
07/06/2025
What just happened at the 2025 NHL Draft wasn’t just a moment — it was history in the making.
For the first time ever, over 20 players of color, including at least 10 Black athletes, were selected, making it the league’s most diverse class yet. With names like Kashawn Aitcheson and Shamar Moses leading the way, this draft was a powerful reminder that the future of hockey is bold, Black, and here to stay.
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Early Influences:
Games similar to hockey existed in Europe and were played by Indigenous peoples in North America.
Colored Hockey League's Contributions:
The Colored Hockey League, comprised of Black Canadians, significantly shaped the modern game. They introduced strategic innovations like the slapshot and goalies adopting a "butterfly" style.
Historical Context:
The league was formed by the sons and grandsons of escaped American slaves, and it operated in an era where many doubted Black people's athletic abilities.
Beyond the League:
Black Canadians have continued to contribute to hockey, with Willie O'Ree becoming the first Black player in the NHL.