“I was the only black person, not just on my team, but on both teams. My parents were the only blacks in the stands. The sport has grown. Year after year, we see changes and it’s good to see. »
Anthony Duclair didn’t grow up in Quebec in the 1970s, but rather in the 2000s. But even though the 27-year-old was a pee-wee just 15 years ago, he remembers a white sport , and white long.
The Duclair of that time would therefore have had a hard time believing what was happening on one of the Sportplexe rinks in Pierrefonds on Wednesday. All week, in fact, about 60 young people aged 7 to 15, “from visible minorities”, according to the press release, participate in the Duclair-Imama camp, named for Anthony Duclair and Bokondji Imama, the two most famous faces. initiative. Christopher, Duclair’s little brother, who will play for the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) next season, was also among the on-ice coaches.
By organizing his camp, Duclair thus goes from words to deeds. The Sharks forward is a member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA), which brings together nine active or retired players, including Akim Aliu, the group’s spokesperson. The HDA’s mission, at the community level, is “to ensure that hockey is accessible to all who love the sport.”
“Hockey is a sport that lacks diversity and is very expensive,” recalls Imama. To have a platform that facilitates accessibility is a dream come true. »
However, the HDA was formed on the fringes of the NHL, and we had a very clear reminder of this last week. A week after the NHL announced the creation of the Players Coalition for Inclusion, the HDA responded with a murderous statement on its social networks.
“According to the NHL, this ‘new’ initiative seeks to promote equality and inclusion in hockey on and off the rink. It’s laughable, knowing how much we’ve done for three years, without any support from the NHL. The mission of the NHL Coalition does not echo ours so much as it is a cynical attempt at appropriation. »
Duclair did not wish to dwell on subjects other than his side. Invited to respond to the HDA’s release, however, Duclair said he supported “any statement.” I’m one of them, they’re all my brothers. »
Does he feel that the NHL is bringing about change with its initiatives?
Imama is not a member of the HDA, but he deplores the current conflict. “The HDA and the Coalition, I think, have the same goal, both want to grow the game of hockey,” said the forward, a new member of the Senators organization. The fact that there is discontent is a shame. They could be a bigger force if they worked together. »
Although there is some progress, the NHL is not exactly a microcosm of North American societies, with a proportion approaching 5% of black players. When it comes to team employees, only 3.74% identify as Black, according to data released by the NHL in October 2022.
Imama, however, recognizes the progress made at the local level. “Initiatives like the Duclair-Imama camp didn’t exist in my time,” he recalls. I had to go my own way. I was the only or one of the only colored players. […] Young people had role models, players like Anthony [Duclair], Jarome Iginla, P. K. Subban, who left their mark.
“Growing hockey, anyone can do it. But of course with my story, my skin color, want it, don’t want it, you have a certain responsibility, and that’s what I want to do. »
Confined to the West since the start of his professional career, Bokondji Imama is finally getting closer to home. On July 1, the former Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Saint John Sea Dogs signed a one-year, two-part contract with the Senators. After four years with the Kings and two with the Coyotes, it’s a fresh start for the 221 lb colossus. “Last year the Senators showed interest in me, but I wanted to be loyal to the Coyotes, so I stayed. But Ottawa returned to the charge this summer. I will finally be close to home, I will see my 1 month old niece grow up, there will often be games in Montreal, Quebec. It will be good for my career. Imama took advantage of his time in Arizona to play his first games in the NHL. He played five last season, and four in 2021-22. Whether he can add to that figure this season remains to be seen.
