Imama Designs Roadrunners Warm-Up Jerseys to Benefit Foundation

Coyotes prospect Boko Imama has always wanted to make hockey easier to access for minority children interested in playing his favorite sport.
When the opportunity arose to partner with current NHL forward (and former Coyote) Anthony Duclair to do just that, he jumped at it.
Imama and Duclair, both Montreal natives, have struck up a partnership with the goal of mentoring minority children in hockey through introducing and teaching the game, while also providing them the necessary gear to enjoy the sport. The 26-year-old Imama has had a big hand in early fundraising efforts, designing Tuscon's warm-up jerseys which were worn during last week's weekend series against the Henderson Silver Knights.

Imama's experience of designing, wearing, and seeing his teammates wear the jerseys were rewarding, but partnering with his longtime friend to provide assistance to those who need it most is even more meaningful.
"It's definitely pretty special," Imama said. "Last year we had the t-shirt option, and we talked about doing something a little bit bigger this year. That's when the idea of a jersey came in -- obviously we wanted to make it pretty cool and nice for Black History Month."

Imama is known for his tough-as-nails presence on the ice, and is an even harder worker off it. In 35 games as an alternate captain with the Roadrunners this season, he's notched four goals and six assists. Tucson coach Steve Potvin said the winger is the ultimate team player, and his commitment to the team, the organization, and the community is unwavering.
Though he can intimidate the opposition, providing ample time and space for his teammates on the ice, his heart is an even bigger force off of it.
"He's a team player, and I think he's a player that has made improvements in his game and is not solely just a player that should be recognized for that aspect of the game, but he's definitely a hard player to play against," Potvin said. "He's a committed person, you can see every day."
His hard work and preparation paid off in the form of a brief stint with the Coyotes last season, where he embraced his role on the team while still contributing to the scoresheet. His first-career NHL goal, in fact, sparked a furious rally that resulted in a three-goal third period which ultimately forced overtime.
What made it even more special was that he notched that milestone in front of his father, mother, and two of his sisters.

"Just thinking about it now, the chills are already coming back because it was most definitely one of my biggest moments," Imama said. "I feel like that goal was just a reward of my mindset of how strong I was, how much I had to stick to it, and the biggest support I've ever had was my family.
"For my mom and dad and sisters to be in the stands and actually see their boy score his first goal, I feel like that moment it was it was more for them than for me."
That moment also sticks out in the mind of Coyotes head coach André Tourigny, who has been following the forward's development all season long.
"He's a great guy, and he has a lot of enthusiasm," Tourigny said. "He's always smiling, he's got a big presence. He knows his role, he's proud of it, and he's really good at it."
That very attitude that helped him reach the NHL, despite the challenges he has faced throughout his career as a Black hockey player - was the realization of a dream. Even so, he's not content with his story ending there, though. He's overcome too much adversity to let that one goal define his career.

The creation of the Duclair-Imama Foundation is not just another step towards providing an underserved community with the access it needs to grow the game; it's also a way for him to partner with a longtime friend and combat the racial discrimination they both have faced throughout their respective hockey careers.
"Anthony and I have experienced multiple issues when it comes to when it comes to racial issues, and I was tired of circling around in the same type of nonsense," Imama said. "So I said I have to do something about it, I have to do my part, and I feel like the first step for me, was bringing up this foundation which will help benefit young minority kids in hockey."
Services provided to those youth include development camps, teaching, mentoring, and additional financial support to access the sport.
Imama said neither he nor Duclair had access to those types of programs when they were younger, so to be able to provide that to those most in need is something he'll always take pride in.
"It's a dream come true if I'm being honest with myself," he said. "I feel like it's so much bigger than being a player. I'm trying to help, and hopefully I can keep on doing that even after I'm done playing.
"The support will still be there for the for the young kids, I'm still going to be involved, and I'm still going to be that resource for the kids. It means everything to me."
The Roadrunners will continue to fundraise through the end of the month, and fans interested in contributing to the Duclair-Imama Foundation have multiple ways to do so. Fans can purchase "Enough it Enough" T-shirts, signed Black History Month neckties, and game-worn jerseys from both Imama and teammate Devante Stephens.

Imama said the thought of being a role model to minority children hoping to some day crack the professional ranks in hockey is one he doesn't take lightly, and he is optimistic for what the future has in store.
One thing's for sure: he'll continue to work tirelessly to not only achieve his own goals, but help others reach theirs, as well.
"Sometimes you feel alone due to some situations that you have to face, unfortunately, but deep down I knew I was not giving up no matter what," Imama said. "When it did happen I was proud, I knew that everything that I had gone through was worth it, but also I knew that I was going to be an example for for many, many others, because throughout the process I had a lot of supporting messages from other parents that have kids of color.
"They're just fighting for a way to make it happen, and they saw me do it while facing similar barriers they are facing. I know the work is not done, and it's just one more reason for me to keep on pushing this evolution in my own power."