TL;DR:The 2025 NHL Draft signaled a turning point in the league’s diversity journey, with over 20 players from underrepresented backgrounds selected. This shift is part of broader efforts led by the Hockey Diversity Alliance to make hockey more inclusive. Key draftees like Kashawn Aitcheson, Bill Zonnon, and Carter Amico represent a new wave of talent redefining what the NHL looks like. Compared to other major leagues, the NHL is catching up—but the momentum is building.
The Advancement of Diversity in the NHL
For decades, the National Hockey League has been perceived as one of the least diverse professional sports leagues in North America. As recently as 2020, over 84% of NHL players were white, with limited representation from Black, Indigenous, Asian, or Hispanic backgrounds. The 2023 NHL Draft, however, hinted at a league in transformation. With more than 20 players from varied racial and cultural backgrounds selected, this year’s draft became a milestone event in the NHL’s push toward a more inclusive future.
This trend doesn’t just represent a change in who plays the game—it represents a broader cultural evolution within hockey, aligning with societal calls for fairness, representation, and equal opportunity.
Hockey Diversity Alliance: Changing the Game
Founded in response to the racial justice movement of 2020, the Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the league’s stance on inclusion. Spearheaded by former NHL stars P.K. Subban, Akim Aliu, and Anson Carter, the alliance aims to “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey.”
Since its inception, the HDA has:
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Advocated for transparency in league hiring practices.
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Funded grassroots hockey programs for minority youth.
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Pushed for rule changes and league-wide education on bias and inclusion.
Its slogan, “Hockey is for Everyone,” is no longer just a marketing tagline—it’s becoming a mission.
Putting the NHL in Context: How It Stacks Up
Compared to its peers, the NHL still lags in diversity—but it’s making strides. Let’s take a look at how major North American leagues compare by player demographics:
| League | % White Players | % Black Players | % Latino | % Asian | % Multiracial/Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL | ~57% | ~56% (Black or African American) | ~8% | <1% | ~2% |
| NBA | ~17% | ~73% (Black or African American) | ~3% | ~1% | ~6% |
| MLB | ~58% | ~7% | ~29% (Primarily Latino) | ~2% | ~4% |
| MLS | ~43% | ~20% | ~27% | ~2% | ~8% |
| NHL | ~84% | ~4% | ~2% | ~1% | ~9% |
While the NHL’s numbers are modest, the league’s draft, grassroots partnerships, and media outreach indicate that its leadership recognizes the urgency of change.
Notable Minority Players in the NHL
Over the years, several trailblazers have emerged as symbols of perseverance and excellence:
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P.K. Subban – One of the most recognizable Black players in NHL history and a Norris Trophy winner.
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Wayne Simmonds – Known for both his gritty play and advocacy for racial equality in hockey.
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Nazem Kadri – The first Muslim player to win a Stanley Cup (Colorado Avalanche, 2022).
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Ethan Bear – One of the few Indigenous players in the NHL, Bear wore a jersey with his name in Cree syllabics to honor his heritage.
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K’Andre Miller – A standout defenseman with the New York Rangers, known for his skill and composure.
These players not only contribute on the ice but also serve as cultural ambassadors for a sport traditionally viewed as homogenous.
Spotlight on the 2025 Draft Class
Kashawn Aitcheson – NY Islanders, 17th Overall
Aitcheson represents a new generation of dynamic, Black athletes embracing hockey. Lauded for his puck control and explosive skating, he’s set to be a centerpiece for the Islanders’ future. “He’s an elite playmaker who sees the ice like few his age,” said GM Mathieu Darche.
Bill Zonnon – Pittsburgh Penguins, 22nd Overall
Zonnon, whose parents immigrated from Togo, brings both versatility and international appeal. Comfortable on the wing or down the middle, he’s praised for his hockey IQ. “His maturity and tactical understanding set him apart,” noted Penguins GM Kyle Dubas.
Carter Amico – Philadelphia Flyers, 2nd Round
Towering at 6’5”, Amico is a defensive powerhouse modeled after Seth Jones. Committed to Boston University, his blend of physicality and smart positioning is highly coveted in today’s NHL. “He’s the kind of player that anchors a blue line for years,” said Flyers’ scouting director.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just a Trend
The NHL’s evolution isn’t happening in isolation. Media coverage, youth hockey initiatives, and player-led activism are all accelerating this shift. Programs like NHL Learn to Play, Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, and Black Girl Hockey Club have been instrumental in lowering barriers and building visibility for marginalized groups.
What’s next?
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Scouting Diversity: Expanding talent scouting into non-traditional regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.
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Leadership Inclusion: Increasing front-office and coaching representation, where diversity numbers remain low.
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Mentorship Programs: Formalizing player mentorship pipelines to guide minority youth into junior leagues and beyond.
Why It Matters
Representation isn’t just about optics—it fuels participation. When kids see players who look like them excelling on national TV, it sends a powerful message: You belong here too.
The NHL’s pivot toward diversity is still in its early stages, but if the 2023 Draft is any indication, the league is ready to skate into a more inclusive era. The future of hockey will be more colorful, more global, and ultimately, more exciting.
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