Mike Grier become the first Black general manager in NHL history

Mike Grier became the first Black general manager in NHL history when he was hired by the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old replaces Doug Wilson, who stepped down April 7 after 19 seasons to focus on his health. Assistant GM Joe Will held the position while San Jose conducted its search.

Grier played for the Sharks from 2006-09.

"Really excited to work and to be back in the Bay Area," he said. "I know there's been lots of ups and downs but I'm ready to work hard and get at it and get this thing back on the tracks. We're going to start winning some games in the "Shark Tank" and get it going again. See you soon."

Grier worked last season as hockey operations adviser for the New York Rangers, assisting them with hockey-related decisions and off-ice player and prospect development. He also helped with on-ice player development with Hartford, their American Hockey League affiliate.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Mike for nearly three decades and I have always had the utmost respect for him as a person, player and executive," Rangers president and GM Chris Drury said. "I am proud to call him a friend and I look forward to see what he'll do with the Sharks. We will miss him in New York, but we wish him and his family all the best with this new opportunity."

Prior to joining the Rangers, Grier was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils for two seasons (2018-20) and a professional scout for the Chicago Blackhawks from 2014-18.

A former forward, Grier played 14 NHL seasons after being selected by the St. Louis Blues in the ninth round (No. 219) of the 1993 NHL Draft. He had 383 points (162 goals, 221 assists) in 1,060 regular-season games for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and Sharks, and 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists) in 101 playoff games.

"While we were intrigued and appreciative of many candidates, especially those that ended up being the finalists, Mike separated himself from the pack by his continued commitment to culture," Sharks president Jonathan Becher said. "Culture, not just on the ice, but off the ice as well. Mike is a true testament to one of our organization's principles, and that is say what you mean, and then do what you say."

Grier's older brother Chris is GM of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.

"I am incredibly proud of Mike," Chris Grier said. "The San Jose Sharks organization is getting a man of high character and integrity. He has always been respected on and off the ice by his peers.

"Mike will bring his work ethic and passion every day to the job. Mike understands the game, with intelligence, experience and knowledge to succeed as a GM. Our parents deserve all the credit for how they raised us. We were very fortunate to be able to observe and learn from our father, Bobby, while growing up. Congratulations to Mike and the San Jose Sharks on a great hire!"

Black on-ice officials work NHL game together for first time

Two Black on-ice officials worked a game together for the first time in NHL history Thursday.

Referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas and linesman Shandor Alphonso officiated the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-4 shootout win against the San Jose Sharks at United Center in Chicago. The game was Samuels-Thomas' NHL debut and the first time a Black on-ice official wore the orange-and-black referee arm bands since Jay Sharrers worked the New York Islanders-Carolina Hurricanes game at Carolina on April 2, 2004.

"It was a lot of fun," Samuels-Thomas said. "Growing up all you want to do is be in the NHL, and I'm 31 years old and it's been a lifetime of work and I had all my family here in the stands and friends and everyone who's been with me along the way. So, special to share the moment with them."

Samuels-Thomas wore No. 42, which was worn by Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier April 15, 1947, with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

"When I played I was No. 42 for a reason, and with the opportunity to wear this number [it] was easy," Samuels-Thomas said. "… Being able to wear Jackie's number is always special, so I got to do it as a player and now as an official. I wish I could keep this number forever."

Alphonso said Samuels-Thomas had a strong debut.

"He did a great job," Alphonso said. "Official supervision, I think he nailed it. He took what was given to him out there and I thought he did a good job and kept his composure out there the whole game. It was a lot of fun, for sure."

"I think it's just an exciting moment in NHL history," Sharrers said Thursday. "Just showing how the game has changed from the amount of Black players and players of different ethnic backgrounds who are now in the League, I think it's an exciting moment and it's nice to see our team now have that kind of representation."

[SOURCE: NHL]

House Passes Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s Bill to Award Willie O’Ree Congressional Gold Medal

Today,the House of Representaives passed Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley's (MA-07) bill to honor hockey legend Willie O’Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill, which is co-led by Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Brian Higgins (NY-27), Tom Emmer (MN-06) and John Katko (NY-24), passed the Senate in July and will now head to the President’s desk.

O’Ree was the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

“Black history is American history, and I am thrilled to see our bill to award Willie O’Ree with the Congressional Gold Medal pass the House of Representatives today,” said Rep. Pressley. “Willie has had a tremendous impact both on and off the ice and the Congressional Medal is a testament to his lifetime of service, his contributions to the game, and the example he has set for Black athletes everywhere. I am honored to play a small part in getting him the recognition he so rightfully deserves, and ensuring Willie takes his rightful place in American history. I am grateful to Congressman Quigley, our colleagues, and the grassroots organizers who helped to make this a reality.”

O’Ree is an extraordinary athlete and activist who overcame numerous challenges and broke historic barriers to ensure that future players of diverse racial backgrounds would have equal opportunities to play hockey. In 1958, O’Ree was called-up from the minors to play for the Boston Bruins, becoming the first black player in NHL history. As the sole black player in the NHL, O’Ree endured racism, bigotry, and prejudice from players and fans on and off the ice. Despite this, he spent more than twenty-four seasons as a professional player in both the NHL and minor leagues. Following his professional hockey career, he became the NHL’s Diversity Ambassador, where he established the Hockey Is For Everyone initiative to offer marginalized and disadvantaged children an opportunity to play hockey, create community, and develop important life skills.

Senate passes bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to Willie O'Ree, the first Black NHL player

The US Senate passed legislation this week to grant Congress' highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to Willie O'Ree, the first Black player to compete in the National Hockey League.

The bipartisan measure to honor Willie O'Ree unanimously passed the chamber on Tuesday. It now must be approved by the US House of Representatives for O'Ree to be awarded the medal. Known as "the Jackie Robinson of hockey," O'Ree, 85, broke the NHL's color barrier in 1958 with the Boston Bruins, one of six teams at the time.

The legislation would award O'Ree the nation's highest civilian award that Congress can bestow "in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and commitment to hockey, inclusion, and recreational opportunity."

The bill was first introduced in 2019 by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. They reintroduced the legislation in February.

In a statement, Stabenow called O'Ree a "trailblazer for young people across the country," touting his work on the NHL initiative "Hockey Is For Everyone."

"From the hockey arena to serving young athletes in his community, Willie O'Ree's legacy has inspired generations," Scott said. "Willie's career didn't end on the ice; it was punctuated by the generations of athletes he helped navigate the path he paved."

"I look forward to the House acting quickly on this well-deserved recognition of Willie's historic achievements," the senator added.

James Shaw Jr. honored by Nashville Predators

Although the current President of the United States could apparently care less about the heroic actions of an African American hero, the Nashville Predators took time to recognize and honor the bravery of James Shaw Jr. before Sunday's National Hockey League Game 2 against the Winnipeg Jets.

From CBS Sports:

Last week, Shaw helped bring a deadly shooting at a Nashville Waffle House to an end when he was able to wrestle the gun away from the shooter. Four people died in the shooting, but police said that if it weren't for Shaw's actions -- he grabbed the hot barrel of the shooter's AR-15 and took it away -- the bloodshed could have been much more severe.

On Sunday night at Bridgestone Arena, Shaw was in attendance and received a hero's welcome. He participated in some pregame festivities outside the arena, including hammering the "Smash Car," which has become a "Smash Plane" for this series against the Jets.

Shaw was seen in a shirt that read "Spread Love" in the style of Waffle House lettering prior to the game, but inside the building he was presented with a customized jersey by Predators coach Peter Laviolette. That jersey had Shaw's name on the back, and a captain's 'C' on the front.

During the game, Shaw was recognized and welcomed with a standing ovation by the home crowd. Multiple first responders who assisted in the aftermath of the tragedy also received a similar welcome.

[SOURCE: CBSSPORTS]

National Hockey League appoints Kim Davis executive vice president

The National Hockey League announced that Kim Davis has been named Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs. Ms. Davis will join the NHL on Dec. 4, and will be based in the League's New York office, reporting to Commissioner Gary Bettman and collaborating across the League's clubs and stakeholders.

Ms. Davis is a highly respected leader in the corporate and philanthropic community, and joins the NHL from leading CEO advisory firm Teneo. As a Senior Managing Director, she built and ran the firm's Corporate Responsibility and Inclusive Leadership practice, advising CEOs and Fortune 500 companies daily.

Prior to Teneo, Ms. Davis enjoyed a 20-plus year career at JPMorgan Chase, where she most recently served as Managing Director of Global CSR, President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and as a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Her responsibilities included leading and managing approximately $300 million in annual giving, employee and civic engagement, and strategic corporate marketing sponsorship programs.

"Kim's professional experience uniquely qualifies her to ensure that our League is continuing to improve lives and strengthen and build vibrant communities through hockey as well as provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for anyone associated with our League," said Commissioner Bettman. "We are thrilled to have Kim join the NHL family."

"The impact of sports on community development can be powerful," said Ms. Davis. "Sport can, and does, make a profound and positive impact on individuals, communities and has the opportunity to drive positive social change. Having had the privilege of advising the NHL on its CSR practices, I've experienced an organization that is truly committed to contributing positively to society and fostering inclusiveness. I'm looking forward to advancing the League's mission and working with Commissioner Bettman and the executive leadership team to help drive the continued growth and success of the NHL."

Ms. Davis' passion for equity and leadership led her to build the first women of color affinity group at Chase Manhattan Bank, developing a mentoring program for senior women that became an industry best practice in investment banking, and later developing the initial corporate sponsorship model for Women Moving Millions.

Ms. Davis has been named to The Business Journal's 100 Most Influential Women and Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business. In 2012, she was profiled with First Lady Michelle Obama in Essence magazine's "28 Most Influential Black Women in America.

National Hockey League player J.T. Brown raises fist during national anthem

Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown raised his right fist during the playing of the national anthem before the team's first road game of the season.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown says he isn't going to back down anytime soon, standing behind his decision to fund the relocation of a Confederate statue in Tampa and stay vocal when it comes to issues concerning minorities.

It is the first known demonstration of any kind during the anthem in an NHL regular-season game. The NHL has no rules governing what players must do during the national anthem.

Brown, who was scratched for Tampa Bay's season-opening win against Florida, remained standing throughout the anthem Saturday night. Brown, one of approximately 30 black players in the NHL, used the same protest before a preseason game against the Panthers last month.

"I wanted to do something to show my support," Brown told the Tampa Bay Times after the Lightning's 5-4 loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday. "There are some issues that we have to talk about. So, in my mind, just trying to bring a little more awareness, and any type of conversation that we can get started would be great. I know there's going to be negative backlash. But, in my heart, I know I did what was right."

The Lightning issued a statement later Saturday, saying, "The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate the moment before every game when we can unite as a community, paying homage to a flag that is representative of our nation and those who have sacrificed. At the same time, we respect our players and individual choices they may make on social and political issues."

[SOURCE: ESPN]