NHL Exec VP/Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs Kim Davis said that the league is "creating four committees to examine and take action on diversity issues," according to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.com. The committees are the "continuation of the work announced" at the NHL BOG meeting. While this initiative has been in the "planning stages for months, it has taken on a new importance as the NHL, its teams and its players have released statements in the last week regarding the killing of George Floyd" and subsequent protests. Davis said that "over 110 NHL players have now used their social media handles in some manner to make comments." Davis: "How we capture that and keep that momentum going is really what I've been focused on." According the NHL's plan, there is "one 'council,' which will take action on the recommendations from 'committees'" featuring different stakeholders. The Executive Inclusion Council is "made up of five NHL owners, five team presidents and two general managers." Their first meeting is "scheduled for July." The Fan Inclusion Committee is "made up of chief marketing officers from NHL teams, as well as different partners the league has worked with in the multicultural space." The Youth Inclusion Committee will be "made up of leaders from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada, parents and those who are running youth hockey organizations" (ESPN.com, 6/5).
THEIR CHOICE: NHLPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr said that it is "up to individuals to decide what to post, share or contribute" when it comes to interacting on social media. However, he is "encouraged by what he’s seen." Fehr: "I’m really proud of the guys. They understand it’s an important moment. They understand what the issues are, at least in the grand scope. And they’re making their voice heard. Not everybody, but quite a lot. And that’s to their credit" (CP, 6/7).
BEING PROACTIVE: In a Q&A with THE HOCKEY NEWS' Matt Larkin, Davis said, "My personal opinion is, I don’t think the Rooney Rule works." She added, "It’s not working for the NFL. And our particular situation in our sport is different, because we don’t necessarily currently have a pipeline of black and brown coaches within our system that we can point to. So our issues are more fundamental" (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 6/6).
