This piece originally appeared in our newsletter, “Carnegie Corner,” Issue No. 3.
Rane, the youngest grandchild of Herb Carnegie, is a motivational speaker, mentor, life and hockey coach. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, and pursued a path in both the hockey and finance industries. A first round draft pick in the 2001 OHL draft, he went on to play professional hockey in the AHL, ECHL, CHL and finished his career overseas in Sweden, Finland, and France.
CI: You and others in the hockey community give back by mentoring kids such as your involvement at the recent Black Hockey Summit in Toronto. Why is it so important for you to devote the time and energy to these efforts?
RC: Representation matters! Growing up in the game of hockey as a minority can be a lonely experience at times. I had an opportunity to give back and provide support that I wish I had when I was playing.
CI: Was there a particular instance in your life you recall as the moment you fell in love with hockey?
RC: I fell in love with hockey from the first time I stepped on the ice with my grandfather at Downsview Arena in Toronto. The smell, the sounds, the cold brisk air and cooling sensation you got when getting on the ice…. EVERYTHING! It was love at first sight!
CI: When did you fully understand the impact your grandfather had in blazing a trail in the sport?
RC: I’ve always known that my grandfather was extraordinary and well accomplished but there were five distinct events that I remember where I thought… “WOW… Grandpa is a really big part of hockey history and Canadian history.”
1) When North York Centennial Arena was renamed to Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Arena.
2) When a junior public school in the GTA was named Herbert H. Carnegie Public School.
3) When he received the Order of Ontario.
4) When he received the Order of Canada.
5) When he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Rane on a panel with The CI co-chairs Bernice Carnegie and Bryant McBride at the world premiere of “Beyond Their Years” documentary in June 2023.
CI: What are some of the most important lessons you take from competing in hockey and apply them to the rest of your life?
RC: Being a great teammate, having a positive attitude and working hard are three lessons that I’ve learned while competing in hockey that I try to apply into everything that I do!
CI: What do you see as the most immediate challenges The CI must focus on to see more progress in making the sport more inclusive and welcoming to all.
RC: I think that the most immediate challenges that we need to focus on to help see more progress in making the sport more inclusive and welcoming would be in our collective ability and willingness to be open minded and understanding to the diverse demographic of voices and experiences that hockey currently is. And, then actually applying those lessons learned from those voices and experiences to make meaningful changes. It’s time to walk the walk. 💪🏾😊👊🏾