NHL EVP/Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs Kim Davis said that the league “has made progress on the diversity front” in response to criticism from a member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, according to the AP. Former NHLer and HDA co-founder & Chair Akim Aliu said that he was “disappointed in how Davis and the league have not taken advantage of their chances,” echoing comments he and current NHLer Nazem Kadri have said about the HDA’s “fractured relationship with the NHL.” Davis said she has been in the “business of change work in major corporations for over 40 years.” Davis: “I don’t need to be affirmed by Akim. What affirms me is progress. The point at hand is young people and growing the game. I thought that’s what (the HDA) was about, not talking about what I am or am not doing.” Aliu added that the league has “actively tried to silence the organization that was founded in 2020.” Davis and the NHL “pushed back on that sentiment,” pointing out that along with funding, there have been “eight player-led initiatives since last summer, including learn-to-play clinics, ball hockey programs and mentorship sessions” (AP, 2/1).
