Usually this time of year would be just around the time the Stanley Cup Final would be getting underway. This year is different. With COVID-19 precautions keeping NHL players off the ice for the time being, no hockey is happening at all.
Beyond the virus, there’s also something else happening in the world of hockey. A sport that has faced heat in the past for not being progressive towards racial issues has taken a big step in the right direction as a result of the larger situation following the death of George Floyd.
Centuries of racism, in all kinds of forms, has boiled over and forced people to acknowledge the larger conversation. In somewhat of an unprecedented way, NHLers have opened up with lengthy social posts attempting to understand and change for the better.
Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba – one of the handful of players in the league to be of colour – reflected on the wide spectrum of feelings he has experienced over the last week and explains how he wants to be a leader in battling these issues in the future.
Stick together, and let’s hope for brighter days ahead!
