Hockey Diversity Alliance adds trio of notable names as new members

The Hockey Diversity Alliance is growing as the organization announced on Tuesday that they've added Angela James, Natalie Spooner, and Ethan Bear as new members.

"Racism remains a dangerous presence in the US and Canada. It happens at the local community rink and every day on social media," said Akim Aliu, founding member of the HDA. "By diversifying the voices on our board, we will gain a new understanding of the challenges we face across our sport and also develop new, meaningful solutions."

James, 56, played at several IIHF Women's World Championships for Canada in the 1990's, winning four gold medals. She is also one of the first women to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and IIHF Hall of Fame.

"Growing up as a mixed-race girl on a male hockey team, I had to overcome name-calling and alienation because of my race and gender," James said. "As someone who is now a role model, I consider it my responsibility to make sure that isn't happening for racialized girls coming into hockey now. Joining the HDA gives me a platform to do that."

Spooner, 30, is arguably one of Canada's best women's hockey players in the last decade. She's represented her nation at two Olympic Games, and seven World Championships, with her eighth appearance coming later this month.

"When I was 11 years old, I met Jennifer Botterill and saw her gold medal in real life. In that single moment, I felt like my hockey dreams could be realized," Spooner says. "Now, I'm a role model for young girls and I want to inspire them and give them that same belief in themselves."

Bear, 24, has played the last three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, and was recently traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Regina, Saskatchewan native has embraced his indigenous heritage, and even wore his last name in the Cree language during an exhibition game last July against the Calgary Flames. Shortly after the Oilers were eliminated from the 2021 playoffs, Bear received several racist messages online. The Oilers posted a video on Twitter with Bear saying that he is proud of where he came from and is doing this for the generations to come.

"It is so important to me to stand up to racism - for the Indigenous community and all people of colour," Bear said. "There is no place for this kind of hate in our community. Joining the HDA will help me use my voice to make sure the next generation won't have to go through what we have."

We want to share a warm welcome to Ethan Bear, Angela James, and Natalie Spooner as they join the HDA.#ISupportHDA pic.twitter.com/iSCGO3hRIr— Hockey Diversity Alliance (@TheOfficialHDA) August 10, 2021

Source: Hockey Diversity Alliance

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