The Hockey Diversity Alliance feels betrayed, saying it’s ‘late to the party’ when the NHL launches its inclusion alliance.

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Akim Aliu and his fellow members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance feel betrayed and confused by the NHL’s decision — or until the HDA started — an inclusion committee to diversify the sport and make hockey more fun.

Regardless, Aliw informed the league that he partnered with HDA to address similar issues three years ago. And why, HDA wondered Release a harsh statement Wednesday, will the NHL duplicate what it has done by getting millions into grassroots programs and promoting hockey to at-risk youth?

“They’re late to the party, as the NHL often does, and they want to show that they still want to be in the dance,” Aliyu, a veteran who played in NHL games, told The Associated Press. I think he knows it’s going on and he knows it’s another facade.”

Aliu’s comments mirrored a statement he, eight NHL players and HDA support staff and sponsors signed after the league unveiled its inclusion committee last week. HDA membership includes Evander Kane, Matt Dumba and Anthony Duclair.

“It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the NHL has announced the formation of the ‘Player Inclusion Coalition,'” the HDA statement said.

“Commendable on the face of it, completely ridiculous for what we’ve been doing for three years without the support of the league,” he says. “The NHL Players’ Association’s mission statement does not echo the HDA’s goals, and attempts to use them appropriately.”

The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have announced the formation of a committee of 20 current and former players; It has earmarked $1 million to support grassroots organizations, player perspective history and other special projects. Chaired by former NHL players Anson Carter and PK Subban, the NHL will take note of the alliance being formed in 2020, not to mention HDA, specifically mentioned in a similar announcement in September of that year.

The NHL and players association did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on HDA’s statement.

Accusing the NHL that the council has little to show for what it has done since 2020, the HDA pointed to the ways it partnered with corporate sponsors to establish ball hockey and ice hockey programs in the Toronto area last year.

HDA founder and Calgary Flames center Nazim Kadri told the AP: “Basically, I think we have a very, very strong structure and foundation. We’ve done that without the league. I don’t think they expect us to get this far on our own, but a group of guys who are very passionate and care about it. When you have, not necessarily, but the media attention that it gets, you can take it to the next level and we can make an impact on minority communities.

Aliw envisions those programs — where equipment, training, transportation and meals are provided free of charge — soon across Canada and eventually into the United States.

“Next year we’ll be supporting over a thousand kids playing between ice hockey and ball hockey. We’re a multi-million dollar operation and we don’t profit a dime from the work we do,” Aliw said. .

HDA Chairman Aliyu was born in Nigeria and spent part of his childhood in Ukraine before moving to Toronto with his family.

He is a former journeyman minor leaguer who appeared in seven NHL games, and in In November 2019, then-Flames coach Bill Peters revealed that he had hurled racial slurs at him a decade earlier when the two were teenagers. Peters resigned days later, and Aliyu’s revelations led the NHL to institute a personal conduct policy to stamp out racism in the traditionally white-dominated sport.

Aliyu believes the conflict between HDA and the NHL stems from HDA members not being afraid to speak up and challenging the league to take action. Kadri said he was disappointed the NHL and HDA couldn’t work together, but said he and other current and former players are committed to advancing their cause.

“We thought this would be a great partnership, and by helping each other, we’re going to take this to the next level with what we care about most,” Kadri said. “It would be nice to have their support. At the end of the day, we don’t need it.”

The HDA statement aimed for the NHL to partner with the HDA to choose autonomy: “Metaphorically speaking, the owners’ instinct is to own rather than be part of a team.”

Aliyu said HDA’s criticism was directed at the league and not at the coalition members.

“I really hope they do a good job this time, but I’m tired of hearing empty commercials and photo ops instead of doing the hard work,” he said. “My only message is don’t allow yourselves to be taken advantage of by the league because that is what will stop our movement.”

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AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno contributed.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP\_Sports.

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