My Hockey Hero

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.ca

To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org

The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com

Produced by Podstarter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Attacks 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.ca

To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org

The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com

Produced by Podstarter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:

• Growing up in Belleville, Ontario.
• Playing minor hockey for Belleville Junior Bulls and Quinte Red Devils.
• Discussing travel for tournaments and camaraderie with teammates.

• Collecting 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.

• When Donovan started to believe in his potential to succeed in hockey.
• Discussions with friends about aspirations to play in the OHL.

• Drafted 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.

• Scoring 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.

• Donovans 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.

• The 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.ca

To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org

The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com

Produced by Podstarter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of My Hockey Hero, were thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of Shamar Moses. Shamar grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, where he honed his skills in minor hockey before becoming a formidable forward in the CHL. His journey from house league to the pros is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and passion. Shamar shares how he balanced hockey with baseball, his transition from defense to forward, and the pivotal moment that COVID helped him "flip the switch" in his training.

We also explore Shamars off-ice experiences, from childhood memories of collecting hockey cards to the thrill of seeing himself on an official CHL card. He reflects on his connection to Hockey Equality and how being part of a supportive community of racialized players has fueled his growth. And just as exciting, Shamar announces a new chapter in his career with his recent trade to North Bay, where he looks forward to making an impact in his draft year.

For CHL new and tickets visit chl.ca

To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org

The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com

Produced by Podstarter

Were sitting down with one of the rising stars of the Canadian Hockey Leaguedefenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. Kashawn has already made waves with his impressive skills on the ice and his leadership off it. From being part of Canadas gold medal-winning U18 team to preparing for the upcoming CHL-USA Prospects Challenge, Kashawns journey is nothing short of inspiring.

But theres more to his story than just stats and highlights. Today, well explore Keshawns early years, the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career, and what it means to be a role model for the next generation of diverse hockey talent.

For CHL new and tickets visit chl.ca

To learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.org

The see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.com

Produced by Podstarter