to the National Sport Organization level using their positions at the Federal Cabinet level.

Panelists – Minister Ien, Minister Khera, Minister Qualtrough (Government of Canada)

Committed to equity and inclusion, Minister Carla Qualtrough has practiced human rights law at the federal and provincial levels. She chaired the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility in British Columbia, and was an adjudicator with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal. Minister Qualtrough has been visually impaired since birth.
Minister Marci Ien is a Canadian politician serving as the minister for women and gender equality and youth since October 26, 2021. A member of the Liberal Party, Ien represents Toronto Centre in the House of Commons.
Kamalpreet Khera is a Canadian politician who has been the minister of diversity and inclusion, and persons with disabilities since July 26, 2023. A member of the Liberal Party, Khera was elected to represent the riding of Brampton West in the House of Commons following the 2015 federal election.

Impact and Innovation in Competitive Youth Sports
Presented by CCM

This panel explored and highlights emerging opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to advance and excel in hockey. We looked at initiatives designed to grow the pipeline, and prioritize mental health and wellness for competitive underrepresented minority athletes.

Panelists – Shauna Bookal (OUAA), , Nicholas Guerriero (Tennessee State University), Mary Lobson (REES), Malik Garvin (Ice Hockey in Harlem), Kurt Weaver (You Can Play)

Moderator – Kyle Boyd (Seattle Kraken)

When Hockey Doesn’t Love You Back

“When Hockey Doesn’t Love You Back” delved into the personal experiences, and challenges in the hockey world. This candid conversation explored the complexities of pursuing a dream, facing adversity, and navigating the highs and lows of a sport as demanding as hockey. Personal anecdotes, reflections and stories from panelists shed light on the emotional and psychological impact of feeling disconnected from a sport that holds a special place in their hearts.

Panelists – Dre Barone (AHL Referee, CI Board Member), Dr. Teresa Fowler (Concordia University of Edmonton), Ted Nolan (3Nolans, CI Board Member), Sami Jo Small (Olympic Gold medalist), Karina Villegas (Space Coast Blast, CI Board Member),

Moderator: Ron MacLean (Hockey Night in Canada, CI Board Member)

Break/Breakouts

Themes from Day 2 (Sessions 2, 3 and 4) were discussed with panelists and onsite attendees in various breakout rooms. Breakout session topics also included:

The Masks Competitive Youth Athletes Wear – Dr. Teresa Fowler

Diverse Storytelling in Sports – Dr. Dean Barnes (My Hockey Hero Podcast), Chris Nelson (Hockey for Hollywood), Tom Sychterz (Hockey of Tomorrow)

BIPOC Hockey Parents Check-In – Tracy Robert, Dampy Brar Lali

For The Love of the Game
Presented by Canadian Tire Corporation

The Carnegie Initiative (The Cl), in partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation, created the
Herbert Carnegie Trailblazer Award (HCTA) program to honor the unsung heroes of the hockey
world, and recognize those who use the sport as a vehicle to create positive social change.
HCTA winners embody the Cl’s mission of ensuring that hockey is inclusive, supportive, and to
all.

This session featured an update from from the inaugural Herbert Carnegie Trailblazer Award Winners

Panelists – Alexandria Briggs-Blake, Kirk Brooks, Stephane Friday, Moezine Hasham, Nate Mata, Brock McGillis, and Zarmina Nekzai

Moderator – Christine Simpson (Sportsnet)

A Fireside Chat with Bernice Carnegie: Women’s Hockey Sustainability
Presented by Air Canada

This thought-provoking discussion, presented by Air Canada, centered around the future of women’s hockey. Discussion included topics as promoting gender equality, fostering financial stability for women’s teams, and creating pathways for sustained growth. Our esteemed panelists will share insights, experiences, and actionable strategies to ensure a vibrant and enduring future for women’s hockey.

Fireside Chat – Brian Burke (PWHLPA, CI Board Member), Cassie Campbell-Pascall (Gold Medal Olympian/PWHL), Bernice Carnegie

Business Case for Inclusion
Presented by RBC

Business and sports intersect in similar ways to bring communities together and thrive. This panel shared insight into how the case for expanding our teams in business and sports is yielding effective social and financial returns.

Panelists – Sam Effah (RBC, Athlete Ambassador), Marian Jacko (Hockey Canada, Little NHL), Sarah Nurse (Gold Medal Olympian, PWHL Toronto, CI Board Member), Saroya Tinker (CBC, BGHC Canada, PWHL), Dale Williams (CCM)

Moderator – Amrit Gill (Producer, reporter, host)

The CI Grant Research Update
Presented by the NHL

Panelists – Zeana Hamdonah (University of Toronto), Dr. Janelle Joseph (University of Toronto), Dr. Richard Norman (TwelfthSeed Consulting), Dr. Kaleigh Pennock (University of Waterloo), Marika Warner (MLSE

Moderators – Bryant McBride

Breakouts
Presented by Air Canada, RBC, and NHL

Discussions of Sessions 5, 6, and 7

Growing the Love of the Game – Year 2045
Presented by The CI Corporate & Community Partnerships 2024

Panelists shared their thoughts / actions they have taken and plans to innovate / grow the love of the game for the next generation from the grassroots to the pros.

Panelists – Mark Beckles (RBC), Donna Guariglia (USA Hockey), Kathy Henderson (Hockey Canada), Rob Knesaurek (NHL), Marrouane Nabih (CCM), Anthony Stewart (CBC, Hockey Equality)

Moderator – Richard Norman (TwelfthSeed Consulting)

Closing Remarks + Networking
Presented by Canadian Tire Corporation

BONUS SESSION: For Coaches Only
In Collaboration with You Can Play and NHL Coaches’ Association

This session invited local coaches to participate.

Corporate and Colloborating Partners