Canadian News

Breaking Racial Barriers in NHL Now Considered Event of Historic Significance

Paul Jacobs, Henry “Elmer” Maracle, Larry Kwong, Fred Sasakamoose and Willie O’Ree each broke racial barriers to reach hockey’s highest level

In Canada, national historic designations illustrate defining moments in our country’s history and the diverse and complex stories that are shared. In acknowledging both the triumphs and the struggles that have led us to the Canada of today, national historic designations help us reflect on how to build a thoughtful and inclusive society for present and future generations.

On December 7,  2022 the Government of Canada announced the designation of Breaking Racial Barriers in the National Hockey League (NHL) as an event of national historic significance. The designation was commemorated at a special ceremony held at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.

The designation honours the achievements of five hockey players — Paul Jacobs, Henry “Elmer” Maracle, Larry Kwong, Fred Sasakamoose, and Willie O’Ree — who at different points broke through longstanding prejudice that prevented Indigenous, Chinese Canadian, Black, and other racialized players from playing in professional hockey.

The love of hockey, Canada’s national sport, unites Canadians from coast to coast to coast. But even though our collective passion for the game brings us all together, the organization of the sport itself has not reflected the Canadian ideals of diversity, equality and multiculturalism.

While Canadians of all backgrounds played and enjoyed hockey, racial discrimination and prejudice existed in player development programs across Canada. Depending on where they were in Canada, some Indigenous, Chinese Canadian, Black and other racialized players instead played in separate leagues, on segregated teams like the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL), founded in Halifax in 1895. Many Indigenous players learned the sport while forced to attend residential schools.

When the NHL was formed in 1917, these separate and segregated programs did not feed into the NHL’s development system, limiting opportunities for players from racialized and Indigenous communities to play at the sport’s highest level and perpetuating the status quo.

Jacobs, Maracle, Kwong, Sasakamoose, and O’Ree were five players who each broke through racial barriers in their career, ultimately reaching hockey’s premier league during the NHL’s early decades and beyond. Their stories expose the fight against racism and prejudice in hockey and in Canada.

During and after their careers, these players inspired generations of players who followed in their steps. It is hoped that their stories will foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies and realities of Canada’s past and present.

Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

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