NHL, Panthers, Penguins spread message of diversity, inclusion in hockey

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Emmanuel Umoffia said he was surprised to see the number of Black people who work at the NHL and its clubs in key positions.

"I didn't know," said Umoffia, a 7-foot, 3-inch center for Florida Memorial University's men's basketball team. "Just being here today kind of opened my eyes towards hockey, and I want to be associated with it."

Umoffia was among the Florida Memorial students who attended a "Saluting Trailblazers" breakfast Wednesday that kicked off Black History Month at the private Historically Black College.

Attendees learned about the opportunities in the NHL and hockey and the effort to make the sport more diverse and inclusive from a panel of Black executives and staff from the League, the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sharing their hockey journeys with attendees were Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs; Jeff Scott, NHL Vice President, Community Development & Growth; Brett Peterson, assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers; Brian Blake, NHL Senior Director, Diversity & Inclusion; Jennifer Ekeleme, NHL Vice President, Multicultural Engagement + Integration; Thomas Eugene, the Panthers senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion and multicultural affairs; Tracey McCants Lewis, chief people officer & general counsel for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Delvina Morrow, the Penguins senior director, strategic community initiatives and diversity, inclusion and equity.

"We are here because representation counts," said Davis, who is one of the highest-ranking Black women in professional sports. "I want you guys to know that if you see it, you can be it. Think about hockey."

Peterson, who became the NHL's first Black assistant GM in November 2020, concurred.

"I think this is another giant step for the Florida Panthers with regards to really seeking out and understanding who it is around us and our neighbors and creating more pathways and opportunities," Peterson said. "I've met some fantastic young people, and just being able to help them. One of the things I hope these young people take away from panel is follow their passion. I think one thing about sports in general, especially the NHL, is we're passionate people and passionate about games."

The panelists debunked the myth that hockey is and always has been an exclusively white sport. They noted the Colored Hockey League, an all-Black league based in the Canadian Maritimes, was formed in 1895, predating the NHL, which was founded in Montreal in 1917.

They implored the students to be prepared when opportunity knocks, make connections and don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to careers.

Several of the panelists said working in the NHL initially wasn't on their employment radar but now they can't imagine doing anything else.

"I am here for a reason," McCants Lewis said of her job with the Penguins. "I hope to serve as a role model to show people that you don't have to play hockey to work in hockey. In my role as chief people officer, we are trying to create an opportunity that will welcome all to a space to work that is a belonging space ... and to show anyone that there are opportunities for you ... where you think you may not be able to go, but you sure can."

The conversation resonated with Tre'Nika Francis, a Florida Memorial sophomore music major.

"I didn't know anything about hockey, but I watched it on TV, and it looked interesting, Francis said. "It's actually nice to see African Americans working in an establishment where they say only white people can work. It it's nice to see that they have the opportunity to be successful."

Florida Memorial president Jaffus Hardrick said the panel delivered a timely message that his students needed to hear.

"We have to take advantage of every opportunity because we never know where our path really is going to take us," Hardrick said. "And just like we heard each of the panelists talk about, none of them ever were intentional in being in the NHL. But look at them now; their various paths led them to this great organization."

At the close of the event North Miami Beach commissioner Daniela Jean presented Davis and Peterson with proclamations honoring the NHL and Panthers for their contributions to the sport.

"We the mayor and commission of the city of North Miami Beach, Florida, do hereby honor and recognize the National Hockey League (NHL) on February 1, 2023, for providing competitive, thrilling and action-packed sports entertainment to fans and spectators across the globe for over 100 years," the NHL proclamation read.

Photos: Nicholas Teeto, Florida Panthers, Florida Memorial University