Hey, BGHC Fam!
With spring in bloom and postseason hockey approaching, we remain committed to cultivating community and supporting Black women and girls in hockey. To keep everyone up to date on BGHC happenings, we revamped our website. Your support makes all of this possible. To continue supporting all of our initiatives, contribute to BGHC below.
Thank you to News 5 Cleveland for featuring our Community Skate at Halloran Park in partnership with the Cleveland Monsters. It was such a fun day, and we hope everyone who tried skating remembers it's okay to fall and BGHC will always be there to pick you up :)
BGHC x Bauer Hockey Equipment Grant Application Due April 30th
Thanks to our friends at Bauer Hockey, we are excited to give up to $1000 worth of new equipment. With postseason play and summer leagues soon approaching, this is the perfect time to apply.
For more information, including how to apply, visit the link below.
A Call to Action from the Kenya Federation of Ice Sports
Hello, my name is Kellen Maina. I am one of the founding members of the Kenya Federation of Ice Sports (KEFIS)—the national governing body for ice hockey in Kenya. Since our official registration in 2019, I have proudly served as the Secretary-General.
In 2022, I was entrusted with the responsibility of submitting our application for affiliation with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). In September 2024, we achieved a historic milestone when Kenya was unanimously accepted as an affiliate member, securing 100% of the votes.
Now, for the first time ever, we have been invited to attend the 2025 IIHF Annual Congress and the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Stockholm, Sweden, May 9th–25th, 2025.
Our federation’s executive members have selected me to represent Kenya at this prestigious event. This is a pivotal moment—not only for the development of ice hockey in Kenya but also for forging global partnerships and strengthening the sport’s presence across Africa. As a Black African woman representing Kenya on this platform, this is both historic and deeply significant.
Additionally, I will have the honor of meeting fellow African federation representatives to discuss the growth of ice hockey on the continent and the launch of the inaugural 2025 African Nations Ice Hockey Cup.
How You Can Support Us
To make this journey a reality, we are seeking support to raise $2,000 to cover airfare and visa fees.
We would truly appreciate assistance in launching a GoFundMe campaign. Once the campaign is complete, funds can be transferred via Sendwave, PayPal, or other secure platforms.
Your support will help us take this monumental step for Kenyan ice hockey. If you’re able to assist in any way, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for believing in our dream!
Our April Book Club Selection - The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Join us on Saturday, April 19th, 12 pm PT/3 pm ET as we discuss the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Sign up for book club via Eventbrite and purchase the book using the links below!
2025 Diversity in Sports Conference | May 2nd-4th
Our friends at the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network cordially invite you to attend the 2025 Diversity in Sports Conference, May 2nd-4th at the Hilton Meadowvale in Mississauga, Ontario. This annual event brings together individuals and organizations to learn, connect, and collaborate on creating a more inclusive and equitable amateur sport system.
This year's conference will also feature a private screening of The Loyola Project—a powerful documentary on the 1963 Loyola Ramblers and their impact on racial barriers in sports.
For more information, including registration, scholarships for grassroots organizations, and a discounted hotel booking rate, please visit the event link below.
Limited Edition Trading Cards Featuring Laila and Chayla Edwards
The 2025 National Champion and Patty Kazmaier finalist is in high demand, as she should be! While Laila's own autographed card set is sold out, a limited number of sets featuring Laila and Chayla Edwards are still available.
50% of the proceeds go directly to the student-athletes featured, get them while supplies last!
Tennessee State University Internship Opportunities
Tennessee State University is slated to become the 1st HBCU to have a men's ice hockey team. The team is seeking interns for the following roles
Social Media
Graphic Design
Videography
Those interested should email Nick Guerriero, Director of Hockey at hockey@tnstate.edu
Head Coach Duanté Abercrombie also has a fundraising appeal in support of the team. If you like to contribute, text TSUHockey to 41444 or visit the link below.
2025 Willie O'Ree Skills Weekend
Speaking of Duanté, shoutout to Mosaic Hockey Collective for hosting the 2025 Willie O'Ree Skills Weekend in St. Paul, Minnesota. This weekend affirms the legacy of Willie O'Ree and his impact on the game. A panel during the weekend featured
Anson Carter, former NHL player and media personality
Duanté Abercrombie, TSU hockey head coach
Meridith Lang, Executive Director of Mosaic Hockey Collective and founder of Hockey Niñas
Jon Merrill, Minnesota Wild defenseman
To learn more about the Collective, check out their website below.
Chyna Taylor Shining at Lovell Academy
BGHC scholarship winner Chyna Taylor is part of a trio of teammates at Lovell Academy guided the US Women's U-18 Team to a silver medal in Finland.
As an elite defender, Chyna, along with Sydney Stoughton and Annabelle Lovell are leading their team at the 2025 Chipotle High School Hockey Championships.
Steve Drumwright features the trio and their Olympic aspirations in an article below.
Support Larry's Battle Against Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer
BGHC fam, one of our beloved community members is sharing a GoFundMe to assist with medical expenses as her dad, Larry, is battling Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer.
If you are able, you can donate and learn more about Larry below.
