Carolina Hurricanes: Remembering the Players of Color

The Carolina Hurricanes have had six players of color in franchise history.

In a time where persons of color are subjected to injustices, let us take a moment to remember the six players of color who have played for the Carolina Hurricanes.

It’s hard to miss what is going on in the country right now. It’s not a political issue, It’s a social one. Persons of color like myself are continuously subjected to a system that places us as second class citizens. That even applies to sports, none more so than Hockey where players of color are rare to see.

It’s not a matter of if they can play, but a matter if they are allowed to play and play without being subjected to rampant racism that we are seeing so little diversity in the sport. There are many racial gatekeepers in Hockey and it has caused many people of color to avoid this great sport. Which, is an absolute shame!

Now I understand that many people are not going to like that I have said this. To them, I say, there are other articles you can go read. But if you are still here with me, take a moment to promise yourself that after you are done reading this article, you will go and seek out ways to support those who have been the victims of this injustice.

Whenever I see a player of color in the sport, I see inspiration. Current players like Ryan Reaves, Seth Jones, Anthony Duclair, Dustin Byfuglien, Wayne Simmonds, and P.K. Subban amongst others always inspire me and give me hope for the future of the sport.

But when I look into the History of the Carolina Hurricanes, there are really only six players of color to have ever donned the jersey, either Whalers or Hurricanes. I am not going to offer any commentary on that number, there are teams that have even less and teams that have more.

But let’s take a moment to remember these players who have been pathfinders and even torchbearers for the team and the community of hockey players and fans of color around the Carolina Hurricanes.