Reaves and Kane put conflict aside, join each other for good cause

Ryan Reaves and Evander Kane were not best friends this season. After a heated playoff series last spring, the two stars have frequently found themselves swinging jabs at each other. Now, they're joining each other for the same cause.

Evander Kane has been one of the most outspoken NHL stars in the fight against racial injustice, and co-heads the recently formed Hockey Diversity Alliance. In an interview with Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review Journal, Ryan Reaves said that the ongoing battle against racial injustice is more important than their own feud.

“I spoke to Evander and told him I want to jump in on this powerful message.” He said.

“We have to put aside our differences on the ice and come together for a much bigger cause."

For Reaves, the conflict between the police and protestors has put him in somewhat of a difficult spot. The Vegas Golden Knights power forward's father served as a sergeant with the Manitoba Sheriff Services, and his great-great-great grandfather was the legendary Bass Reeves, who was the first black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River, and who some believe was the inspiration for "The Lone Ranger".

“You definitely have to understand what your beliefs are and where you stand. At the same time, I do kind of toe both lines because I have had great experience with cops. I'm also very aware of what's going on around the United States. A lot of it stems from under-trained ignorance that every police force seems to have some — 1, 2, 3, 4 cops — whatever the number is. The thing is not to let those bad apples trickle through an entire force.”

Evander Kane and Ryan Reaves rivalry on the ice will likely persist, but they share the same goal. As Ryan's father Willard Reaves said, “Plain and simple, we all have to put a stop to this.”

shownhl_4627_shownhl

MUST READ

43 minutes ago  |  By Skyler Walker The NHL's Calder Trophy winner has been named after a rare unanimous vote

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker Rasmus Dahlin faces cheating accusations after controversial moment in Game 4 vs. Montreal

1 hour ago  |  By Skyler Walker The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly made their decision on a once-beloved member: Kris Knoblauch is gone

2 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Arber Xhekaj receives the kind of news that Canadiens fans feared

2 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin Steve Staios may target goalie many fans have given up on

3 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin NHL Player Safety faces pressure after controversial Canadiens hit in Game 4

4 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin Dirty hit on Ryan Poehling leads to major NHL Player Safety decision

5 hours ago  |  By Danny Potvin Insiders are circling a possible date for Kris Knoblauch's firing

MORE STORIES