Nieto Tours United By Hockey Mobile Museum

Breaking down barriers one step at a time to ensure that each and every person knows that Hockey Is For Everyone.

On Tuesday, Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Nieto toured the United By Hockey Mobile Museum parked outside of Ball Arena. The 840-foot history-filled exhibit celebrates hockey's trailblazers, changemakers, and business leaders spanning multiple underrepresented and multicultural demographics.
What Nieto didn't know was soon to come.
As he walked into the mobile museum, a wall displayed pictures including trailblazers and their accomplishments, such as Hall of Famers Willie O'Ree, Grant Fuhr, and Jarome Iginla. It also featured himself and read, "Matt Nieto: Among a short list of Mexican-American players to score a hat trick in an NHL game."
A smile burst out.
"It's something I take pride in and to be on the wall with the likes of these players." Nieto said. "It's pretty awesome."
Nieto followed along the display, pointing out the likes of players that inspired him to play hockey, the very ones who made him believe that as an underrepresented individual, he had a chance to one day live out his dream of playing in the NHL.

As Nieto rounded the corner, he was met with an interactive broadcast booth and was compelled to try it. A flurry of options arose when deciding whose player highlight to test his broadcast skills against former player and current on-air personality Kevin Weekes.
Nieto chose Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, citing his love for watching him as a kid and how he changed the game.
As his visit came to an end, Nieto reflected on the importance of diversity & inclusion in the sport of Ice Hockey.
"There are so many good programs now," Nieto said. "Hockey Diversity Alliance and Hockey is For Everyone that really just] helps include everyone that wants to play the sport. I think this is only the beginning and I know that there's a plan set in place to help grow even further."
The exhibit is set to visit all 32 NHL teams through June 2023.
To learn more about the United By Hockey Mobile Museum visit
[https://www.nhl.com/news/united-by-hockey-mobile-museum-to-debut-during-all-star-weekend/c-340593952
.