Malcolm Spence

04/10/24 • 28 min

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.

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.

Previous Episode

Taos Jordan

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.

Next Episode

Memorial Cup Special: Peter Worrell

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 Avalanche
One of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial Cup
Discussion on his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997, and the challenges he faced

Peter Worrell's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings:

Born in Pierrefonds, Montreal on August 18, 1977
Family background: Parents from Barbados, moved to Montreal when Peter was three
Early introduction to hockey with his brother and cousin

Junior Hockey Career Highlights:

Played for the Hull Olympiques
Won QMJHL Championships in 1994 and 1996
Totalled 464 penalty minutes during the 1995 season, the fifth highest in league history
Improved to 63 points in 62 games in his final junior year

Memorial Cup Experiences:

1997 Memorial Cup win with Hull Olympiques
Description of the preparation and challenges faced leading up to the tournament
Emotional and competitive journey throughout the tournament

Detailed Discussion on Memorial Cup Win:

Initial surprise and low expectations for the Hull Olympiques
Overcoming challenges and defeating heavy favorites Beauport and Laval
Emotional experiences and the importance of team mentality

Reflections on Diversity and Legacy:

Peter's role as one of the few black players to win the Memorial Cup
Reflections on the growing diversity in the CHL and the impact on future generations
Importance of representation and legacy 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.