Canadian hockey stars Sarah Nurse and Saroya Tinker are paving the way in which for younger Black ladies within the sport, breaking obstacles and provoking the subsequent technology. Lately they shared their experiences as Black ladies in hockey and mentioned their efforts to mentor and assist aspiring gamers.
Nurse, a 29-year-old ahead from Hamilton, Ontario, who helped Canada safe Olympic gold in 2022, at present performs for Toronto’s Skilled Girls’s Hockey League (PWHL) group. In the meantime, Tinker, 25, left the ice to grow to be the PWHL’s Supervisor of Variety, Fairness, and Inclusion Initiatives & Neighborhood Engagement after retiring from taking part in for the Toronto Six.
Recognizing the significance of illustration, Tinker based the Canadian chapter of the Black Lady Hockey Membership (BGHC) in November 2022. The nonprofit goals to foster a ardour for hockey inside the Black group, providing scholarships, group applications, and mentorship alternatives throughout the nation. Via the BGHC, Tinker raised $32,000 to determine Black Lady Hockey Membership Canada, the place she serves as government director.
Each Nurse and Tinker emphasize the importance of seeing Black ladies embrace hockey and really feel welcomed within the sport. They shared private anecdotes about feeling completely different in hockey areas because of their racial backgrounds, highlighting the necessity for extra inclusivity and assist for Black gamers.
The duo additionally mentioned their new initiative, “Nursey Evening,” in collaboration with the BGHC. This initiative will deliver younger Black ladies to PWHL Toronto video games every month, permitting Nurse to attach immediately with the subsequent technology of hockey hopefuls.
Regardless of their success, Nurse and Tinker acknowledge the challenges they face as Black ladies in a predominantly white sport, together with emotions of imposter syndrome and stress to be good. Nevertheless, they continue to be dedicated to empowering others and creating alternatives for Black ladies in hockey.
With their management and advocacy, Nurse and Tinker aren’t solely altering the face of ladies’s hockey but in addition shaping a extra inclusive future for the game. As position fashions and mentors, they’re inspiring numerous younger athletes to pursue their goals, no matter race or background.
