Last week, I filmed an Instagram live event on the BGHC Instagram story that lasted 50 minutes and included my thoughts on race and hockey as well as a conversation with Metropolitan Riveters draftee, Saroya Tinker. Since then, there has been an outpouring of love, both verbal, monetary and tangible, for me and this organization. … Continue reading Renee Hess and Saroya Tinker Discuss Race and Hockey
When Will Hockey Be For Everyone?
In a tweet from Akim Aliu, it was revealed the Bill Peters, current head coach of the Calgary Flames, used the n-word several times in reaction to the music the then-rookie was playing. And people are surprised. My reaction was a bit different. I wasn’t surprised - if anything I was surprised a story like … Continue reading When Will Hockey Be For Everyone?
The Power of Language
I remember when I first heard Devante Smith-Pelly was at the receiving end of racist taunts at a Chicago Blackhawks game in 2018. I assumed the worst case scenario initially, so when I discovered that the fans were chanting “basketball” at him, I was almost relieved. Obviously, the actions of the Chicago fans were racist … Continue reading The Power of Language
Politics, Sports, and Using the Platform For Change
In 2013, the National Hockey League partnered with The 'You Can Play' Project, founded in 2012 by Patrick Burke, son of Brian Burke, former NHL executive and current hockey analyst. Since then, YCP nights have become an annual occurrence across the League, mandatory, with varied participation from each club. Most team celebrations consist of … Continue reading Politics, Sports, and Using the Platform For Change