That was Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves' inspirational message to the next generation of hockey players of color.
During a candid conversation for Team Rogers Community Draft team members earlier this month, Sportsnet host David Amber led a discussion focused on "Breaking Down Barriers for More Inclusion in Hockey." Young hockey hopefuls from across Canada joined in the virtual conversation with Reaves and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
"Failure is really just a test. The only way to pass the test is to work hard and get through it," Nurse said responding to a question about how to overcome life's failures.
Amber, Nurse and Reaves all spoke openly and honestly about the challenges they've faced throughout their careers and how they have overcome them. They responded to questions from the virtual audience, providing guidance and encouragement to the young viewers. The importance of inclusivity was the dominant theme of the conversation - Hockey is for Everyone.
Rogers provided a game-changing opportunity to hear from their heroes in launching the Team Rogers Community Draft program in the Fall. The nationwide program was aimed at helping Canadian youth and their families return to playing recreational sports in their communities, when and where it is safe to do so.
Recognizing that organized sports may look a little different than usual this season due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the program invited all families across Canada with children ages 5 to 17 who play - or want to play - organized youth hockey, baseball, or tennis to apply to be drafted to Team Rogers. The "drafted" youth athletes each received $150 to help offset league fees, plus mentoring virtual opportunities with Team Rogers professional athletes, Team Rogers merchandise, and other unique sports experiences. The conversation with Nurse, Reaves and Amber was one of the many programming opportunities available for the Team Rogers Community Draft young athletes to participate in.
In support of the NHL's strategic plan for inclusion and culture change in the sport, the League supported the Team Rogers Community Draft by selecting 150 boys and girls of color playing hockey in Canada. Among the virtual audience for the fireside chat with Reaves and Nurse, were representatives from several organizations, all of which support underrepresented communities across the country directly benefiting from the Team Rogers Community Draft program. These children were selected from organizations that included APNA, 3Nolans, Hockey4Youth and Hockey Nova Scotia - all of which support different BIPOC individuals across the country.
Watch the full Breaking Down Barriers for More Inclusion in Hockey conversation:
Watch: Breaking Down Barriers for more Diversity and Inclusion in Hockey
