The NHL was criticized for choosing to continue playing on Wednesday when the NBA and several other leagues and tournaments in the United States chose to cancel their matches as a protest against racism and police brutality.
Minnesota fullback Matt Dumba, who helped form the Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization that supports diversity in ice hockey, said:
- The NHL is always last on the ball in these subjects and it feels so sad. They rely on us minority guys to step forward. But what would really make a difference is if the strong white leaders in the team step forward and make their voices heard.
100 players in conference callOn Thursday, however, information came that the NHL decided to cancel tonight's two quarterfinals, the New York Islanders – Philadelphia and Vegas – Vancouver.
This after the Hockey Diversity Alliance on Thursday contacted the NHL and formally asked the league to cancel Thursday's matches. According to TSN, more than 100 players in the playoff bubbles in Toronto and Edmonton participated in a telephone meeting with Dumba and San Jose forward Evander Kane, also one of the initiators of the organization.
No official confirmation has yet come from the NHL.
Stefan Åsberg: "Never experienced that sport has taken such a clear position as now"
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Stefan Åsberg: "Have never experienced that sport has taken such a clear political position as now"