Unfortunately, racism and hockey are not strangers and their relationship re-surfaced once again in a DMV youth hockey game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to FOX 5 DC<\/a>, “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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Racism is a problem that continues to plague hockey, particularly at the youth level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2019, a similar incident<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier this year, Metropolitan Riveters defenseman Saroya Tinker took the fight to the NWHL<\/a> over their partnership with a company known for racist and sexist content. <\/p>