Fostering Real Change
“Real change begins in our own backyards — in our rinks, communities, and conversations.”
The commitment to a truly inclusive hockey environment requires more than just good intentions; it demands purposeful action. As Sanjeev Bhagrath, a member of Hockey Alberta’s EDI Committee, states:
“Inclusion must be intentional — woven into every aspect of the game and the spaces it inhabits. Progress in hockey comes not from competition alone, but from listening, learning, leading with empathy, and taking meaningful action.”
Inclusion: More Than Just a Word
Inclusion is fundamental to everything we do, reflecting how we interact in our daily lives. It’s like removing distractions and listening when a family member is talking, paying attention to our co-workers and asking specific and genuine questions about a hobby or their day, and warmly welcoming new people at work, school or in the community. It’s about being present and respectful.
So, what does this essential concept look like when we integrate Inclusion and Hockey together?
Sanjeev shares his personal experience, illustrating the barriers that persist and what true inclusion means on the ice:
“As a Sikh hockey referee, I’ve faced racism and inequality that made me question my place in the sport I love. To move forward, we must embed inclusion into every level of hockey—from training and policies to game-day culture. That means equipping officials, coaches, and players with tools to recognize bias, speak up, and foster respect. Leading with empathy builds safer, more welcoming environments where everyone can thrive. When we commit to learning and accountability, we create a game that truly belongs to all of us.”
Building a Culture of Belonging
Inclusion shapes the very culture of the game. Sunpreet Johal, also a member of Hockey Alberta’s EDI Committee, reminds us that inclusion is deeply connected to belonging:
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion in hockey is not about checking a box, it is about making sure every kid, parent, coach, and official feels like they belong in the rink. When people feel safe and respected, they stay in the game, they grow in the game, and the game gets better for everyone.”
Another committee member, Sameena Siddiqui, tells us that the impact of inclusion is immediately visible on the ice, where it “transforms the sport into a place where everyone knows they are welcome.” She explains this essential connection:
“Inclusion means access, respect, and a shared love for hockey, ensuring that someone who looks different feels just as welcome as anyone else. Through coaching and advocacy, I’ve learned that inclusion starts with listening and understanding what others need to feel part of the team. Real change begins in our own backyards — in our rinks, communities, and conversations.”
Ultimately, inclusion is not an abstract concept; it is about representation. Sameena highlights that “representation shapes belonging” and that when each of us approaches inclusion from a point of learning, and “when we lead with care, inclusion becomes a culture where representation is visible and hockey can truly thrive.”
From Intention to Action
“A rink of encouragement and inclusion is far better off than one with racism and negativity.”
This mindset, approaching hockey through a lens of learning, empathy, care, and respect, is how we can truly grow the game and make a lasting difference. Programs and initiatives that encourage inclusive practices, talk about healthy relationships, and promote safe environments are key. These initiatives are not just about safety; they are about enhancing the overall player experience by safeguarding and promoting accountability.
As Devin Buffalo, a Hockey Alberta’s EDI Committee Member, affirms:
“EDI initiatives grow the game and support all youth in the sport of hockey. A rink of encouragement and inclusion is far better off than one with racism and negativity.“
To support this growth, Hockey Alberta currently offers two key initiatives, available at no cost to teams across the province:
- The Player Pledge – A simple yet effective season-long player and team commitment to inclusion, welcoming, safety, respect, and teamwork. It is designed to enhance Hockey Alberta’s Statement on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the work of the EDI Committee. Teams are encouraged to make the pledge a staple part of their team culture throughout the season.
- Online Player Education Program – A three-hour online program built in partnership with the Western Hockey League that empowers players and teams U15 and up in their learning of relationships, inclusion, leadership, mental health, and getting support.
Sustaining the Effort
Initiatives that highlight inclusion are important for athlete and coach develop, and they should be accessible to everyone, ensuring they are on-going and sustainable. Devin Buffalo stresses that these efforts create the necessary space to be heard and for action to be taken:
“EDI initiatives provide this space to be heard, and for action to be taken. As a First Nation player, it’s unfortunate racism still occurs in hockey, but now we have processes, supports, and voices that will be heard when we speak against it.”
He continues, reflecting on the historical need for change and resilience:
“In a climate where EDI initiatives are threatened, I think back of a time before EDI. Although, there might have been less formal EDI committees within organizations, there were still champions fighting for more equity, diversity, and inclusion in hockey. I commend the Trail Blazers who spoke when it was tough to be heard.”
Protecting the Potential
To sustain the progress we’ve discussed, we must commit to an inclusive culture that centers on safety and identity. Angela Epp, also a member of Hockey Alberta’s EDI Committee, reminds us of the core mission:
“We must recognize that safety and inclusion can look different across gender, culture, and identity.”
Angela emphasizes that when players feel supported, the game itself gets better. She draws on her experience as a former athlete and an emerging professional to explain the profound impact of negative environments.
“As a former high-performance athlete and emerging psychology professional, I’ve learned that maltreatment doesn’t just harm well-being—it silences potential, undermines trust, and distances us from the joy of the game. Fear and exclusion create self-doubt, while safety and trust open the door to growth, creativity, and resilience. To make this possible for every athlete, we must recognize that safety and inclusion can look different across gender, culture, and identity. When we (parents, coaches, officials, and associations) all share the responsibility for building environments grounded in empathy and accountability, hockey becomes a place where it’s safe to fail, learn, and grow. That’s what “Hockey for Life” means to me: a game where everyone has the chance to belong and thrive.”
A Shared Commitment to Growth
The voices of the EDI Committee members offer a powerful, collective way forward.
- Sanjeev has shown that embedding inclusion into training and policies - including officials, coaches, and players - by encouraging them to speak up, act with respect, lead with empathy, and commit to learning is non-negotiable.
- Sameena has reminded us that the feeling of belonging and representation matter deeply, and that inclusion starts with listening and understanding.
- Devin has shared the history of champions who fought for these initiatives, even when it was difficult, underscoring the need for courage and perseverance.
Ultimately, Sunpreet Johal summarizes the goal:
“Hockey is at its best when everyone involved is treated with dignity” and that “this work is not about blaming people, it is about building a hockey community where safety, respect, and belonging are the standard. When we do that, we are not just protecting athletes, we are growing the future of the sport.”
Maltreatment Awareness and Action
This collective commitment takes on urgency as we look toward Hockey Alberta’s 11.4 Maltreatment Awareness Day. The words of the EDI Committee members remind us of the direct link between a welcoming culture and prevention:
Sunpreet Johal powerfully states:
“Creating an inclusive environment is directly tied to preventing maltreatment, because abuse, harassment, exclusion, and discrimination are all barriers that push people out of sport. We all have a role in changing that culture, and that means calling out harm when we see it, holding ourselves and our organizations accountable, and creating space for players and families who have not always felt welcome.”
And Sameena Siddiqui concludes, bringing the focus back to the foundational values:
“Inclusivity in sport means creating an environment where differences are celebrated, not simply tolerated. It’s about removing barriers that prevent people from feeling welcome or a sense of belonging. On the ice, that means valuing teamwork and empathy just as much as skill —recognizing that every perspective strengthens the game.”
Resources and Next Steps
To learn more about how you can support inclusion, prevent maltreatment, and help grow the future of hockey, please visit the following resources:
- The Player Pledge: Access the season-long player and team commitment to inclusion HERE.
- Online Player Education: Access the free three-hour online program for U15 players and up HERE.
- Maltreatment Awareness Day Toolkit: Find resources, including arena announcements and fan expectation guidelines, to promote a safe environment at HERE.
