from Evan F. Moore of Rolling Stone,

You've probably noticed, but hockey also isn't the most diverse sport. It also isn't the most popular in North America. It has its huge following in Canada, but many believe the thing that is holding the sport back in the United States is its lack of inclusivity, and that a combination of economics and access to the sport are the main factors explaining why the sport continues to be overwhelmingly white. But community leaders and the NHL have a plan to try and reverse that.

"I think it's about kids here seeing that it's actually possible. They've never seen a hockey stick before," (Jamal) Mayers says. "It's the same principles as any of the 'ball' sports, like soccer and basketball. You're creating two on one's all over the place. It's important that we did this the right way. We can't just put kids on the ice and say 'Let's play hockey.' They have to get comfortable holding a stick."

Even though Mayers, now in his second year as the Blackhawks Community Liaison, grew up in a city with kids from diverse backgrounds, he recognizes how hard it can be for some of those kids to get to a rink. The NHL has footprints in many of America's major cities through their teams, and with new programs, they're trying to bring the game to a wider audience in hopes of growing new fans and also future prospects as well....

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