The last months of Anthony Duclair’s life were very busy.
After his participation in the Stanley Cup final with the Florida Panthers, then his trade to the San Jose Sharks, the Quebecer is in a way going back to basics with his hockey school for visible minorities.
This is the first time that a camp of its kind has been organized in Quebec. A dream come true for Duclair, who has already held a similar camp in Florida. This week, about fifty players are participating, and he is assisted by another Quebecer who tastes the NHL, Boko Imama.
“I’m a bit in shock. There are a lot of black people playing in the Montreal area. It’s unheard of for me and Boko. I would have liked so much to have this opportunity, ”reacted Duclair.
Duclair and Imama want these young people to become less isolated in the practice of their sport.
“With my story, with my skin color, you have a certain responsibility, and that’s what I want to do. It is sure that there are difficult moments, that I felt a little more lonely. ”
The camp takes place when the concepts of inclusion are not fully accepted in society, and after the NHL’s reluctant decision to stop wearing jerseys in support of all causes. Duclair considers it more relevant than ever to pursue his mission of organizing the camps through his foundation.
“Just a black player playing hockey, nothing surprises me. I’ve seen it all, heard it all, it’s nothing new. Maybe for many people, but not for us. So for us, holding this camp, creating my foundation and with the camps in the last year, that’s where we’re going to see change. ”
Change, through concrete examples like the one this week. Duclair continues to be involved with the Alliance for Hockey Diversity, a group whose relationship with the National League seems rather strained…especially after the NHL’s decision to work on the file in partnership with the Association of players. ”
“We have no feedback from the League. We want to grow the sport,” said Duclair.
Anthony Duclair wants to present this camp annually and dreams of seeing one of these young people get drafted into the NHL, for the benefit of young people, and also that of hockey.
