The History of Blacks in the NHL

Summary

The documentary 'Soul on Ice' explores the underrepresented history of Black athletes in ice hockey, highlighting their struggles and achievements. It features stories from the past, such as the Maritime Colored Hockey League, established by Black Nova Scotians in the late 1800s, to present-day players like Jaylen Lindo, striving for a spot in the NHL. The film delves into the challenges faced by Black players, including racism and the lack of representation, while also showcasing their passion and contributions to the sport.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The documentary 'Soul on Ice' explores the history and future of black athletes in ice hockey.
• 🏒 The film is being showcased at the Roxberry International Film Festival, indicating its cultural and artistic significance.
• 📽 A clip from the documentary suggests a lack of ice rinks in certain communities, limiting access to the sport for young children.
• 🤔 The director, Kwame Mason, was inspired to make the film due to a personal disconnect feeling from the predominantly white sport of hockey.
• 🏅 The Maritime Colored Hockey League, active from 1895 to 1930, was the first organized sports league for black athletes in North America.
• 👀 The documentary features present-day and future hockey players, including Jaylen Lindo, illustrating the ongoing journey and aspirations of black athletes.
• 🏆 The film reveals that the Maritime Colored Hockey League may have innovated playing styles, such as the butterfly style of goaltending.
• 📚 The history of black athletes in hockey has been largely overlooked or forgotten, which the documentary aims to correct.
• 😢 The emotional recounting of Herb Carnegie's story, a talented player denied a chance in the NHL, highlights the racial barriers of the past.
• 🤷‍♂️ The debate over whether Carnegie should have taken minor league offers to break the color barrier is still relevant today.
• 🌟 Despite past and present racial incidents, there is a sense of progress in making hockey more inclusive for all players.

Q & A

What is the documentary 'Soul on Ice' about?

The documentary 'Soul on Ice' explores the past, present, and future of black athletes in ice hockey, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and contributions to the sport.

Why did Kwame Mason decide to make 'Soul on Ice'?

Kwame Mason made 'Soul on Ice' because he felt a disconnect growing up in Canada not seeing many black athletes in hockey, and he wanted to share the rich history and stories of black players in the sport that he discovered during his research.

What is the significance of the Maritime Colored Hockey League mentioned in the documentary?

The Maritime Colored Hockey League, active from approximately 1895 to 1930, was the first organized sports league for blacks in North America. It was innovative, possibly inventing the slap shot and pioneering the butterfly style of goaltending.

Who was Herb Carnegie and why is he significant in the history of black athletes in hockey?

Herb Carnegie was considered one of the best players of his time but never got the chance to play in the NHL, possibly due to racism. He created the first hockey school in North America and was a mentor to Jean Bello, who played for the Boston Bruins.

What was the reaction to Herb Carnegie's decision not to take offers from the New York Rangers to play in the minor leagues?

There is debate over why Herb Carnegie didn't take the offers, with some suggesting he felt undermined by being asked to play in the minor leagues when he was already successful and others comparing it to Jackie Robinson's situation, where he had to prove he could handle abuse in the minor leagues.

What was the experience of Val James, a black hockey player, like when he faced racism during his career?

Val James encountered nasty racism, including racial slurs and being taunted by fans. The documentary includes footage from a 1981 CBS feature where people interviewed were proud of their racist behavior towards him.

How does Kwame Mason reflect on his own experiences with racism in hockey?

Kwame Mason recalls a childhood incident where a kid told him he couldn't be his favorite player, Gila Flur, because Flur was white, highlighting the lack of role models for black children in the sport.

What has changed in terms of inclusivity in hockey according to the documentary?

The documentary suggests that while there are still issues, the NHL and minor leagues have made efforts to make hockey more inclusive, with kids today looking at themselves as part of a big group and having role models that are more diverse.

What is the role of Jaylen Lindo in the documentary 'Soul on Ice'?

Jaylen Lindo is portrayed as a minor league hockey player hoping to get drafted into the NHL, serving as a contemporary example of a black athlete striving for success in the sport.

How does the documentary address the historical erasure of black contributions to hockey?

The documentary addresses historical erasure by highlighting the achievements and innovations of black players and leagues that have been overlooked or forgotten, such as the Maritime Colored Hockey League.

What is the significance of the documentary being shown at the Roxberry International Film Festival?

Showing 'Soul on Ice' at the Roxberry International Film Festival signifies the recognition and importance of telling underrepresented stories in sports, particularly the contributions of black athletes in ice hockey.