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Hockey Diversity Alliance
@TheOfficialHDA
Eradicating systemic racism and intolerance in hockey. We are committed to inspire a new and diverse generation of hockey players and fans. #ISupportHDA
Worldwide
hockeydiversityalliance.org
Joined June 2020
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24.1K
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jul 31, 2025
    ☀️ SUMMER FEST 2025 ☀️
Where the culture meets the cause. 🏒 Celeb Ball Hockey
🎶 Music & Culture
👟 Free Kids Tourney
🎡 Carnival Fun 📍 Toronto | 🎟 Free 
All donations support @TheOfficialHDA 💥 
🔗 RSVP: bit.ly/4l5M3xa
#SummerFest2025
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Nov 9, 2022
    Incredibly heart-breaking read but a necessary one. Our actions or lack thereof, have real-life consequences. A statement from Isaiah Meyer-Crothers in his own words sent to Akim Aliu, HDA Chair, on November 8, 2022 which he asked the HDA to release publicly on his behalf.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jan 8, 2022
    Do you stand with us against racism in hockey? Show your support and join us to make this game for us all #TapeOutHate @BudweiserCanada
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    May 24, 2022
    We are proud of Nazem for his leadership and bravery during these difficult times. True role model for the next generation. Racism and discrimination has no place in our game and we are steadfast on accomplishing these goals! ✊🏽
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    TSN
    @TSN_Sports
    May 24, 2022
    Nazem Kadri speaks on the racist messages and death threats he received ahead of Game 4.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Nov 8, 2022
    Our statement regarding the Boston Bruins' signing and release of Mitchell Miller.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Oct 10, 2023
    We believe it’s repugnant for the NHL to adopt a sweeping ‘don’t say gay’ policy for the league and perpetuate the farce that it supports diversity. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community and against efforts to undermine and diminish its humanity.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Oct 28, 2020
    .@NHL and @ArizonaCoyotes should sign the #HDAPledge and start practicing what they preach.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jan 23, 2022
    We stand with Jordan Subban and Boko Imama. This is another example of how hockey isn’t for everyone. There is no place for racism in our sport. We hold the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and other professional and minor hockey leagues accountable to make the right decision.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    May 26, 2021
    The racist comments expressed through direct messages to Ethan Bear show us just how much work there is to do in our sport. There is no room for racism in hockey. Ethan is an incredible role model for young athletes in the Indigenous community. #IStandWithEthanBear
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jul 14, 2023
    Re: Evander Kane’s departure from the HDA.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Nov 24, 2023
    We patiently await the day the @NHL supports all freedom of expression and helps to unite and uplift people from all races, genders and backgrounds. It’s unfortunate that players continue to be silenced even when standing up for worthy causes. The players and fans deserve better.
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    Sportsnet
    @Sportsnet
    Nov 24, 2023
    Celebrating Native American Heritage Night in Minnesota and to honour his wife, who is native, Marc-Andre Fleury had a custom mask designed by Cole Redhorse Taylor. The NHL informed him that he won't be able to wear it tonight in the game or in warmups. Via: @RussoHockey
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Aug 27, 2020
    Today the players of the NHL playoff bubble became allies. In a time of professional opportunity, they chose to put their athletic goals aside and stand up for the greater good.
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jul 30, 2020
    Stand With Us. #ISupportHDA
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    Hockey Diversity Alliance
    @TheOfficialHDA
    Jul 5, 2023
    Hockey Diversity Alliance releases statement in response to the NHL/NHLPA Announcement of the Player Inclusion Coalition.
    The Hockey Diversity Alliance is comprised of current and former NHL players, representing various cultures, races and genders, including black, brown, indigenous, Asian communities and women. We have attached our names to a righteous mission and worked on behalf of families and communities to protect and promote the interests of young people who want to get on the ice to play our great game but would not have that opportunity without our support and the support of our incredible sponsors, Scotiabank, Kraft Heinz, Canadian Tire, Budweiser Canada & CCM. The NHL is neither involved with the HDA nor does it support the organization. When we approached the NHL 3 years ago for financial & strategic support with our initiatives, their rebuttal to us was “we don’t have history” (notwithstanding that our group is comprised of current and former players of the League). In 3 short years history has already proven who is doing the real work & who is on the right side of it.
    Our communications with the league have indicated to us that the NHL has no interest in working as a partner for a good cause, but rather seeks full autonomy over any initiative, even one with best of intentions. Metaphorically, owners’ first instinct is to own rather than be part of a team. 

Thus, it’s a disappointment but not a surprise that the NHL announced the formation of “a players inclusion coalition” in partnership with the NHLPA. We ask, how does this committee differ from the one the NHL announced in September of 2020. Per the NHL’s official announcement, this “new” initiative seeks "to advance equality and inclusion in the sport of hockey on and off the ice.” Laudable on its face, laughable in full context of the work we have been doing for three years without the league’s support. The NHL’s players coalition’s mission statement does not echo the HDA’s goals so much as cynically attempt to appropriate them.
    History would indicate that the league’s commitment to the new inclusion program will be purely performative: brand-building and messaging and attaching the league’s logo to a cause but going no further. Since our launch, the HDA has been focused on action and change at the grassroots level. We’ve partnered with community organizations that make the game accessible to those long excluded. We’ve worked hand in hand with Youth Employment Services (YES) to find support and find employment for volunteers. We’ve worked alongside the RISE academy to assist young people who fall behind with online credits and require tutoring. 

We at the HDA don’t just lend our names to our initiatives but also make a sincere effort to establish our presence in young people’s lives. We directly engage them in the game, make them comfortable in their surroundings and help build their confidence. We work on the ground with them, taking them on field trips to NHL and AHL games and other cultural activities.
    Last winter, 230 BIPOC youths from at-risk/underserved communities skated and played with equipment provided by HDA; coaching and ice time was provided and fully funded by the HDA. Through its membership and sponsors, the HDA has underwritten ball-hockey equipment for 240 young people. Both ice and ball hockey programs are part of the HDA Grassroots Original Hockey League (GOHL). Additionally, we worked with Sportsnet to create a three-part educational program directed to young audience previously overlooked. 

For those of us at the HDA our work isn’t a matter of appearances but rather involvement, the difference between the performative and the sincere, and the merely crafted and the truly heartfelt. 

The work of the HDA is at once difficult and rewarding and the NHL’s expression of interest in promoting diversity is late in its arrival, suspect on its face and in no way helpful to our cause. We will continue to do this important work.
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