My Hockey Hero

In this episode, Dean explores the meaning of representation as he attends the 2024 Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Michigan, where he showcases his black hockey card collection, featuring trailblazing NHL players. The episode includes interviews with fans and hockey enthusiasts who express their admiration for the players and the significance of seeing diverse athletes in the sport.Dean interviews various attendees, including Lucas from Grand Rapids, who discusses his favorite players and the impact of representation; Dimitri from the Hockey Hall of Fame, who highlights the importance of showcasing diverse players; and Tasha from Flint, who talks about supporting her local team and the importance of representation for her biracial granddaughters.Fans share their memories of influential players like Willie O'Ree, Giovanni Smith, and P.K. Subban, emphasizing how seeing players who look like them inspires hope and inclusivity in hockey. The episode also touches on the broader impact of diversity on the sport and how representation can inspire future generations of hockey players.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter

This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome Donovan McCoy. Donovan grew up in Belleville, Ontario, and began playing hockey with the Belleville Junior Bulls. He transitioned to triple-A level, and Donovan realized he had potential to play at higher levels, being drafted to the Peterborough Petes in 2020. He reflects on the experience of being the first Black captain in Peterborough Petes' history and the responsibilities that came with it including his memorable run with the Petes to the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup.This episode covers:Early Life and Hockey BeginningsGrowing up in Belleville, Ontario.Playing minor hockey for Belleville Junior Bulls and Quinte Red Devils.Discussing travel for tournaments and camaraderie with teammates.Influences and InspirationsCollecting hockey cards with his brother.Inspiration from black players like the Subban brothers.Starting to skate at a young age, supported by his dad who worked at the arena.Realization of PotentialWhen Donovan started to believe in his potential to succeed in hockey.Discussions with friends about aspirations to play in the OHL.Junior Hockey CareerDrafted by the Peterborough Petes in the first round of the 2020 OHL draft.Challenges and experiences during his first camp with the team.Becoming the first black captain in the history of the Peterborough Petes.Achievements and HighlightsScoring his first goal and significant moments in his career.The impact of being a leader and mentor to younger players.Celebrating team successes, including an OHL championship and playing in the Memorial Cup.Reflection on Diversity and Inclusion in HockeyDonovan’s experiences as a black player in a predominantly white sport.His efforts to be a role model and connect with the community.Optimism about the increasing diversity and inclusivity in hockey at all levels.Key TakeawaysThe importance of representation and mentorship in sports.The evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in hockey.The personal and professional growth that comes with leadership roles.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter

This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome back Peter Worrell, former NHL player who took to the ice for the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Peter is one of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial Cup, an esteemed trophy awarded to the top junior hockey team from Canada and the US. He will talk about his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997 and the challenges and successes he faced during that time.In this episode we cover an introduction of Peter Worrell:Former NHL player for the Florida Panthers and Colorado AvalancheOne of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial CupDiscussion on his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997, and the challenges he facedPeter Worrell's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings:Born in Pierrefonds, Montreal on August 18, 1977Family background: Parents from Barbados, moved to Montreal when Peter was threeEarly introduction to hockey with his brother and cousinJunior Hockey Career Highlights:Played for the Hull OlympiquesWon QMJHL Championships in 1994 and 1996Totalled 464 penalty minutes during the 1995 season, the fifth highest in league historyImproved to 63 points in 62 games in his final junior yearMemorial Cup Experiences:1997 Memorial Cup win with Hull OlympiquesDescription of the preparation and challenges faced leading up to the tournamentEmotional and competitive journey throughout the tournamentDetailed Discussion on Memorial Cup Win:Initial surprise and low expectations for the Hull OlympiquesOvercoming challenges and defeating heavy favorites Beauport and LavalEmotional experiences and the importance of team mentalityReflections on Diversity and Legacy:Peter's role as one of the few black players to win the Memorial CupReflections on the growing diversity in the CHL and the impact on future generationsImportance of representation and legacy in hockeyFor CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter

Malcolm Spence, was raised in Burlington Ontario, a 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, who several hockey observers believe has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.The 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League scored on a breakaway with seven seconds remaining in overtime to propel Canada to a 3-2 win against Czechia in the championship game of the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Aug. 5.In this episode Malcom discusses:Malcolm's Background:Raised in Burlington, Ontario.Currently in his second season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).Second overall pick in the 2022 OHL draft.Expected to be a high draft pick for the 2025 NHL Draft.Early Hockey Journey:Started in Burlington house league, progressing to AAA with Mississauga Senators in the GTHL.Reflections on seeing his rookie hockey card and transition into OHL.Inspirations and Role Models:Sidney Crosby and Wayne Simmonds as influential players.Family background: mother from Canada (Irish), father from Jamaica.Mentors: Grandfather and uncle, both involved in hockey.Career Highlights:Drafted into the OHL, playing first game, and winning gold.Describes scoring the overtime goal as a team achievement.Balancing Hockey and Academics:Importance of academics instilled by family.Maintaining focus on academics alongside hockey career.Diversity in Hockey:Reflects on experiences of diversity within hockey teams.Mentoring and supporting young players through organizations like Hockey Equality.Discusses experiences with racism and efforts towards inclusivity.Mentoring others to promote inclusivity in hockey.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter

Originally from Brooklin, ON, Jordan is in his third season with the Owen Sound Attack, after being drafted in 2020 as a 12th Round pick (# 151).The Jerseys designed by Jordan as both a celebration of diversity within the game and in support of Team Jamaica and the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival.The black and red jerseys feature a prominent raised, clenched fist symbolizing the fight against racism as well as the empowerment of future generations of Black hockey players. All game-worn and issued jerseys worn by the Attack on Feb. 3 will be auctioned off online through the Attack’s DASH auction page, which will be open for bids from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.In the episode Taos discussed:NHL Video Game Experience:Taos shares his experience of being included in an NHL video game, highlighting the significance of representation in gaming.Background and Early Hockey Journey:Taos talks about growing up in Brooklyn, Ontario, and his experiences learning to skate and play hockey with his father.His cultural background, with his grandparents being from Jamaica.Diversity in Hockey:Discussion about the diversity within Tess's hockey teams and his experiences as a minority player in the sport.Junior Hockey Career:Taos shares his journey through junior hockey, including his time with the Central Ontario Wolves and his draft experience with the Owen Sound Attack.Role Models and Inspirations:Taos discusses his hockey role models, including NHL players like P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds, as well as local inspirations.Taos describes his playing style as a defensive defenseman and shares his goals for improving his offensive skills.His leadership role in advocating for diversity and inclusion in hockey.Initiatives for Black History Month:Taos talks about his efforts to raise awareness and celebrate Black History Month through special jerseys and community outreach.Mention of the historical significance of black settlers in the Owen Sound region.Taos discusses his personal experiences with racism in hockey and the importance of collective action to address racism and promote inclusivity.Positive experiences of support and encouragement from teammates and fans in the face of racism.Community Engagement and Mentorship:Taos reflects on his role as a mentor and role model for young black hockey players, emphasizing the importance of representation and support.Taos shares memorable moments from his OHL career, including his first goal, and discusses his aspirations of playing in the NHL.Education and Personal Development:Taos talks about balancing hockey with education and his plans for furthering his studies while pursuing his hockey career.Taos emphasizes the need for greater diversity in hockey audiences and encourages fans to engage with players from diverse backgrounds.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter

Dean was a guest on Hockey Time Machine, talking about his World Juniors card collection and much more.Watch the full episode here:https://www.youtube.com/live/tEgotdFZI7o?si=qJaDu2xWUjB5wcVLMy Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycardsTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comWant to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHLProduced by Podstarter

Maxime Fortunus was born July 28, 1983 in La Prairie, Quebec. He played in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, alongside a long pro career in the AHL and ECHL.My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycardsTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comWant to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHLProduced by Podstarter

Nigel Dawes was born in Winnipeg Manitoba in 1985. He played 212 games in 5 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Montreal Canadiens.My Hockey Hero is proudly supported by eBay Canada. Start your own collection at ebay.ca/hockeycardsTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comWant to here more? The extended interview can be found at Recognize: Black Heroes of the NHLProduced by Podstarter