Al Montoya's Mission to Bring More Latinos to Hockey (INTERVIEW) The 20-year-old Matthewswho is Mexican on his mothers side, and speaks fluent Spanishwas the aforementioned history-making first overall draft pick, selected by Toronto in the 2016 draft. In his NHL debut, Kaprizov became the first player to accomplish the feat when he scored three points, including an overtime goal. All rights reserved. The Puerto Rico Ice Rangers are attempting to bring ice hockey to the next level as a sport in Puerto Rico. Several players have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup; some even competed in the Winter Olympics. Teams from Latin America play abbreviated games in what is essentially a mini Olympics or World Juniors. Here are the results of our poll of ESPN's NHL analysts. Not only that, but theyll be doing it in more ways than one. AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this story. The National Hockey League (NHL) evolved from a mono-ethnic and primarily Canadian professional athletic league to span North America. In the northern city of Monterrey, Major League Baseball set up shop with six games that same year. As of the 2019-2020 season, there are a total of 23 Mexican players in the NHL. Armed with free tickets for those who signed up, Montoya registered hundreds of new fans in one afternoon. The Boston Bruins set the NHL's single-season record for wins. A Mexican hockey player will also face a slew of cultural challenges when he enters the NHL. The impact of Gomez can be best exemplified with Daniel Perez, an ECHL forward who was the subject of a recent NHL.com article. Make no mistake about it, Montoya is always prepared when his number is called, rare though it might be at times. Scott Gomez was chosen by the New Jersey Devils with the 27th overall pick of the 1998 NHL draft. Minnesota Blizzard became the Alexandria Blizzard. He was instrumental in the Tampa Bay Lightnings championship win, which came after a four-year drought. The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees were relocated to Aston, Pennsylvania and became the Aston Rebels. 201617 season: The league announced the continued expansion of the East Division by adding the Northeast Generals of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Torres was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and is probably the most prominent Latino hockey player in the National Hockey League. Subscribe to ESPN+ Fast forward to the present day and hockeys global presence has increased tenfold. The efforts are growing outside the state as well. As the first American-born player to reach 60 goals in a season in the NHL, he accomplished the feat. Jens Hinderlie, head coach of Team Brazil in the 2019 Amerigol LATAM Cup, discusses his inline team transitioning into an ice hockey team. Is there a Mexican in the NHL? - Sport of millions There are currently no Puerto Rican players in the NHL. 2009present: Pittsburgh Penguins. Latino Hockey Players. All Rights Reserved. Links in this section are to external sites. the Kings senior vice president of marketing, communications and content. "The facility is the most important. Hinostroza is one of a select number of NHL players with Latino heritage. If you are wondering about NHL players and leaders with Hispanic and Latinx Heritage, you can start by recognizing that Toronto Maple Leafs superstar and elite goal scorer Auston Matthews grew up . In 2018-19, Kane set an NHL career high with 110 points (44 goals, 66 assists). This season, the Leafs are back for more and with Matthews leading the wayhe already has three goals and three assists this seasonthe expectations are higher than ever for the NHLs tortured franchise. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. When I took a look at how the NHL can expand into the Chinese market, one of the factors working at their disadvantage was the lack of a recognizable superstar. With 10 Americans, the Los Angeles Kings are tops among the NHLs clubs, followed by the New York Rangers (9) and the Chicago Blackhawks (8). "If we do, people will show up. As a result, he will almost certainly finish his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. During the regular season, he has been a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. The Maple Leaf set numerous records during his tenure, including 54 victories and 115 points. 29 teams, 500 players participate in Latin American/Caribbean hockey tournament. Hockey Player Demographics and Statistics In The US In the United States, Hispanic hockey players are not as prevalent as other ethnicities, but they do exist. The Kings are also among a small group of NHL franchises that employ a Spanish-language radio broadcast team. Perez is paving his own path for others to follow, volunteering with the Devils community outreach program and interacting with Hispanic and Latino fans during his college playing days. With the 2017-2018 NHL season already underway, here are four Latino players who symbolize how the game has grown in the region, while also highlighting how far it has to go. Only the onset of COVID-19 has curbed the country's momentum in attracting these leagues. With a hot climate that isnt exactly prime hockey weather, its not surprising that the NHL hasnt become must-watch entertainment south of the border. See Also List of Ice Hockey Players of Asian Descent List of ice hockey players of black African descent List of ice hockey players of Semitic descent Categories Gomez was one of the first Latinos to reach the NHL in 1999 Bill Guerin was the first and he played 16 seasons for seven teams, winning the Stanley Cup twice with New Jersey. More recently, the Stars hired retired goalie Al Montoya, the first Cuban American player in the NHL, as their director of community outreach with the specific goal of engaging potential Latino . With the renewed support and gate receipts, they might finally be able to move forward on the new arena they always wish they had when Gila River Arena continuously threatens them with eviction. In fact, Guerin was the first to do so and is the first general manager of Hispanic and Latinx descent. The Florida State University center was the second overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft. Watch: NAHL Weekend Recap, Apr. He helped the U.S. to a Gold medal at the 2004 World Junior Championships. Color of Hockey: Perez dreams of following in Gomez's footsteps The NHL on NBC is an American presentation of National Hockey League (NHL) games produced by NBC Sports, and televised on NBC properties, including MSNBC, CNBC, Golf Channel, USA Network and NBCSN in the United States.. For example, the popularity of basketball exploded in China after the Houston Rockets drafted Yao Ming. [26], 200910 season: The Janesville Jets were awarded an expansion franchise. I think its a sport thats primed to become a part of the Latino community in the U.S., and its important for the NHL to do it.. 5 Bill Guerin Right Wing. In February 1992, Bill Guerin became the first Hispanic player in the history of the NHL when he made his debut for the New Jersey Devils. 20012006: Dallas Stars There is no definitive answer, as the number of Mexican hockey players fluctuates. The Mexican national ice hockey team is one of the most successful in the sports history, having won the world championship a record five times. List of ice hockey players of Latin American descent, List of Ice Hockey Players of Asian Descent, List of ice hockey players of black African descent, List of ice hockey players of Semitic descent, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Dawson Creek Rage joined the West Division and played at EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Bruins sweep their way into Central Division Finals. In the world of soccer, there are so many nationalities represented that it can be difficult to figure out which team stands out among the rest. Although the Toronto Maple Leafs have the most Canadians (12), the Vancouver Canucks have the least (one). At the Winter Olympics, World Championships, and Pan American Games, Mexican athletes have won a total of 33 medals. Our primary focus will be to earn their trust and get more people excited about our team and our great game.. Pastrnak was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game. Dallas hit the jackpot in 2017, but still had work to do to develop Miro Heiskanen, Jake Oettinger and Jason Robertson into franchise cornerstones. From 2014-2017, the tournament allowed an international competition for not only North American teams, but South American teams as well. Where do McDavid, Matthews, Hughes and Oettinger rank? Josi was named the NHLs best defender in the 2015 season, and he won the Norris Award. These NHL Players Are Changing Perceptions of Latinos in Hockey. Within the league itself, individual clubs have taken up efforts to connect with Spanish-speaking fans in the U.S. and beyond. He hails from Cologne, Germany. We explore the current situation, and offer plans to fix it. They joined the long list of record seasons that ended with disappointment. Some Sharks fans are well-versed in other cultures. Songs arrival brings huge promise, as the NHL is trying to increase its foothold in not only China, but the entire Asian market. Hes now an assistant coach for the New York Islanders. Enter Search Term. The Corpus Christi IceRays were awarded a franchise formerly known as the Alpena IceDiggers. Matt Nieto, a California-born player drafted by the San Jose Sharks, was the first player from his state to be selected in the draft. Some Sharks fans are well-versed in other cultures. Al Montoya, Max Pacioretty, and Alec Martinez are three of the few Latino players in the NHL, and they are the only ones left. Todays Latino players owe a debt of gratitude to former NHL forward Scott Gomez, who paved the way when he became the NHLs first Latino player back in 1998; he was drafted 27th overall by the New Jersey Devils that year, and made his debut during the 1999-2000 season. The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States and is in its 48th season of operation in 2022-23. NHL on NBC - Wikipedia The teams play a 60-game regular season, starting in mid-September and ending in early April. "That's something we need to look into," Gutierrez said. The team does not have the resources or funds to compete with the best teams in the world. The Impact Of Hispanic Players In The NHL - SilverSkateFestival The teams span the United States from Maine in the East to Alaska in the Northwest and to Texas in the South. 2007: San Jose Sharks The idea of full-fledged expansion beyond the United States and Canada remains far-fetched, but the NHL is seeking to follow in the footsteps of other North American leagues by expanding outside of its traditional fan base. He is the son of a Nicaraguan mother who took the family back to her country for yearly visits during Guerin's childhood. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. Players are identified as an All-Star if they were selected for the All-Star game at any time in their career. Should McDavid Get the Benefit of the Doubt From NHL Officials? To compete in the NHL, you must be at least 18 years old. Take some time to get to know Team Colombia, as they take us on their journey from inline hockey to ice hockey. The Dallas Stars, who relocated from Minnesota in 1993, held clinics in 2019 for children as young as 4 in Mexico City. Georgia used to have the Atlanta Thrashers, but theyre now in Winnipeg. NHL.com/kraken is the official web site of the Seattle Hockey Partners, LLC d/b/a Seattle Kraken, and cannot be used or reproduced without the prior written consent of Seattle Kraken. Its never about race. Gomez ranks in the NHLs top-200 all-time with 1,079 games played, he ranks fourth on the Devils all-time list with 484 points in their uniform (he has 756 total career points), and, in addition to the Calder Trophy, he also won two Stanley Cups (2000, 2003), and was a two-time All-Star (2000, 2008). Some of the most notable black players in the NHL today include Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. This past season, he scored 13 goals for the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals. ESPN NHL reporter Emily Kaplan contributed to this report. [1] It is the only Tier II junior league sanctioned by USA Hockey, and acts as an alternative for those who would not or did not make the roster of a team in the Major Junior Canadian Hockey League (CHL) nor Tier I United States Hockey League (USHL). The high court overturned the federal Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act that had barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states. "Representation is everything. Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguin team, was named the 2019 NHL All-Star Games Most Valuable Player. James signed his contract with the Buffalo Sabres in 1982. Once in a while, a few NHL players will come from unexpected places that arent exactly known as hockey hotbeds. [9][needs update]. "The more we can appeal to more demographics, countries and culturally diverse areas, the better it is for us.". More are on the. Other Latin American countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are also putting teams together, according to the International Ice Hockey Federation. The New Mexico Mustangs joined the South Division and played at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Significant hurdles remain toward that end, including the logistics of hosting. Mexican players, in addition to representing an exciting opportunity for the NBA and NHL, should be given the necessary support. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. The NHL is unique because it is extremely diverse. His boss, Alex Meruelo, became the first Latino majority owner when he bought the Coyotes in 2019. And the 10-year veteran has proven he can hold his own on the ice, as he has career record of 63-46-22, a 2.61 goals against average, a save percentage of .909, and seven career shutouts. in: Players by Ethnic Background List of ice hockey players of Latin American descent View source Currently active players With NHL experience Names in italics have won the Stanley Cup. The Cup is the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States and is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. 2012 winner of the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy. This is a sport thats about passion, its about skill and its a sport that can really bring together families and it can be multigeneration, Arizona Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said. The NHL is a melting pot of cultures. Enter Matthews, last season's top goal scorer whom the NHL can boast as one of its biggest stars regardless of heritage -- his mother, Ema, hails from the Mexican state of Sonora. The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees purchased the Wenatchee Wild franchise. [13] His stints with the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs were short lived and he eventually retired in 1987 due to injury. The Edmonton Oil Kings have the most Canadians on their roster with 20 players, while the Winnipeg Jets have the most Americans with 15 players. As the 2019 Ted Lindsay Award winner, he has demonstrated a consistent level of performance. Montoya is the first Hispanic player to ever be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft. The New Jersey Junior Titans organization bought the franchise from the Eagles and relocated to Middleton, New Jersey. Over the last three decades, the NHL's expansion into the American Sun Belt has served to diversify the league's geography and fan profile. Chris Chelios Chelios is the all-time leader in games played by an American, having played in 825 games. This 10-year veteran is of American, French-Canadian, and Mexican descent. The top teams of the NAHL playoffs meet in a predetermined location to play in the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament. In reality, the NHL will accept players from anywhere and everywhere, but the sports biggest importation of stars comes from Russia and the former Soviet Bloc. The team included players from the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association, as well as captain Vargas. He has not played in an NHL game this season, as he has not played in the minors. Jens Hinderlie, the head coach of Team Brazil in the 2019 AmerigoLTM Cup, discusses his teams transition to an ice hockey program. The peewee Jr. Kings won a national championship in their division and 15 players have been invited to the teams training camp in El Segundo, California, in August. With at least 100 points, he became the 11th United States-born player in NHL history, trailing only Patrick Kane. The trophy is awarded annually to the USA Hockey Tier II junior national playoff champion. The four-time All-Star also grew up in the southwestern U.S. and has a desire to bring the sport he loves closer to his roots. How to watch The Coyotes also have Spanish-language social media accounts to engage Latino fans. We have to stop relying on people wanting to choose hockey on their own. Race and ethnicity in the NHL - Wikipedia 19982001: Edmonton Oilers PGA Tour Announces New Structure for Developmental Tours Now, the league is poised to make its next ambitious leap: Mexico. Its not much, but its definitely a sign of the games growth. The league added a third team in Alaska called the Anchorage Wolverines. [12] Val James was the first African American player to play in the NHL. With it came a new approach to . The men in stripes are once again in focus this postseason. The Chicago Hitmen fold. North American Hockey League - Wikipedia Only four of the 17 countries represented in the league have a single player this season. January 1, 2023. Before the second swing starts, the PGA Tour Americas will have . Everybody knew who Scott Gomez was in the Mexican hockey environment, and everybody knew he had Mexican roots. Dicky Haiek and his entire family have helped Argentinian hockey grow, from inline clinics to success at the LATAM Cup. Wasilla Spirit changed names to Alaska Avalanche. NHL on ESPN - Scores, Stats and Highlights Gaudreau, a candidate for the Calder Memorial Award as the leagues top rookie, led all rookies in assists (40) and points (37). MLS is a leader in providing an inclusive . List of ice hockey players of Latin American descent Three-time NHL All-Star. Eleven of the NHLs 229 players are from the Dominican Republic, including the majority of those who play in the league. High school football: Lake Wales' Mitchell heads list of Polk's top 10 The NHL and teams across the league have made big pushes to tap a massive potential fan base and develop Latino players in the United States and Mexico. [6] The league consists of a variety of players from varying nationalities and diverse backgrounds. These are the top-ten players of Asian descent by career points, goals, and assists. Its diversifying our reach for and understanding in a place like Los Angeles, which is such a melting pot, said Mike Altieri. An ice rink, in Mexico -- that's somewhat foreign to their arenas," Daly said. Mexico is ranked 32nd in the IIHF mens rankings and 35th in the IIHF womens rankings. This season will include 103 exclusive regular-season games across ESPN, ESPN+, Hulu and ABC. The Islanders, Edmonton, the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Vancouver Canuck all featured him. You can rent skates at the Iceplex and expect some lively music to match the occasion. He broke Marian Gaboriks Wild rookie record for most goals in a season on 36 points. The St. Kuemper won his first Cup with a 22 saves in Game 6 of the Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, who grew up in Arizona and whose mother is a native of Hermosillo, Mexico, is . Davis said there are currently 54 active players who are Arab, Asian, Black, Latino or Indigenous, which would make up roughly 7% of the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Raffi Torres from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for an international trade. He has already lived up to every ounce of the hype, playing in all 82 regular season games of his rookie season, scoring 40 goals and dishing out 29 assists. At the game, which attracted nearly 50,000 people, Montoya spread the gospel of hockey in the parking lot outside the stadium. Gomez scored 756 points (181 goals, 575. The Chicago Hitmen joined the North Division and played at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The Golden Knights have Spanish-language social media channels as do the San Jose Sharks and run street clinics in Hispanic communities. More are on the way. Hockey Player Statistics By Race The most common ethnicity among hockey players is White, which makes up 72.8% of all hockey players. Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Kraken win 1st playoff series, oust champion Avs, Bergeron undecided on future after B's stunner, Panthers in awe after ousting 'unbelievable' Bruins, 'Resilient' Oilers shake off bad break, oust Kings, 'Penalties hurt,' as Devils let chance to clinch slip, Leafs win in OT, take 1st playoff series since 2004, Stars finish off Wild for spot in West semifinals, Wyshynski's picks for every series in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Keys to the offseason for NHL teams, including free agency plans, How to improve officiating in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Biggest celebrity fans for all 16 Stanley Cup playoff teams, Ranking the top 50 players in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In line after the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadians have 12 players, followed by the Boston Bruins with 13. WILD NAMES BILL GUERIN AS GENERAL MANAGER. Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Vezina trophy as the NHLs best goalie in 2018-19. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. The Los Angeles Kings created a model for their Jr. Kings program before playing exhibition games in Beijing in 2017 and have carried it into Mexico City. Many Hispanics play in lower levels of hockey, such as junior hockey or college hockey. A number of ice hockey leagues for players of African descent formed in Canada as early as the late-19th century. Braydon Point had 14 goals in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, including the game-winning goal, and was the leading scorer. The Fresno Monsters were relocated to become the second incarnation of the Wenatchee Wild and the Monsters returned to only fielding a team in the Western States Hockey League. "That was fantastic," Montoya said. List of NHL players born in Buffalo, New York. Heading into his fifth NHL season, Nieto has already played 265 career games. He was the highest-drafted Latino player, going fifth overall in the 2000 draft. The Motor City Metal Jackets relocate to Jamestown, New York, and become Jamestown Ironmen. NHL increases push to reach Latino communities | CBC Sports

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