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, October 20, 2023
Scroll. Read. Click on headline for full story.
Jason Rantala, CBS News Minnesota, Oct. 19, 2023
The NHL is facing pushback over a new policy banning Pride tape on hockey sticks, following a league-wide overhaul outlawing all themed apparel.
Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek founded the Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association two years ago, focusing on creating a safe and inclusive place to skate for everyone.
“Having that sense of community really for us, is being with people that are safe and inclusive,” said Camden Danek-Bennett.
“As someone who’s born female, walking into a co-ed locker room or a pick-up, guys don’t necessarily want to see you on the ice,” said Bennett-Danek.
Already, the league has expanded to six teams.
But the two say the last two strongholds of homophobia in the sporting community are hockey and football.
Peter Puck Returns on His 50th Anniversary to Promote Safe, Fun Hockey
Carol Schram, The Hockey News, Oct. 19, 2023
In 1973, a cartoon puck teaching the ins-and-outs of hockey became an instant hit. Fifty years later, Peter Puck is gearing up for a comeback.
Cartoon characters are forever captured in time.
Bart Simpson will always be 10 years old. And as he celebrates his 50th anniversary during the 2023-24 hockey season, Peter Puck is as vibrant and energetic as ever.
With his sister Penny by his side, Peter remains dedicated to teaching kids the ins and outs of hockey.
“It’s a huge multi-generational brand that educates kids, youth, adults, coaches —everybody — with their values,” said Paul Cohen, who is shepherding Peter’s return to the public eye. “Good sportsmanship, safe and fun hockey, diversity and inclusivity, brain and body health and, most importantly, hockey is for everyone and abuse-free hockey.”
The Hockey News, Oct. 19, 2023
Wayne Gretzky first used Northland hockey sticks when he entered the NHL. Now, he and the Wayne Gretzky Foundation are partnering with Northland with the goal to make hockey more affordable for families in Canada and the United States.
Gretzky and Northland, owned by Roustan Hockey and W. Graeme Roustan, plan to tackle the issue of equipment costs and “assist families that otherwise cannot play the sport without a more affordable offering,” according to a news release on Thursday. (Full disclosure: Roustan is also the owner and publisher of The Hockey News.)
“I hope this will assist parents in finding an economical way for all boys and girls to achieve their dreams,” Gretzky said in a statement.
BGSU hockey coach to be reinstated after hazing investigation, student conduct violations issued
WTVG, Oct. 19, 2023
The Bowling Green State University head hockey coach will be reinstated following an investigation into an alleged hazing incident, the university announced Thursday. Several students were also notified they violated student code of conduct.
Head coach Ty Eigner was placed on administrative leave and three students were placed on interim suspension in September when the university received a report of a hazing incident at an off-campus event. A September 18 statement from a university spokesperson said BGSU opened its own investigation and alerted local law enforcement as soon as it received the hazing report.
A statement from BGSU on Thursday said an external, independent investigation found student athletes engaged in “conduct with the potential to cause humiliation, physical harm or emotional harm” at an off-campus event. It also found student athletes engaged in underage drinking and older members of the hockey team provided alcohol to underage members.
One Quebec parent says his child is being unfairly banned from hockey. Here’s why
Gloria Henriquez, Global News, Oct. 18, 2023
A father in the West Island is speaking out after he says his child was unfairly banned from playing hockey.
Mike Leonardi believes his son is being used to force him to give his personal data away.
“Now they’re penalizing my son, saying that if you don’t sign this waiver, he can’t play, period. And I’m like, that’s not fair. That’s bullying,” Leonardi said.
Leonardi is talking about a waiver he was asked to sign when registering his son with the Pierrefonds Minor Hockey Association (PMHA).
Hockey Quebec requires consent to sharing his personal data such as name, address, age, gender and contact information with other hockey associations, such as Hockey Canada.
“They ask all kinds of information, including the health of my child, if he’s got any kind of health issues and so forth, which is right, because they need to know. And I understand that because in case of emergencies, no issues. Registry with Hockey Quebec? No issues. Why does Hockey Quebec have to give my information to other companies?” Leonardi said.
Strong Summer Sets Up U.S. National Sled Team for Early Season Success
Team USA now looking to build off IPH Cup title
Greg Bates, USA Hockey, Oct. 18, 2023
When the stage is the biggest and the lights are the brightest, it’s Declan Farmer’s time to shine.
The veteran forward for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team was magnificent in the championship game of the IPH Cup on Sunday, scoring a hat trick against Canada to secure a 4-1 win at the Ostravar Arena in Ostrava, Czechia.
In the first tournament of the season, the U.S. finished a perfect 5-0, outscoring its opponents 26-4.
“It was a great start to the season — all of our lines delivered offensively,and we generally defended hard,” Farmer said. “We’re looking to improve in our transitioning to defending. We didn’t allow many shots, but the ones we did allow were pretty high quality.”
Commentary: PWHL brings hope of permanence for the future of women’s hockey
Sinchan Bhatt, The Charlatan, Oct. 19, 2023
Marie-Philip Poulin. Hayley Wickenheiser. Jayna Hefford. Angela James. Cassie Campbell- Pascal. Hilary Knight.
To women’s hockey fans, these names are legendary. They carry legacies of greatness that have lived in the shadows of male hockey players like Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.
They’ve amassed Olympic medals, world championships, thousands of points and countless unforgettable moments. These women are among the greatest hockey players in history.
Yet most hockey fans, and more importantly, sponsors, tend to only pay attention to women’s hockey when the Olympics roll around every four years. There has yet to be a successful professional women’s hockey league in North America. The world’s top players have never had a real home.
Fans furious at Leafs for insensitive goal song
They’re already on to choosing another one.
HockeyFeed, Oct. 18, 2023
The Toronto Maple Leafs decided to make the call to retire their goal song they’ve been using at Scotiabank Arena for the last several seasons, and fans were not exactly enthralled with its replacement.
Since the beginning of 2018, the Leafs had employed the classic Hall and Oates tune “You Make My Dreams” from their 9th studio album “Voices” in 1980. However, the Leafs switched things up by using Steve Aoki’s 2012 remix of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” in Wednesday’s home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
But it wasn’t long before fans began pushing back, considering some of the lyrics in the tune. And it’s easy to see why some were made uncomfortable and upset by the song, especially those who know someone who has been affected by drunken driving.
NHL providing PWHL with knowledge and experience, but not financial support
Collaboration between leagues could also include PWHL games in NHL rinks
Karissa Donkin, CBC Sports, Oct 18, 2023
Players in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will likely be playing some of their games inside NHL arenas this upcoming season.
There’s also a good chance you’ll continue to see female players at NHL events like the All-Star Weekend, which will be held next year in Toronto, as the NHL helps market the new league and its stars.
But while the NHL and PWHL have been working together ahead of the league’s expected launch in January 2024, NHL executive Susan Cohig confirmed it’s not a financial relationship.
“They are operating under a single-entity ownership structure with the funding and support of the Mark Walter group, so they have the financial resources that they need,” Cohig, who is the NHL’s executive vice president of club business affairs, said in an interview with CBC Sports.
“Really, I think for us, our priority is to help them be successful in the areas where we can work collaboratively with them, and that’s all the knowledge and experience we have in operating a professional hockey league.”
University of New Brunswick hockey camp aims to help Indigenous girls get on the ice
Over a dozen girls learning game from members of UNB women’s team this fall
Karissa Donkin, CBC Sports, Oct 17, 2023
Lillian George helped 10-year-old Dahlia Mitchell take her first, tentative steps on to the ice at the Aitken University Centre.
It was Dahlia’s first time playing hockey, and after a few tips from George on how to space her feet apart to keep her balance on skates, she was hooked.
“It was pretty cool,” Dahlia said after getting off the ice. “I’ve never learned how to skate. When I figured it out, it was really easy.”
Dahlia’s mother didn’t stop smiling when she talked about seeing her daughter on the ice for the first time.
“It just brought so much joy, seeing her out there in all the equipment,” Elizabeth Mitchell said. “I always wanted to go on the ice like that and play hockey, but I never got to.”
Dahlia is one of more than a dozen girls learning the game from members of the University of New Brunswick women’s hockey team this fall at a camp created specifically for Indigenous girls. It runs for five weeks and is completely free for any Indigenous girl who wants to try hockey, including gear for those who need it.
The NHL had a chance to be decent. And then it missed a wide-open net
Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, Oct. 17, 2023
There are moments in a league’s history when they are clearly on the wrong side of it. When they make a decision that isn’t just foolish but morally wrong. This is where the NHL is right now.
The NHL recently sent a memo to its teams clarifying what players are allowed to do during theme celebrations this season. One of the actions it took was ban the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride Nights. Pride Nights, unbelievably, have become a controversial issue in the league.
The guidance doesn’t solely apply to Pride. It also states that on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices can’t be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation celebrations. Players can participate in themed celebrations off the ice if they choose.
Mariah Fujimagari earns win for Canucks ECHL affiliate
The goaltender is aiming to be the first female player in the ECHL in 28 years.
Daniel Wagner, VancouverIsAwesome.com, Oct. 17, 2023
Mariah Fujimagari is aiming to become the first woman to play in the ECHL in 28 years. On Sunday night, she took a step towards that goal with a preseason win for the Kalamazoo Wings, the Vancouver Canucks’ ECHL affiliate.
The 29-year-old goaltender signed a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the K-Wings after spending a season in Sweden. Fujimagari had previously played in the Premier Hockey Federation — formerly the National Women’s Hockey League — with the Buffalo Beauts and Connecticut Whale, but she went undrafted in the recent Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft.
Fujimagari came into Sunday night’s preseason game for the K-Wings in the third period for Jonathan Lemieux and made 14 saves on 17 shots, including five saves in overtime, before Erik Bradford tucked in a pass from Brad Morrison on a 2-on-1 to seal the win for Fujimagari.
The team’s celebration of the win showed just how excited the team was for Fujimagari, as they swarmed the goatender, recognizing the importance of the moment.
More than 180 PWHL players to hit ice Nov. 15 when new league’s training camps open
Teams must have final rosters set by Dec. 11
Karissa Donkin, CBC Sports, Oct 16, 2023
The six teams in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will have more than 180 players attend the league’s first training camps in November, the PWHL announced on Monday.
Those camps will mark the first time players and coaches in the new league get on the ice together as they push toward January 2024, when the league is supposed to start its first season.
Training camps for all six teams will open on Nov. 15, a few days after the Canadian and American national teams play two Rivalry Series games in Arizona and Los Angeles. Teams must have final rosters set by Dec. 11, just before the Rivalry Series resumes with games in Kitchener, Ont. and Sarnia, Ont. on Dec. 14 and 16.
When setting rosters, each team is required to have 23 players signed to standard player contracts, plus two additional players to reserve contracts.
Lady Blues hockey team puts new season on ice
Jonathan Turner, OurQuadCities.com, Oct. 16, 2023
The Quad Cities Lady Blues — the 19U girls ice hockey team based in Davenport — is the only high school girls’ hockey team in the state of Iowa and is gearing up for their first home games of the new season,
On Oct. 28 and 29, the Lady Blues will be playing their first home games of the 2023-24 season at River’s Edge, 700 W. River Drive, Davenport.
BLOG: ‘Try Hockey for Free Event’ Welcomes More than 1,200 Participants
To help grow the game, team launched hockey season with ‘Try Hockey for Free’ event in partnership with 15 community ice rinks across Chicagoland this weekend.
Blackhawks.com, Oct. 16, 2023
The Chicago Blackhawks were proud to host a new ‘Try Hockey for Free’ event designed to help kids overcome the initial barriers to the sport and get them excited to come back for more. In partnership with 15 local ice rinks across the state of Illinois and neighboring suburbs of Indiana – including Fifth Third Arena – free clinics took place throughout the Oct. 14 – 15 weekend. Each participating rink hosted two on-ice sessions for those interested in trying the sport of hockey, one for kids six and under and one for those seven and up. Every participant received a jersey, Connor Bedard t-shirt, hockey stick and a ticket to a Blackhawks game for the upcoming 2023-24 season – all at no cost. Skate rentals were also provided courtesy of participating rinks.
“The Chicago Blackhawks have a responsibility to be an active participant in the health and growth of the amateur hockey community,” said Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks. “We have spent last year building plans, programs and relationships that allow us to support the full ecosystem of amateur hockey, and we are doubling down our efforts alongside our hockey families, rink partners, leagues and clubs to improve the amateur hockey system and experience in Illinois.
Color of Hockey: Former college goalie Cortes now enjoying career as artist
Commemorative sports works can be found in homes of NHL greats, at Smithsonian
William Douglas, NHL.com, Oct. 15, 2023
Tim Cortes half-jokingly says he owes retired NHL goalies Robb Stauber and John Blue for his career.
Cortes was a backup goalie at the University of Minnesota in 1986-87 behind Stauber and Blue and never saw a whiff of action in an NCAA Division I game that season.
“I always tease that there were three of us,” Cortes said. “Two of us ended up in the NHL and one of us ended up in art school.”
The 57-year-old Duluth, Minnesota, native swapped his goalie sticks for pencils and paintbrushes and embarked on what has become a successful career as a commemorative artist.
His sports-themed works can be found at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington; inside Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins; on the exterior of the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center; and in the homes of several retired NHL players and their families.
NHL, NHLPA Pride-tape ban misses the point
Ron MacLean, SportsNet, Oct. 14, 2023
“To make laws that man cannot and will not obey, serves to bring all law into contempt.” — Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1860
Over a century ago, Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s quotation was addressed to those who mattered: men. Stanton knew she was working to represent the voices that would change the world, those of women, those who were marginalized, by playing within the rules of the time.
That aside, her basic teaching was that it doesn’t matter who makes the rules, but rather whose story, whose voice, will truly control the narrative and thus the law.
The NHL, in consultation with the NHL Players’ Association, decided that the no Pride-tape policy was simply an off-shoot of the sweaters being removed from the 250 theme nights, to avoid dissension in the dressing room and distractions in the media. It is a fair point, well intended, but it also misses the point. These differences of opinion and respecting our differences are the path forward.
Gabriel Tardiff’s Will to Lead: Highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month
13 year-old youth hockey player from Hampton Roads, VA shines with help from the Washington Capitals’ Rising Stars Academy
Danny Karmin, WashingtonCaps.com, Oct.14, 2023
Six-year-old Gabriel Tardiff’s summer was very routine-oriented: get up, eat, and learn the basics of hockey. He and his neighbor picked up a couple of sticks, a hockey ball, a net, and a pair of rollerblades and spent countless hours in the street practicing their skills.
From morning to evening, the banging of sticks echoed throughout the Tardiff neighborhood.
Like most passionate hockey players, getting them away from the game is impossible. A vacant net and stick are enough to keep them occupied for hours — even after dark.
“They would actually prop up lights on the trees,” Gabriel’s father, Brian said. “They were hanging like exterior lights just so they could continue playing on the street [after dark]. It was mind boggling to me, because we could not break them away from going out there and playing for hours on end. It was incredible.”
The make-shift light fixtures proved beneficial as Gabriel, who is currently 13 years old and in his sixth season playing youth hockey, was awarded as an assistant captain for his local Hampton Road Warriors bantam team.
Former NHL coach Ted Nolan details long, difficult journey in ‘Life in Two Worlds’
The Canadian Press, Oct. 14, 2023
Ted Nolan should have been thrilled.
The knock at the door was the delivery of the Jack Adams Award — a prestigious nod given annually to the NHL’s coach of the year.
Nolan won the trophy the previous season after guiding the Buffalo Sabres to a surprise division title, besting a field that included the legendary Scotty Bowman.
“I knew what was in the box,” Nolan recalled, “but I’d pushed any thought of its arrival far from my mind.”
He placed the package at the top of the stairs. Emotions washed over him until only one remained: “Pure anger.”
“I lifted my foot, and with all the strength I had, kicked the box, sending it hurtling,” Nolan continued. “I heard it land with a loud metallic crash.”
That jarring anecdote opens Nolan’s book “Life in Two Worlds: A Coach’s Journey from the Reserve to the NHL and Back,” which hit shelves this week.
Customers sticking with Pride Tape, says company, with sales up despite NHL ban
Decision to ban multicoloured tape perplexing, says co-creator
Leigh Anne Power, CBC News, Oct. 13, 2023
The makers of a multicoloured sports tape used on hockey sticks and other equipment say a ban by the National Hockey League has actually been good for business.
Pride Tape co-creator Kris Wells told CBC News this week he’s baffled by the NHL’s ban on themed gear, including rainbow tape and camouflage tape, given how many players, including Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid support initiatives like Pride Nights.
“It’s all the more perplexing that the hockey executives and leadership would not be supporting the players because 95 per cent of the players support these initiatives without any problem,” said Wells.
The NHL announced this week players aren’t allowed to use the tape, which has been used around the league since 2016 as a visual symbol of support of the LGBTQ community, in games, warm-ups or even practices.
Boston College honors McCoy, school’s 1st Black woman hockey player
Groundbreaking former goalie drops puck at Eagles game on Friday
William Douglas, NHL.com, Oct. 13, 2023
Doxie McCoy says she was just a Black girl who decided to play ice hockey. Boston College says she’s living history.
BC held “Doxie McCoy & Alumni Day” on Friday as part of its 50th anniversary of women’s hockey at the Chestnut Hill campus.
McCoy, a Washington, D.C. native who was a founding member of BC’s women’s hockey team in 1973 and who is widely believed to be the college’s first Black woman athlete, performed the ceremonial puck drop before Boston College’s 4-3 overtime win against University of Connecticut at Kelley Rink.
“It’s very exciting, I’m very honored, I’m very humbled,” McCoy said during an intermission interview on ESPN. “I want to thank Katie Crowley, the coach, thank the team, thank Boston College. And I want to give props to the women who really were with me at the beginning… I’m just a Black girl who decided she wanted to play hockey, so I’m very fortunate to be here.”
Daniel Alfredsson returns to the Senators organization: ‘I’m here to help them be better’
Ian Mendes, The Athletic, Oct 13, 2023
It was as if everybody stepped into a time warp on Friday morning in Ottawa.
Daniel Alfredsson was back on the ice and skating with the Ottawa Senators at their practice facility, a scene fans and media had not witnessed in more than a decade. The franchise icon was even wearing a black Senators helmet emblazoned with his famous No. 11 decal.
And after two previous messy and awkward divorces from the franchise, it actually feels like Alfredsson can permanently hang onto his Ottawa Senators gear this time around.
President of hockey operations Steve Staios told a handful of reporters on Friday that Alfredsson was officially back as an employee of the hockey club. Staios and new owner Michael Andlauer have made it clear that they understand and respect Alfredsson’s legacy in the market and wanted to ensure the Hall of Famer was brought into the fold. They wasted little time, announcing his hiring just one game into the 2023-24 season.
Around the Rink: Q & A with Carly Jackson
Dan Rice, Ice Garden Podcasts, Oct. 13, 2023
It’s CJ! Dan and Allie talk with the star goaltender about their past, present, and potential future in the PWHL.
Last week on Around the Rink, Allie Morse and Dan Rice were joined by former Buffalo Beauts and Toronto Six goaltender Carly Jackson.
CJ told us all about how they are a two-sport star, their new gig behind a bench, as well as their time in the NWHL/PHF, and we also found out what it’s like to have your hometown name a day after you to celebrate you becoming an Isobel Cup champion. Yes, we also found out if Jackson will be trying out for a PWHL team, too.
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During our 80-minute conversation, we also found out why Angela James and Sami Jo Small are Hall of Fame people, the origin of their mullet, if Jackon has ever stopped a puck with her face intentionally, and what it was like to be partners with Elaine Chuli last season. Plus, as always, we answered questions from our live audience.
CCM named one of PWHL’s official equipment suppliers. Bauer to partner with league, per source
Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, Oct 13, 2023
CCM will be an official equipment supplier of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, according to an announcement on Friday afternoon.
The company will supply helmets, protective gear, skates and sticks to players beginning in January 2024 when the puck drops for the league’s inaugural season. CCM is the second official PWHL partner to be announced following Canadian Tire Corporation, which announced a multiyear agreement last month.
Kubota Canada and CHL launch 5th annual Community Hero contest
Christopher Séguin, CHL.ca, Oct. 12, 2023
Kubota Canada Ltd., in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and its three member leagues (WHL, OHL, and QMJHL), has launched nominations for its 2023 Community Hero contest.
Now in its fifth year, Community Hero has brought attention to and commemorated thousands of Canadians who are making a positive impact in their respective communities across the country. Thanks to the efforts of Kubota Canada and the CHL, Canadians will have the opportunity to nominate a hero in their community who deserves the spotlight. Everyone’s Community Hero looks different, but nominations are open to anyone making a difference in their community, from dedicated volunteers, healthcare workers to sports coaches and more.
“It is often easy to think of a community hero or an individual who goes above and beyond in your community; however, their job may come without glamour and their goal is not glory. This year we are excited to celebrate five years of community heroes, the amazing contributions of previous winners and recognize up-and-coming heroes,” said Andrew Marshall, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Dealer Development at Kubota.
Wisconsin Assembly passes transgender sports restrictions, gender-affirming care ban
Molly Beck, Tyler Katzenberger, and Thao Nguyen. USA TODAY Network, Oct. 12, 2023
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly passed legislation on Thursday banning gender-affirming care for minors and barring transgender athletes from competing in sports at the high school and college levels.
The three transgender-related bills were approved in a 63-35 vote, with all Democrats voting against the measures and nearly all Republicans voting for the measures. Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has vowed to veto the legislation.
“We continue to see harmful anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in Wisconsin—rhetoric that emboldens hate and violence and that we know only hurts our kids who are already facing significant mental health challenges,” Evers said on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday. “We’re going to stop these attacks, and we’re going to do it together.”