from Dan Rosen of NHL.com,

The NHL, its teams and players have been speaking out against racism, and for racial justice since George Floyd, a black man, died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 25.

William Douglas, a staff writer for NHL.com who writes The Color of Hockey blog, said on this week's episode of the NHL @TheRink podcast that he believes the statements, specifically from several prominent white NHL players, have made for a significant moment and a real chance for change in the League and society.

"You're getting players of all levels," Douglas told co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke. "Your Blake Wheelers and Alex Ovechkins joining players who have spoken out before, like J.T. Brown. To have those star players contribute their voices amplifies the issue and that helps things move forward."

Douglas said players speaking out also helps facilitate a conversation about the culture of hockey and the need for change that the NHL discussed at the Board of Governors meeting in December, when Commissioner Gary Bettman unveiled a multi-point plan for conduct aimed at promoting and fostering inclusion and diversity.

continued