Unfortunately, racism and hockey are not strangers and their relationship re-surfaced once again in a DMV youth hockey game.
During a game in the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League last weekend, the Bernard brothers, who were the only two Black players on the team, claimed that they were called the “N-word” multiple times.
Turns out, this isn’t the first time this has happened. Nor is it the first time it has happened with the team that the Bernard brothers faced.
According to FOX 5 DC, “The family says this is not the first time this same opposing team has done something like this. In January, they say players made monkey sounds every time the brothers skated by their bench.”
They compete in the 14U league and are two of just a few Black players in the league which is home to 23 teams across the DMV area.
Racism is a problem that continues to plague hockey, particularly at the youth level.
In 2019, a similar incident happened during a game in upstate New York. In that incident in the MOHL (Multi-Organizational House League) 18U game, one team made monkey noises and gestures at an opposing Black player. But his teammates had his back and approached the referees about what was happening. In the aftermath, players and coaches were suspended and playoff games were canceled.
Earlier this year, Metropolitan Riveters defenseman Saroya Tinker took the fight to the NWHL over their partnership with a company known for racist and sexist content.
These are more blemishes on a sport which continues to be tarnished by this issue.
For teenagers such as the Bernard brothers, it’s sad and infuriating that they have to experience this level of ignorance. Fortunately, they’re not facing this alone as parents have stepped up to complain about what everyone witnessed in that game.
“Parents of multiple players on the team reported both incidents to the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League,” reported FOX 5 DC, “but the Bernard family never heard anything back other than in a Facebook post yesterday where the league said it was investigating the allegations.”
“Racism, including incidents of communicating racial and other derogatory slurs, has absolutely no place in our game. Upon hearing allegations about inappropriate comments made during a 14U game that took place on Sunday, CBHL officials immediately reached out to our on-ice officials’ organization, our area’s USA Hockey SafeSport coordinator, and others, to include the leadership of both clubs involved. An investigation is currently ongoing.” wrote the CBHL in their post.
Hopefully they punish those involved, remain vigilant and protect players such as the Bernard brothers.
“This can’t keep going on,” said Brandon Bernard.
And it’s time for more people to stand up and remove racism from the game.
