Hockey is for everyone. Those four words aren't just the name of an NHL program focused on diversity. For John Haferman, director of the Columbus Ice Hockey Club (CIHC), they are a philosophy. His execution of that mission is what made the CIHC a natural choice for a $5,000 grant as part of the NHL Centennial Tour.
As the tour visits each NHL city in North America celebrating the League's 100 years, the NHL is making a donation to a local nonprofit that focuses on diversity and inclusion in the game of hockey.
Under Haferman's leadership, CIHC has provided many programs within the sport including sled hockey, teams for young women and girls, and hockey for children with special needs.
"The whole reason CIHC started is because someone told me you could never get African-American kids to play hockey," Haferman said. "Then the League did Hockey is for Everyone. There is always a group that seems to be needing to be included."
One of the children CIHC brought to the game is Corbin, the son of Cassie and Christy Davis.
NHL to grant $5,000 to the Columbus Ice Hockey Club for diversity efforts
Corbin is one of the kids in the Columbus community who has really benefited from CIHC's programs