A child of Haitian immigrants, growing up as a black hockey player was
never easy. Anthony’s difficult path has motivated him to knock down
barriers and provide equal access and safe environments for people of
color to play hockey.
Growing up playing the game, Anthony was typically the only black player
on his team and often the only black person in the arena. Not a season
went by where he didn’t have to face racial slurs from opposing players,
discrimination from coaches and even racist remarks from opposing
team’s parents. Luckily for him, he always had a strong support system in
place and was able to persevere to the highest level of professional
hockey and become an NHL All-Star.
Unfortunately, most children are not as fortunate as Anthony. The lack of
visibility of colored players in the sport continues to stigmatize hockey and
create a harmful environment for minorities. As a role model for minority
athletes, Anthony takes on the responsibility of making yearly phone calls
to children who are suffering from racism and have no one to turn to.
Forming the HDA in 2020 with fellow NHL players was a first step in a long
battle to combat racism in hockey. Now, Anthony looks to inspire a new
and diverse generation of hockey players in the US by giving them a safe
opportunity to play the game.
