The NHL is aiming to return this summer, but players aren't waiting in the wings. They're speaking out _ and not just about finishing the season.
After many NHLers condemned racial injustice in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, several minority players _ including the Wild's Matt Dumba and former Wild forwards Joel Ward and Chris Stewart _ launched the Hockey Diversity Alliance with a goal of eradicating racism and intolerance in hockey.
The group plans to promote diversity through community outreach and engagement with youth while attempting to make the sport more affordable and accessible.
Although independent of the NHL, the alliance is hopeful it will work with the league.
"We are confident we can inspire a new generation of hockey players and fans," the group said in an announcement. "We are hopeful that anyone who puts on skates or sits in the stands will do so without worrying about race, gender or socioeconomic background and will be able to express their culture, identity, values and personality without fear of retribution."
San Jose forward Evander Kane and Akim Aliu are co-heads of the alliance, while Dumba, Flyers winger Stewart, Ward, Detroit defenseman Trevor Daley and Buffalo forward Wayne Simmonds are on the executive committee.
In November, Aliu revealed former Calgary coach Bill Peters used racial slurs against him when both were in the minors during the 2009-10 season. Peters later resigned from the Flames.
Aliu, who most recently played overseas after a brief stint in the NHL, met with league brass about his push for change.
