The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), now in its second season, consistently makes commitments to its fans — both current and those they hope to build. Although there are only three Black players currently in the league, the PWHL ensured that its six teams — three based in the U.S. and three in Canada — celebrated Black History Month.
Saroya Tinker, manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the PWHL, has taken the lead on the Black History Month celebrations. A former professional player, Tinker is also a commentator and co-founder and executive director of the Black Girl Hockey Club Canada, a nonprofit in the U.S. and Canada focused on bringing more Black women and girls into ice hockey.
“Unity games are dedicated games focused within the PWHL season that bring together fans, players, and communities to celebrate, learn about, and support diverse identities within the sport,” said Tinker. “I reached out to the artist Kezna Dalz, who … created a logo for us that is representative of Black History Month, of hockey, of our fan base.”
The New York Sirens held their unity game on Feb. 2, when they took on the Montréal Victoire at Prudential Center. That evening, the team honored Kim Davis, executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives, and legislative affairs for the National Hockey League, with a ceremonial puck drop. At Toronto’s unity game on Feb. 11, Canadian ice hockey great Angela James did the puck drop.
“The New York team was able to have a pre-game panel where they were talking about racial injustices and how allies can stand up for BIPOC individuals,” Tinker said. Several Black-owned businesses from New Jersey were highlighted throughout the game. “All the teams are engaging and making sure that the Black community feels included in the arena and that we’re introducing new faces to hockey.”
All six teams in the PWHL are holding unity games this month, with teams in Minnesota, Montréal, and Ottawa having their games this coming week.
“It’s all about representation and showing these girls that they can play,” said Tinker.
There is a vibrant collegiate scene with a National Championship. “I do see more BIPOC and Black faces in the arena,” said Tinker, who played collegiate ice hockey at Yale University. “We see an influx of little Black girls playing the sport and some at a high level. We are on the right track … I hope the PW is so diverse one day.”