All hockey fans should watch director Hubert Davis‘ “Black Ice,” a documentary about the role of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) players in the sport. The film will definitely make waves by exposing the unpleasant truth that many would prefer was swept under the rug, but it will also give you a deeper appreciation for the sport and the minorities who play the game.
The film takes a look at the history of racism in hockey and the struggles that many players still face when they lace up their skates. It’s shocking that this is still a discussion in present day, a time that most of us would think of as being enlightened and accepting of diversity. Hockey is still a predominately white sport where there’s a culture of keeping quiet (speaking out doesn’t happen much in hockey because there are very real consequences for doing so, and it’s proven to be an ongoing and continuing problem with the game). Even now, a black player on the ice is the odd one out.
Davis interviews players past and present to get their personal stories of racism that they’ve faced over their lifetimes. There are horrifying stories of teammates, coaches, and fans using the “n” word and other ethnic epithets. There’s a story of a father who recalls the other team refusing to shake his black son’s hand. Another had bananas thrown at him on the ice. It’s highly upsetting and inexcusable to learn of the shocking racist incidents many of these players faced, so much so that the film even comes with a “trigger” warning before the opening credits.
Several of the stories echo with a similarity: many are immigrants who moved to Canada and, wanting to fit in with their friends and their new country, decided to take up ice hockey. Each player faced obstacles as a result of their race. It’s also upsetting how many of the racist incidents sound familiar, and all of it will make you sad and mad. The worst line uttered in the entire film comes from NHL defenseman Matt Dumba, who asserts that racism is something that is “deeply ingrained in the game.” This is 2023. Hockey needs to do better.
Davis tries to tackle a bit too much here which makes the film feel overly long and repetitive, but he also includes a comprehensive overview at the BIPOC roots of the game that dates back to 1865 and the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL). The CHL was the first professional league and is a crucial part of hockey history, yet so few even know it ever existed.
“Black Ice” is an educational look at racist patterns in hockey that have existed since the sport’s inception, and it’s a rallying cry for all fans to demand change for the better.
