The fight for inclusion in hockey has been ongoing, but today a diverse group of investors took a major step in that fight at the executive level.
Today, the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) announced that BTM Partners sold the Toronto Six to a group representing the first BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People Of Color) investors in PHF history.
Along with Canadian investors, the group is led by former NHL player Anthony Stewart, Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James, Carnegie Initiative co-chair Bernice Carnegie and former NHL coach of the year Ted Nolan.
While the full list of partners will be announced at the closing, it’s a major step for a group that has been fighting for acceptance and equal rights in the sport for a long time.
“Local ownership who believe in our vision to grow women’s hockey and are committed to supporting these phenomenal professional athletes represents another significant step forward in the overall growth and sustainability of the PHF,” said Johanna Boynton, founding Chair and Principal Owner of the Toronto Six. “We are beyond excited for the PHF family to evolve by welcoming diverse leaders who will be difference makers and take the organization to the next level by enhancing the experience for our athletes, community partners, and passionate fans.”
Anthony Stewart is an Ontario native, on air hockey analyst for Sportsnet, and Chairman of Hockey Equality, a group fighting for change at all levels in the sport. His pursuit of opening doors in hockey goes back to his playing days in Canadian hockey leagues and the NHL.
“This is a really amazing time to be part of professional women’s hockey and I am thrilled to lead a new ownership group to support elite athletes in my hometown,” said Stewart in the release. “Together with my partners, we know how much representation matters and how important role models are for young hockey players.”
The Six won the regular season title during the shortened 2021 campaign, and they are in first place overall this season with a 13-2-1 record.
With that type of team on the ice, complemented by a strong ownership team off of it, both the Six and the PHF are in good hands.
“It brings me great joy to be part of something special and help strengthen a platform that will make the game better for the next generation and grow the game in the community that I love,” said Stewart. “We believe the PHF is well-positioned to become a leader in professional sports and look forward to continuing to build the Toronto Six into a winner on and off the ice.”
