TheColorOfHockey

~ Hockey for Fans and Players of Color

TheColorOfHockey

Monthly Archives: December 2016

Busting a sports myth one bobsled run at a time

28 Wednesday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2014 Winter Olympics, 2018 Winter Olympics, Adrian Adams, Briauna Jones, Jamaica Bobsled Team, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Bobsled Team, University of North Carolina-Charlotte

We’ve talked in this space before about the supposed “sports that we don’t do.”

You know, black folks don’t like/play hockey, don’t/can’t swim, don’t play polo, don’t do chess, don’t like winter sports.

The 2014 Winter Olympics opened a lot of people’s eyes that when it comes to blacks and bobsledding, we are more than just Jamaica.

The U.S. Women’s Bobsled Team featured five women of color. The sisters of sled are back on the track in 2016-17, and they have a new member, rookie Briauna Jones, a former track athlete at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

The U.S. Women's Bobsled National Team. Left to Right, Kehri Jones, Brittany Reinbolt, Aja Evans, Lauren Gibbs, Elana Meyers Taylor, Lolo Jones, and Briauna Jones (Photo/Molly Choma/USA Bobsled & Skeleton).

The U.S. Women’s Bobsled National Team. Left to Right, Kehri Jones, Brittany Reinbolt, Aja Evans, Lauren Gibbs, Elana Meyers Taylor, Jamie Greubel Poser, Lolo Jones, and Briauna Jones (Photo/Molly Choma/USA Bobsled & Skeleton).

On the men’s side, there are two brothers: Adrian Adams, a former North Carolina A&T State University football player, and Chris Kinney, a former Georgetown University hurdler.

The crew of the four-man sled on the U.S. Men's Bobsled National Team. Left to right, Christopher Kinney, Adrian Adams, Frank Del Duca, and Codie Bascue (Photo/Molly Choma/ USA Bobsled & Skeleton).

The crew of the four-man sled on the U.S. Men’s Bobsled National Team. Left to right, Christopher Kinney, Adrian Adams, Frank Del Duca, and Codie Bascue (Photo/Molly Choma/ USA Bobsled & Skeleton).

I’ve chronicled the journeys  of Jones and Adams from the tack and gridiron to bobsled for McClatchy Newspapers. Please take a moment and learn about these fascinating myth-busters who hope to compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Jordan Greenway stars as U.S. beats Latvia 6-1 at World Juniors

27 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston University, International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, J.D. Greenway, Jordan Greenway, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, University of Weiconsin

Boston University forward Jordan Greenway made his presence felt in the United States’ 6-1 victory over Latvia in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship Monday night.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound sophomore capped the U.S. squad’s night, scoring the team’s sixth goal against a scrappy but outgunned Latvia team. He led Team USA with seven shots on goal, most of them close to beleaguered Latvian goaltender Marek Mitens.

 Team USA's Erik Foley, left, and Jordan Greenway stand during the playing of  U.S. national anthem during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo/ Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images).

Team USA’s Erik Foley, left, and Jordan Greenway stand during the playing of U.S. national anthem during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo/ Matt Zambonin/HHOF-IIHF Images).

Greenway, the Minnesota Wild’s  2015 second-round draft pick, was named Team USA’s best player after the game for his offensive display and his intimidating physical play.

And Jordan Greenway comes through for everybody who had the over today. #WJC2017 pic.twitter.com/y662xSu8dO

— Jordie 🔵 (@BarstoolJordie) December 26, 2016

For those watching the world juniors – and it’s great viewing to see the next generation of NHL players – Greenway is easily found. He’s the man-mountain parked in front of the opposing net casting an imposing shadow over the goalie.

BU hockey Head Coach Dave Quinn has described Greenway, a Canton, N.Y. native, as a highly-skilled hockey player with the football body of “a five-star tight end at Alabama or Notre Dame.”

Embed from Getty Images

 

Greenway plays a game similar to Philadelphia Flyers high-scoring forward Wayne Simmonds: screen the goalie, try for tip-in shots, and fight for rebounds.

Greenway is making a name for himself at the IIHF tourney in Toronto and Montreal and in Boston. He’s BU’s second-leading scorer with 6 goals and 10 assists in 16 games.

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Fatima Al Ali and Washington Capitals prove that ‘Hockey is for Everyone’

25 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Alex Ovechkin, Hockey is for Everyone, Peter Bondra, Washington Capitals

Fatima Al Ali is a dangler, and a darn good one.

Former Washington Capitals  star Peter Bondra  quickly noticed that when he was working as a coach at the Pavilkovsky Hockey School in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, in November.

Ali is a slick stick-handling whiz who looks like she’s been playing hockey forever. But the star of the UAE’s women’s hockey team has only been playing since 2008 when she caught the hockey bug while working as the official photographer for the country’s men’s national team.

In partnership w/ @EtihadAirways, @MSE's Monumental Global Academies surprised Fatima to be part of Hockey Is For Everyone Month. #CapsHIFE pic.twitter.com/7StdzlXBBI

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2016

Bondra was so impressed with her stick handling skills that he told the Capitals. Now the team, in partnership with Etihad Airways, is giving Ali a chance to show off her skills and meet Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin and other NHL players in the United States.

They surprised her earlier this month with two round-trip business class tickets to D.C. and tickets to attend a Capitals game in February, which the NHL observes as “Hockey is for Everyone Month.” 

“When we talked, I remember you told me your favorite player is Alex Ovechkin, and your favorite team is the Washington Capitals,” Bondra told Fatima during a video call earlier this month. “Looking forward to seeing you again in person, and watch the game, and hopefully (you will) meet Alex Ovechkin and the whole team. I hope you be able to show some skills to Washington Capitals players.”

Embed from Getty Images

 

With a population of more than 5.7 million, the United Arab Emirates has 802  hockey players – 386 men, 334 juniors, and only 82 women. Its men’s national team is ranked 46th in the world while its women’s program isn’t ranked. There are nine indoor rinks in the country.

Bondra journeyed to Adu Dhabi with on a mission to help grow the game, a priority for the Capitals brain trust.

Thanks to @etihadairways & @capitals specially @PeterBondra12 for the amazing #surprise… https://t.co/0hmrJK4XZN

— Fatima Al Ali (@FatimaAl_Ali) December 13, 2016

“We recognize the growth of basketball and hockey worldwide, along with the Arena Football League and our new franchise, the Washington Valor,” said Jim Van Stone, president of business operations and chief commercial officer for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates the Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards. “We are committed to encouraging that development on an international scale through several initiatives, including upcoming clinics.”

 

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Foley, Greenway, and Jones make U.S. roster for junior championship tourney

24 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston University, Edmonton Oilers, Hockey Canada, International Ice Hockey Federation, Minnesota Wild, Portland Winterhawks, Providence College, Tampa Bay Lightning, USA Hockey, Winnipeg Jets

Erik Foley, Jordan Greenway, and Caleb Jones received early Christmas presents Saturday – roster spots on the U.S. team that will compete in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship.

With its final roster announcement, USA Hockey will skate one of the most diverse teams in the 10-nation tournament that begins Monday in Toronto and Montreal.

The three American players join Team Canada’s Mathieu Joseph and  Team Sweden’s Oliver Kylington members of the diverse National Hockey League draft class of 2015 who will represent their countries in the tournament.

Providence College Friars forward Erik Foley in action for Team USA against Finland (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Providence College Friars forward Erik Foley in action for Team USA against Finland (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Foley, a Winnipeg Jets third round draft pick, is a forward for Providence College Friars of Hockey East. A sophomore, Foley leads the team in scoring with 7 goals and 8 assists in 15 games.

Boston University's Jordan Greenway earns spot on U.S. roster for IIHF world junior championship (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Boston University’s Jordan Greenway earns spot on U.S. roster for IIHF world junior championship (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Greenway, a Minnesota Wild second round draft pick, is a forward for Boston University of Hockey East. The sophomore is the Terriers’ second-leading scorer with 6 goals and 10 assists in 16 games.

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Caleb Jones will patrol the blue line for Team USA at IIHF world junior championship (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Caleb Jones will patrol the blue line for Team USA at IIHF world junior championship (Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey).

Jones, an Edmonton Oilers fourth round draft pick, plays defense for the Portland Winterhawks, a major junior team in the Western Hockey League. Jones, the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones, is fifth on the Winterhawks in scoring with 3 goals and 28 assists in 32 games. He’s tenth in scoring among WHL defensemen.

Mathieu Joseph, right, will play for Canada at the world junior championship tournament in Montreal and Toronto (Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images)

Mathieu Joseph, right, will play for Canada at the world junior championship tournament in Montreal and Toronto (Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images)

Team Canada’s Joseph, a Tampa Bay Lightning fourth round selection, is a forward for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He’s the Sea Dogs’ second-leading scorer with 33 goals and 40 assists in 58 games.

Embed from Getty Images

 

And let’s not forget Sweden’s Kylington. When he isn’t wearing his country’s classy Three Crowns jersey, the Calgary Flames second round draft pick skates for the Stockton Heat, the Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate.

Kylington is ninth on the Heat in scoring – and second among defensemen – with 4 goals and 9 assists in 25 games. He appeared in one game for the Flames in 2015-16.

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Tampa Bay draftee Mathieu Joseph to play for Canada at 2017 junior championshp

20 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston University, Caleb Jones, Erik Foley, International Ice Hockey Federation. Team Canada, Jordan Greenway, Mathieu Joseph, Portland Winterhawks, Providence Collge, Tampa Bay Lightning

Congratulations to forward Mathieu Joseph, a 2015 Tampa Bay Lightning fourth-round draft pick, for being selected to play for Team Canada in the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship.

Team Canada's Mathieu Joseph (Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images).

Team Canada’s Mathieu Joseph (Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images).

Joseph, 19, will represent Canada for the first time at any level internationally when he takes to the ice for the tournament that begins December 26 in Toronto and Montreal.

Canada will open with a tough matinee match against Russia at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre while the United States plays Latvia in an evening contest at the arena.

 Joseph is the second-leading scorer on the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 25 goals and 20 assists in 29 games. The 120th overall pick in the 2015 National Hockey League Draft has scored 80 goals and 91 assists in 176 QMJHL games since the 2013-14 season.

Mathieu Joseph in action against the Czech Republic in exhibition game play during the 2016 National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images).

Mathieu Joseph in action against the Czech Republic in exhibition game play during the 2016 National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp. Photo/Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images).

Joseph got an early Christmas present in December when the Lightning signed him to a three-year entry-level contract on the eve of the IIHF tournament.

Extremely happy to sign my first NHL contract with the @TBLightning Organization! Thanks to everyone who help me along the way ! pic.twitter.com/qBL8aBAsCw

— Mathieu Joseph (@MathJoseph7) December 24, 2016

Joseph’s game is about high energy and enthusiasm – traits he carries on and off the ice. He’s a gregarious personality, something he inherited from his parents.

“I’m a pretty outgoing guy,” he told  Canada’s TSN. “Honestly, it’s easy for me to talk. My family has been raised like that. My parents are like that, maybe not as hyper per se, but I”d say they raised me like that.”

When you finally start your season tomorrow #TzAnthemChallenge pic.twitter.com/MjybRGv0U8

— Mathieu Joseph (@MathJoseph7) September 30, 2016

Joseph isn’t the only one in his family who was recognized this month for his hockey prowess. His younger brother, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph of the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders, was selected to play in the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Quebec City on January 30, 2017.

Charlottetown Islanders' Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

Charlottetown Islanders’ Pierre-Olivier Joseph.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph has 4 goals and 23 assists in 32 QMJHL games this season. NHL Central Scouting lists him as a player to watch and projects him to be a second or third-round pick at the 2017 draft to be held June 23-24 at Chicago’s United Center.

USA Hockey will announce its final 23-man  U.S. roster   for the IIHF world juniors on Dec. 24. Three players  of color who were also chosen in the 2015 draft are in the hunt for roster spots: Caleb Jones, a defenseman for the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks and an Edmonton Oilers fourth-round pick; Boston University forward Jordan Greenway, a Minnesota Wild second-round draft choice; and Providence College forward Erik Foley, a Winnipeg Jets third-round pick.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Ice Hockey in Harlem scores $25K in new gear, with big assist from 12-year-old boy

12 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

CMM, Ice Hockey in Harlem, John Sanful, New York Rangers

Here are some links to a wonderful holiday hockey story that shows what the caring power of one person can do – no matter how young or how small.

Last night's event was featured https://t.co/FQ3nRJnZqu! Check out this heartwarming story. https://t.co/IQrKjfvsGv

— Ice Hockey in Harlem (@HockeyinHarlem) December 8, 2016

City boy paying it forward assists @HockeyinHarlem in scoring $25K in new gear from @CCMHockey https://t.co/dNq7NVdUad pic.twitter.com/7E9zOLfOBp

— Metro New York (@metronewyork) December 9, 2016

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Wayne Simmonds shows off Philadelphia Flyers’ Stadium Series jersey

10 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins., Wayne Simmonds

Wayne Simmonds does it all for the Philadelphia Flyers – scores, fights, checks.

Now add one more thing to the lanky, but strong forward’s profile: fashion model.

Simmonds, along with fellow forward Jakub Voracek, were tapped to show off the jersey the Flyers will wear when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 2017 Coors Light Stadium Series game on February 25, 2017, at Heinz Field, home of the National Football League’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Simmonds tops the Flyers in goals with 15. He also has 11 assists for 26 overall points in 29 games. Voracek leads the team in scoring with 10 goals, 18 assists for 28 points in 29 games for the Orange and Black.

Philadelphia Flyers forwards Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek model the team's Coors Light Stadium Series jersey.

Philadelphia Flyers forwards Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek model the team’s Coors Light Stadium Series jersey.

Jerseys designed for the NHL’s outdoor games have been hit or miss over the years.

The Flyers appear to have taken a line from the classic film “Passenger 57” to heart in creating a mostly black uni with the orange stripes on the sleeves and bottom, and an orange nameplate with black lettering on the back.

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Three from diverse 2015 NHL Draft vie for Team USA roster spots for World Juniors

06 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Boston University, Caleb Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets, Erik Foley, J.D. Greenway, Jordan Greenway, Portland Winterhawks, Providence College, Seth Jones, University of Wisconsin

Twenty-seven players, 23 spots.

That’s the math problem that Team USA will try to solve as it whittles its roster for the 2017 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship,to be held in Toronto and Montreal Dec. 26, 2016 to Jan. 5, 2017.

USA Hockey announced Monday that 27 players have made the preliminary roster for the tourney and will attend a training camp Dec. 16-20 at HarborCenter in Buffalo, N.Y. The final 23-man roster will be announced on Dec. 24.

Three players of color, all members of National Hockey League Draft class of 2015, are vying for jobs on the U.S. squad. They are:

Portland Winterhawks' Caleb Jones

Portland Winterhawks’ Caleb Jones

Caleb Jones, defense, Portland Winterhawks, Western Hockey League.  Jones is the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones, who starred in Portland before the Nashville Predators selected him with the fourth overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft. Jones joined the NHL after competing in the World Juniors.

Now Caleb Jones is making a name for himself in Portland. He’s fifth on the Winterhawks in scoring with 3 goals and 22 assists in 28 games. His 25 points is tops among the team’s defensemen. He’s tied for second in assists among WHL defensemen.

The Edmonton Oilers chose Jones in the fourth round of the 2015 draft and signed him to an entry-level NHL contract in April.

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Caleb Jones is fifth on his team in scoring (Photo/Dayna Fjord/Portland Winterhawks).

Portland Winterhawks defenseman Caleb Jones is fifth on his team in scoring (Photo/Dayna Fjord/Portland Winterhawks).

“Caleb has had a chance in the past to represent USA at several international events but I know the opportunity to play in the World Junior tournament on the biggest stage is something he’s always looked forward to,”said Mike Johnston, the Winterhawks head coach and general manager. “I am confident he will impress at the camp.”

Jordan Greenway, forward, Boston University, Hockey East. Greenway, a

Jordan Greenway, Boston University

Jordan Greenway, Boston University

6-foot-5, 230-pound sophomore is second on the Terriers in scoring with 6 goals and 7 assists in 13 games. He’s tallied 3 game-winning goals so far this season.

The Minnesota Wild drafted Greenway in the second round with the 50th overall pick of the 2015. His younger brother, defenseman J.D. Greenway, plays for the University of Wisconsin. The Toronto Maple Leafs chose him in the third round with the 72nd overall pick of the 2016 draft.

Boston University sophomore Jordan Greenway is second on the Terriers in scoring (Photo/Richard T. Gagnon)

Boston University sophomore Jordan Greenway is second on the Terriers in scoring (Photo/Richard T. Gagnon)

Providence College's Erik Foley

Providence College’s Erik Foley

Erik Foley, forward, Providence College,  Hockey East. Foley leads The Friars in scoring with 6 goals and 8 assists in 14 games. He also leads the team with 3 power play goals and 2 game-winning goals. The Winnipeg Jets plucked Foley in the third round with the 78th overall in the 2015 draft.

If Foley makes the USA roster, he’ll have company from Rhode Island. Friars Assistant Coach Kris Mayotte was named to the U.S. National Junior Team in June.

 

 

Providence College forward Erik Foley outskates Ohio State University player for the puck.

Providence College forward Erik Foley outskates Ohio State University player for the puck.

And Foley also may end up playing against a fellow Friar in Toronto and Montreal as teammate Kasper Björkqvist was named to Finland’s preliminary roster for the World Juniors on Monday.

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Eight is great for ‘Krash’ Green, just as it was for her NHL pioneer grandad

04 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Alex Ovechkin, Bill Riley, Kryshanda Green, Mike Marson, Ryerson University, Washington Capitals, Willie O'Ree

When Ryerson University hockey forward Kryshanda Green had to choose what number to wear on her jersey this season, she quickly picked No.8 in honor of a certain Washington Capitals player.

While high-scoring  Alex Ovechkin is currently Washington’s Great Eight, Green’s choice pays homage to a different No. 8 who she thinks is pretty great: her grandfather, Bill Riley.

Ryerson University's Kryshanda Green (Photo/Alex D'Addese).

Ryerson University’s Kryshanda Green (Photo/Alex D’Addese).

Riley, who the number for the Capitals from 1976 to 1979, was the National Hockey League’s third black player. He followed in the skates of teammate Mike Marson and Willie O’Ree, who became the league’s first black player when he joined the Boston Bruins in 1958.

“My grandfather is like a a huge influence on me, he’s very inspiring,” Green told me recently. “I know he dealt with a lot of adversity. His situation is something that I can be proud of for the rest of my life.”

Green took Riley’s number as a personal reminder of the obstacles that he had to overcome and the perseverance he displayed in not letting anyone  – including some racist fans and fellow players – or anything prevent him from achieving his goals.

“It was more when I was in the minor leagues – I went through a lot in the minors,” Riley, who grew up in Nova Scotia, told me recently. “I got called names down in the U.S., I didn’t even know what they meant. I had to ask another black guy. They used to call me ‘chitlin.‘ I didn’t know what a chitlin was. We don’t have chitlins up in Canada, we don’t eat chitlins in Canada.”

Riley appeared in 139 NHL games over five seasons with the Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, notching 31 goals and 30 assists.

Bill Riley, the NHL's third black player, donned the Number 8 for the Washington Capitals long before Alex Ovechkin made it famous.(Photos/Washington Capitals).

Bill Riley, the NHL’s third black player, donned the No. 8 for the Washington Capitals long before Alex Ovechkin made it famous.(Photos/Washington Capitals).

Green says she’s taking lessons from Riley’s perseverance and using it to revive a promising hockey career that hit a big red stop sign three seasons ago.

Green began her Canadian collegiate hockey career at London, Ontario’s Western University in 2012-13. She tallied 9 goals and 13 assists for the Mustangs and earned Ontario University Athletics’ All-Rookie Team honors that season.

But success on ice didn’t translate to success in the classroom. Hitting the books wasn’t her top priority.

“I wasn’t ready academically,” she said. “I wasn’t willing to do the work. I wasn’t willing to study or put dedication toward academics. I was certainly willing to play hockey. I did that day in and day out, anytime I could. I loved it. But academically, I hadn’t matured in the same way, and that was my downfall.”

Kryshanda Green leads Ryerson University's women's hockey team in scoring in the 2016-17 season (Photo by Alex D'Addese/ Ryerson Rams Athletics)

Kryshanda Green leads Ryerson University’s women’s hockey team in scoring in the 2016-17 season (Photo by Alex D’Addese/ Ryerson Rams Athletics)

Frustrated, Green left Western and quit hockey altogether – moves that broke her grandfather’s heart.

“It really disappointed me because I knew how good she was,” said Riley, 66. “She has a gear that a lot of players will never get, no matter how hard they work. She is so explosive to the outside, she’s unbelievable. And she shoots the puck a ton – she fires bullets for a girl that small. She was too darn good not to play.”

“To be honest, I think my grandfather was the most upset,” Green recalled. “He was like ‘What are you doing? How can you stop playing? You’ve got to get through this.'”

But Green said was stubbornly determined not to return to the rink. She filled the hockey void by getting in touch with her artistic side.

She collaborated with Toronto-area hip-hop artists and even released her own EP and video as the artist known as Krash.

But even as she busted rhymes, hockey remained on her mind.

“It was something that I knew I wasn’t done with, that I finished too early,” Green told me. “It was something that I was tired of keeping me up at night.”

While performing music was fun, working regular jobs in Toronto area warehouses and for a film services company from 2013 to 2015 were hardly inspiring, Green confessed.

Fortunately, a life-line came in the form of a phone call from Lisa Haley, Ryerson’s women’s hockey head coach and former assistant coach on the Canadian women’s national team that won gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Haley wanted to know if Green was interested in playing hockey again. Krash dropped the mic and grabbed a stick.

“I thought I wasn’t going to get another chance to finish what I started after all these years, so I took it because I thought that getting an education was the most valuable thing for me to get right now,” Green said.

Green was red-shirted at Ryerson last season, meaning she didn’t appear in single game for the Rams. That gave her time to focus on academics, which resulted in a 3.5 grade-point average last year, she said.

“This year, I’m currently a 3.0. After exams, hopefully, it will be higher,” Green, a politics and governance major, told me. “It’s the most important part.”

Her on-ice stats are pretty good, too. The 5-foot-4 forward from Brampton, Ontario, leads the Rams in scoring with 8 goals and 7 assists for 15 points in 12 games. She’s fourth in the OUA in points; fourth in goals; and eighth in assists.

She’s tenth in goals and thirteenth in points in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the country’s version of the NCAA.

“It’s been amazing,” Green said of her success after the long hockey layoff. “I have a greater appreciation for the game that I never thought I’d have. It feels like home again…It’s honestly such a privilege for me to get on the ice. For me, just being able to step on the ice and play a game is huge.”

Kryshanda Green is thrilled to be playing hockey again after a lengthy layoff (Photo by Alex D'Addese/ Ryerson Rams Athletics)

Kryshanda Green is thrilled to be playing hockey again after a lengthy layoff (Photo by Alex D’Addese/ Ryerson Rams Athletics)

Green’s work ethic and dedication earned her an assistant captain’s “A” on her jersey this season, a symbol that she’s a team leader.

“She is highly skilled, she’s got blazing speed on the ice, but the bigger impact of ‘Krash’s’ legacy on our program has been her leadership,” Haley said. “She is the picture of accountability, integrity and perseverance. These are key qualities that every successful team embodies and she brought these to the rink every single day last year, knowing she wouldn’t even play a game the entire season.”

Just what proud grandpa Bill Riley likes to hear.

“She’s blowing the doors off her grades,” he said of his granddaughter. “And she’s blowing the doors off the hockey.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Snider Hockey tops Ice Hockey in Harlem in Fundraising contest – everybody wins

01 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by William Douglas in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, Ice Hockey in Harlem, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers

And the final score is Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation $124,637.67, Ice Hockey in Harlem $83,370.93.

The kids from Snider Hockey topped their New York youth hockey rivals in a friendly fundraising competition that began with the drop of the puck at the Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers game on Nov. 25 and ended around midnight on Nov. 29.

Victory is ours!! The Ed Snider youth Hockey Foundation outraised New York's Ice Hockey in Harlem in a friendly fundraising competition over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Victory is ours!! The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation out-raised New York’s Ice Hockey in Harlem in a friendly fundraising competition over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The battle for bragging rights was part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.

During the competition, donors and supporters of the two minority-oriented youth hockey organizations visited the websites of Snider Hockey and Ice Hockey in Harlem to make contributions, or gave via mail or in person.

Ice Hockey in Harlem came up a little short in its fundraising tilt against Philly's Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. But there's always next year.

Ice Hockey in Harlem came up a little short in its fundraising tilt against Philly’s Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. But there’s always next year.

With their victory, the Philly kids were crowned #FaceOffChamps. As part of the competition, the Harlem skaters – who normally wear Rangers colors – must don Flyers orange and black T-shirts and proclaim their love for their dreaded turnpike rivals on Ice Hockey in Harlem social media sites.

Stay tuned.

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Print
  • Reddit
  • Telegram
  • WhatsApp
  • Skype

Like this:

Like Loading...

Recent Posts

  • Asian & Pacific Islander heritage players on 2020-21 team rosters in pictures
  • Meet the Black players on NCAA women’s hockey rosters in 2020-21
  • Jaden Lindo adds new chapter to ‘Soul on Ice’ by winning hockey championship
  • Sarah Nurse seeks gold at IIHF world championship after winning Olympic silver
  • Hockey Family Photo Album, Page 2

Archives

  • May 2021
  • February 2021
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • April 2013
  • December 2012

Categories

  • John Tortorella
  • nhl.com
  • Uncategorized

Hockey Links

  • American Collegiate Hockey Association
  • Black Ice Book
  • Detroit Hockey Association
  • Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation
  • Fort Dupont Ice Arena
  • Hasek's Heroes
  • Hockey is for Everyone
  • Hockeyland Canada
  • Ice Hockey in Harlem
  • International Ice Hockey Federation
  • Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation
  • Kevin Weekes Online
  • NHL official website
  • NHL Uniforms
  • Ted's Take
  • The American Hockey League
  • The ECHL
  • TSN
  • USA Hockey

Powered by WordPress.com.

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: