The CI Aggregator is a compilation of recent stories regarding the hockey world, The Carnegie Initiative, our Board members, other industry influencers, similar organizations doing work to change the culture of the game, related issues, and anything aligned with our important mission to make hockey more inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all.
A new edition is posted each Friday.
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WEEKLY RECAP: Friday, February 2, 2024
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After a lifetime in sport, Dodginghorse now focuses on hockey diversity
Sam Laskaris, Windspeaker.com, Feb. 1, 2024
Brent Dodginghorse has a distinguished and impressive resume, but the 45-year-old member of Tsuut’ina Nation in Alberta has now set his mind to doing work that will help create positive change in sport.
Dodginghorse, a former minor pro hockey player, is also a former world rodeo champion in the steer wrestling event. Plus he served several terms as an elected councillor for his First Nation.
Dodginghorse, however, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis four years ago. At that point he took a good look at his life and wondered what impact he wanted to make in this world …
…“I was scared to tell the world about my story because the discrimination and racism that I went through was real,” he told a group this week at the Carnegie Initiative Summit in Toronto. The two-day event was held Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at the Hilton Downtown.
Color of Hockey: Spence on path to becoming 1st-round pick in 2025 NHL Draft
17-year-old Erie forward scored golden goal for Canada in 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
William Douglas, NHL.com Staff Writer, Feb. 1, 2024
Malcolm Spence figures he has watched video of Sidney Crosby’s overtime gold medal-winning goal for Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics at least 1,000 times.
Then he scored a Golden Goal of his own.
The 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League scored on a breakaway with seven seconds remaining in overtime to propel Canada to a 3-2 win against Czechia in the championship game of the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Aug. 5.
“I was more thinking about how we just won gold and really happy to celebrate with the guys but then after, I was thinking I’ve done something that Crosby has done,” Spence said. “Obviously, I didn’t do it to his magnitude, but it was just cool to way to wear the (maple) leaf like him.”
Spence’s Hlinka Gretzky Golden Goal is part of a resume several hockey observers believe could lead him to become a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and develop into a solid two-way player in the League.
World Pond Hockey Championship in Plaster Rock, N.B., cancelled due to thin ice
Hannah Rudderham, CBC, Feb. 1, 2024
It’s an annual tradition — but it’s been cancelled for 2024.
The World Pond Hockey Championship brings teams from around the world to Plaster Rock, in the Western Valley region of New Brunswick every February.
But this year, there was not enough ice to safely go forward with the event, which was scheduled to begin on Feb. 15.
Danny Braun, the founder and organizer of the event, said the ice on Roulston Lake is no more than 11 inches thick, some of which is just frozen snow, but that’s not enough.
‘My father’s always all around me’: Bernice Carnegie on the impact her dad had on her
TSN, Jan. 31, 2024
Wednesday was the last day of the Carnegie Initiative Summit. The organization, named in honour of legendary hockey player and social justice pioneer Herb Carnegie, was created to ensure opportunity and access to hockey everywhere. His daughter, Bernice, spoke of the impact her father had on her.
Tinker discusses new role with PWHL, excitement to implement change from ground up
TSN, Jan. 31, 2024
The PWHL announced that Saroya Tinker has been named Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives and Community Engagement. Tinker retired from professional hockey in November 2023 and is currently the Executive Director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada. She spoke to TSN about the excitement for her new role and the growth she has seen in women’s hockey.
NHL unveils 2024 All-Star Legacy Project to revitalize rinks in Toronto
Maple Leafs, MLSE Foundation help invest more than $500,000 at 3 city parks
Dave McCarthy, NHL.com, Jan. 31, 2024
TORONTO — While 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto will undoubtedly leave hockey fans with incredible memories this weekend, the hope is that the impact it will make in the city will be felt for years to come.
Together with the City of Toronto, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the MLSE Foundation, the NHL unveiled its All-Star Legacy Project on Wednesday, which invests more than $500,000 to revitalize ball and ice hockey rinks at three parks in Toronto: Alexandra Park, West Mall Rink, and Port Union Community Recreation Centre.
“We know that for us to authentically grow the game, we have to go into communities,” Kim Davis, Sr. Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs, NHL, said. “We can’t expect the communities to come to us. So, the opportunity to refurbish a rink that is right in one of the highest growth communities in Toronto is important so that our sport can, not just survive, but thrive in the future.”
PWHL Stars Set For Outdoor Skates, Pride Game, Showcase, Skills and More in Toronto
VN Explore, Jan. 31, 2024
The PWHL’s stars are coming to Toronto, and it’s for more than the league’s 3-on-3 Showcase at NHL All-Star Thursday.
Thursday morning before the Showcase, Team King and Team Kloss will practice outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square from 8am to 9:15am. According to the PWHL’s communications, “All 24 players will take to the ice in their PWHL team jerseys on the outdoor rink before the Canadian Tire PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase at Scotiabank Arena.”
That night, the PWHL will compete in a 3-on-3 Showcase, beginning at approximately 8:00pm. The 24-players in attendance will play a 20-minute game …
On Saturday, PWHL players Aerin Frankel (Boston), Savannah Harmon (Ottawa), and Alina Muller (Boston) will attend the NHL All-Star Youth Hockey Jamboree Celebration …
… Simultaneously Erin Ambrose, Alex Carpenter, Emily Clark, and Emerance Maschmeyer will participate in the NHL All-Star Pride Cup. Hosted by the NHL, Scotiabank, and Pride Tape, the event will feature the Toronto Gay Hockey Association, “one of the largest LGBTQ+ hockey associations in the world, for a ball hockey game, with players competing for the Pride Cup trophy.” Brian Burke executive director of the PWHLPA will coach one of the teams.
Season 3, Episode 7–Mark Fraser
Minority League Podcast
Former NHL defenseman Mark Fraser talks about his current role in hockey as director of culture and inclusion for the Toronto Maple Leafs and what motivated him to go back into hockey after he’d left the sport. The Leafs are hosting this season’s All Star Game, and he gives us a preview of some of the events he’s been involved in.
Red Wings forward happy to help kick off annual Street Hockey in the D: At School program
Jonathan Mills, DetroitRedWings.com, Jan. 30, 2024
The guiding mission of the Detroit Red Wings’ groundbreaking Learn, Play, Score platform is to build confidence and character while imparting fundamental life skills to youth across Detroit.
And on Tuesday afternoon, Joe Veleno embodied that mission by playing floor hockey with students at Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School in northwest Detroit to help launch the Red Wings’ annual “Street Hockey in the D: At School” program, powered by Chevrolet.
“Any chance I can get out into the community means a lot to me,” Veleno said. “I was once in their shoes. We’re trying to help grow the game of hockey. A lot of these kids don’t get the opportunity to play hockey. So to introduce it in school, while it’s a little different, puts a smile on my face when I see these kids have fun.”
Record number of teams to compete at 50th annual Little NHL, January 30, 2024
Chico Ralf, the acting president of the Little NHL executive, is overwhelmed a record number of teams will compete at this year’s tournament. – Photo supplied
Sam Laskaris, Anishnabek News, Jan. 30, 2024
Officials with the Little Native Hockey League tournament have even more reason to celebrate now.
This year’s tourney, often simply called the Little NHL, is hitting the big 5-0 this year.
The event, which was first held in 1971, technically should have celebrated its golden anniversary a few years ago, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourney was not held for three consecutive years, from 2020 through 2022.
As a result, this year marks the 50th time the tournament has been held.
Organizers are also ecstatic that a record number of squads will be participating at the event, which will be held Mar. 11-14, primarily in Markham.
Soo Greyhounds take down banner honouring John Vanbiesbrouck
Darren MacDonald, CTVNorthernOntario.ca, Jan. 30, 2024
The banner honouring Sault native and former NHL goalie John Vanbiesbrouck has been taken down at GFL Memorial Gardens.
Vanbiesbrouck played for the Greyhounds before his 19-year NHL career. He returned when he retired and was part owner, GM and head coach in 2003 when he admitted using a racial slur more than once when referring to team captain Trevor Daley, who is a person of colour.
He later apologized, resigned and sold his stake in the team, but a banner honouring him remained in the Gardens until last month.
Current owner Tim Lukenda confirmed the decision in an email Tuesday.
“The Soo Greyhounds work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our guests, players, former players and families,” the statement said.
Angela James named The Carnegie Initiative’s newest Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
TSN, Jan. 30, 2024
Angela James has been named the winner of The Carnegie Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award. She is being recognized for her years of commitment to the game in a manner that embodies the Initiative’s mission to “work to ensure that hockey is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all”, as she discusses with TSN’s Gino Reda.
Black Toronto Maple Leafs alumni honoured in new limited-edition apparel collection.
Breanna Marcelo, Now, Jan. 30, 2024
The Toronto Maple Leafs has released a limited-edition apparel in celebration of Black Maple Leafs alumni ahead of NHL All-Star weekend.
The team collaborated with Too Black Guys and Mitchell & Ness to create the capsule collection.
In a media release on Tuesday, Maple Leafs owner MLSE says the “No Apologies” collection is specifically inspired by eight Black former players and their journey towards a career in professional hockey.
Color of Hockey: Keefer took winding road to getting on ice for Army
After year away from game to get grades up, freshman forward ‘ended up loving’ life at West Point
William Douglas, NHL.com, Jan. 29, 2024
William Douglas has been writing The Color of Hockey blog since 2012. Douglas joined NHL.com in 2019 and writes about people of color in the sport. Today, he profiles Brent Keefer, who is a leading scorer for the United States Military Academy hockey team and among rookies in the Atlantic Hockey Association.
Brent Keefer was so determined to play hockey for the United States Military Academy at West Point that he stopped playing hockey.
The 22-year-old freshman forward didn’t play last season so he could concentrate on becoming academically eligible for Army by attending the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, which doesn’t have a hockey team.
“Maybe I took it a little bit for granted when I was in juniors, not realizing how much I love this game,” Keefer said. “Definitely having the whole year off, not playing at all, lit a fire under my belly, for sure, that made me want to take my game to the next level.”
WILLIE O’REE CONTINUES TO INSPIRE UTM STUDENTS
Empowering tomorrow’s hockey players through Willie O’Ree.
Joseph Falzata, The Medium, Jan. 29, 2024
There was a thin layer of snow atop the Montreal Forum on January 18, 1958, when the Montreal Canadians faced the Boston Bruins in what would be a historic night for the National Hockey League. Willie O’Ree, a Black Canadian hockey player from Fredericton, New Brunswick, laced his skates for his NHL debut. It would be the first time any Black player stepped on the ice in an NHL uniform.
O’Ree played two games in the 1957-58 season before playing another 43 with the Bruins three seasons later. He ended his NHL career with four goals and 10 assists before returning to other professional hockey leagues, where he continued to play until he was 43, winning two scoring titles in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Despite his NHL career lasting only 45 games, O’Ree broke barriers in hockey that laid the foundation for future generations of Black hockey players to shine. Evander Kane, Seth Jones, and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ very own Ryan Reaves are just three of 34 active Black players in the NHL. His actions have paved the way for Black youth in Canadian hockey, including star forward on the UTM Men’s Hockey team, Everton Smith.
Penguins hosting numerous events to celebrate Black History Month
The events will be highlighted by the annual Black History Game on February 6.
Mike Darnay, SB Nation-Penguins, Jan. 29, 2024
The Penguins have announced they will be hosting several events next month to celebrate Black History Month.
The events will be highlighted by the annual Black History Game on Tuesday, February 6.
On Sunday, February 4, the Penguins Foundation, the Carnegie Initiative, and the Pittsburgh Hardball Academy will present a screening of ‘Beyond Their Years’ at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall in Munhall.
The Breakdown | Hockey trailblazer Sarah Nurse + Impact of international student cap
CBC, Jan. 28, 2024
Olympic gold medallist Sarah Nurse speaks with The National’s Ian Hanomansing about being one of the few Black women in hockey and opening doors for women who want to play professionally. Plus, the potential fallout for Canadian colleges from the federal government’s cap on international students.
Hockey star Sarah Nurse answers 8 questions in 2 minutes
Cairnspost, Jan. 27, 2024
Oilers’ Skinner Honours Fuhr After Breaking Iconic Goalie’s Record
Brian Swane, The Hockey Writers, Jan. 26, 2024
It would be completely understandable if Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner did not know a great deal about Grant Fuhr.
After all, Skinner was just 17 months old when Fuhr played the final game of his decorated NHL career. He just turned five on the weekend of Fuhr’s induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame. And he wasn’t even alive when Fuhr was backstopping the Oilers to championships.
But Fuhr is a lot more than just a name on one of the banners that hang above Skinner’s head every time the 25-year-old netminder skates onto the ice at Rogers Place. Fuhr is the legend whose record Skinner just broke.
Skinner Has 11 Straight Victories
On Tuesday (Jan. 23), Skinner stopped 27 shots as Edmonton defeated the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1. That result gave him a victory in 11 straight games, as he surpassed Fuhr for the longest single-season win streak by an Oilers goalie. Fuhr won 10 games in a row from Feb. 14 to March 25, 1986.
As he met with media following Edmonton’s franchise-record 14th consecutive win, Skinner spoke of Fuhr with great reverence and revealed that not only has he gotten to know an awful lot about the Oilers legend, but he’s also gotten to know Fuhr personally.
Knoxville has embraced the Ice Bears, and the hockey team has embraced the city | Opinion
Joel Silverberg, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Jan. 24, 2024
Knoxville’s reputation as a sports town extends far beyond the prominence and pageantry of the Tennessee Vols. Few settings compare to a sold-out Neyland Stadium or a packed Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City, but the city doesn’t receive enough credit for how it has supported teams outside of the University of Tennessee.
Minor league baseball has been an East Tennessee staple for decades, and now the Tennessee Smokies are slated to return to Knoxville. One Knoxville SC has brought professional soccer back to the city with great fan support.
Then there are the Knoxville Ice Bears, who survived the ending of two leagues, became founding members of a third and fought through the COVID-19 pandemic to break through into the team’s third decade of existence.