NHL, Panthers, and Penguins promote inclusion and diversity in hockey

The amount of Black employees occupying important positions at the NHL and its franchises astonished Emmanuel Umoffia , a center for Florida Memorial University's men's basketball team, who is 7 feet, 3 inches tall.

Umoffia was one of the Florida Memorial students present at the private Historically Black college's "Saluting Trailblazers" brunch, which marked the beginning of Black History Month.

A panel of Black executives and personnel from the League, the Florida Panthers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins educated attendees about the opportunities in the NHL, hockey, and the movement to make the sport more diverse and inclusive.

Brett Peterson, assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers, Brian Blake, NHL senior director of diversity & inclusion, Jennifer Ekeleme, NHL vice president of multicultural engagement + integration, Thomas Eugene, senior director of diversity for the Panthers, and Kim Davis, senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives, and legislative affairs for the NHL, shared their hockey journeys with the audience.

One of the highest-ranking Black women in professional athletics, Davis, remarked that they all gathered because representation counts. "I want you guys to know that if you see it, you can be it. Think about hockey."

In November 2020, Peterson, the first Black assistant general manager in the NHL, agreed.

In terms of genuinely looking for and comprehending those who are in our immediate surroundings and our neighbors, as well as establishing additional routes and possibilities, this is another enormous step for the Florida Panthers, according to Peterson. "I've met some fantastic young people, and just being able to help them. One of the things I hope these young people take away from panel is follow their passion. I think one thing about sports in general, especially the NHL, is we're passionate people and passionate about games."

The panelists dispelled the misconception that hockey has traditionally been a sport played only by people of European descent. They pointed out that the NHL, which was established in Montreal in 1917, predates the Colored Hockey League, an all-Black league with roots in the Canadian Maritimes, which was established in 1895.

They pleaded with the pupils to be ready when opportunity knocked, to build connections, and to not be scared to think creatively about their future jobs.

Some of the panelists said that while they previously had little interest in working for the NHL, they now can't picture doing anything else.

McCants Lewis stated of her position with the Penguins, "I am here for a reason. I hope to serve as a role model to show people that you don't have to play hockey to work in hockey. In my role as chief people officer, we are trying to create an opportunity that will welcome all to a space to work that is a belonging space ... and to show anyone that there are opportunities for you ... where you think you may not be able to go, but you sure can."

Tre'Nika Francis, a music student in her second year at Florida Memorial, found the talk to be meaningful.

Francis had no prior knowledge of hockey, but mentioned that it appeared intriguing when watched on television. It's truly encouraging to see African Americans employed in a place where it's generally assumed that only white people can do so. It's encouraging to see that they have a chance to succeed.

President of Florida Memorial Jaffus Hardrick said the panel gave his students a timely message that they needed to hear.

"We have to take advantage of every opportunity because we never know where our path really is going to take us. And just like we heard each of the panelists talk about, none of them ever were intentional in being in the NHL. But look at them now; their various paths led them to this great organization."

Daniela Jean, the commissioner of North Miami Beach, gave Davis and Peterson proclamations thanking the NHL and the Panthers for their contributions to the sport at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was honored and recognized on February 1, 2023, by the mayor and commission of the city of North Miami Beach, Florida, for providing fans and spectators with competitive, exciting, and action-packed sports entertainment for more than 100 years.