They hail from different places and backgrounds. They’re of different races, ethnic groups, and faiths. But put a stick in their hands and skates on their feet, they’re all the same: hockey players.
It’s fun writing about the history and growing impact of people of color in hockey, but frustrating at the same time. A lot of people still don’t realize how diverse the sport is becoming, how the face of hockey is changing.
Seeing is believing, so here are some of the players of color who were on the rosters of National Hockey League teams when the 2016-17 season opened last week. If you have any questions about the players, take a deeper dive into this blog for some of their stories.
Auston Matthews, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
Dustin Byfuglien, D, Winnipeg Jets
Kyle Okposo, F, Buffalo Sabres
Nazem Kadri, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
J.T. Brown, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
Joel Ward, F, San Jose Sharks
Nail Yakupov, F, St. Louis Blues
Ryan Reaves, F, St. Louis Blues
Trevor Daley, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Wayne Simmonds, F, Philadelphia Flyers
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, F, Philadelphia Flyers
Mika Zibanejad, F, New York Rangers
Devante Smith-Pelly, F, New Jersey Devils
P.K. Subban, D, Nashville Predators
Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens
Al Montoya, G, Montreal Canadiens
Chris Stewart, F, Minnesota Wild
Matt Dumba, D, Minnesota Wild
Jordan Nolan, F, Los Angeles Kings
Alec Martinez, D, Los Angeles Kings
Johnny Oduya, D, Dallas Stars
Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers
Brandon Saad, F, Columbus Blue Jackets
Seth Jones, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
Jordan Tootoo, F, Chicago Blackhawks.
Anthony Duclair, forward, Arizona Coyotes.
Jarome Iginla, F, Colorado Avalanche
Evander Kane, F, Buffalo Sabres.
what about devon setoguchi, who made it onto the kings’ roster?