This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome Donovan McCoy. Donovan grew up in Belleville, Ontario, and began playing hockey with the Belleville Junior Bulls. He transitioned to triple-A level, and Donovan realized he had potential to play at higher levels, being drafted to the Peterborough Petes in 2020. He reflects on the experience of being the first Black captain in Peterborough Petes' history and the responsibilities that came with it including his memorable run with the Petes to the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup.

This episode covers:

Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

• Growing up in Belleville, Ontario.
• Playing minor hockey for Belleville Junior Bulls and Quinte Red Devils.
• Discussing travel for tournaments and camaraderie with teammates.

Influences and Inspirations

• Collecting hockey cards with his brother.
• Inspiration from black players like the Subban brothers.
• Starting to skate at a young age, supported by his dad who worked at the arena.

Realization of Potential

• When Donovan started to believe in his potential to succeed in hockey.
• Discussions with friends about aspirations to play in the OHL.

Junior Hockey Career

• Drafted by the Peterborough Petes in the first round of the 2020 OHL draft.
• Challenges and experiences during his first camp with the team.
• Becoming the first black captain in the history of the Peterborough Petes.

Achievements and Highlights

• Scoring his first goal and significant moments in his career.
• The impact of being a leader and mentor to younger players.
• Celebrating team successes, including an OHL championship and playing in the Memorial Cup.

Reflection on Diversity and Inclusion in Hockey

• Donovan’s experiences as a black player in a predominantly white sport.
• His efforts to be a role model and connect with the community.
• Optimism about the increasing diversity and inclusivity in hockey at all levels.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of representation and mentorship in sports.
• The evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in hockey.
• The personal and professional growth that comes with leadership roles.

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.

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.

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.