Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba hopes to make an impact on opposition forwards as they cross the blueline. He is now hoping to make an impact off the ice as well when it comes to the game.
The Minnesota Wild defenseman, who was born in Regina and raised in Calgary, is one of seven current and former NHL players who founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which was announced on social media last Monday with a mission to “eradicate racism and intolerance in hockey.”
Dumba appeared on 620 CKRM’s “Sportscage” with Derek Taylor this past week to talk about the alliance and what he is hoping to achieve.
“This idea first came up in November and then it got rekindled once the George Floyd death happened.” Dumba said. “After hearing everyone’s stories as to what they have gone through and what their families and relatives have gone through, they were experiences that I have gone through as well. It doesn’t sit right with me and gives me chills. Knowing others have gone through this, the seven of us wanted to spread the message hoping others join in the fight to eradicate racism.”
Dumba, who is of Filipino descent, says he has had his struggles as he gets to the spot where he is.
“Growing up, I was one of few players of colour on my teams and at time I was the only one.” the 25-year-old told Taylor. ” Friends and teammates knew what was happening was not right, but it was tough for them to understand what exactly my family and I were going through. This would really shake up my Mom as she thought about what her little boy was going through so I tried to handle it in on my own by trying to bottle it up and channel my aggression towards my play.”
Along with Dumba, the alliance consists of San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane and former NHL’er Akim Aliu, who are serving as co-heads, Detroit Red Wings defenceman Trevor Daley, Buffalo Sabres forward Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris Stewart and former NHL-er Joel Ward.
