The Forgotten Founders of Hockey — and the Hidden History of Black Canada

When most people think of hockey, they picture frosty arenas, roaring crowds, and white-dominated teams battling for glory. But buried beneath the ice is a story few have heard—a story of innovation, resilience, and forgotten pioneers. It’s the story of Black Canadians who helped shape the game long before the NHL ever dropped its first puck.

In 1895, in the heart of Nova Scotia, a league was born: the Colored Hockey League (CHL). Founded by Black ministers and community leaders, the CHL wasn’t just about sport—it was about dignity, opportunity, and pride. At its peak, the league boasted over 400 players and drew crowds of more than 1,000 spectators. These games were electric, fast-paced, and revolutionary.

One of the CHL’s players, Eddie Martin of the Halifax Eurekas, is credited with inventing the slapshot—a move now iconic in modern hockey. Yet his name rarely appears in official histories. Why? Because the contributions of Black athletes were systematically erased or ignored as hockey became commercialized and segregated.

The CHL teams had names like the Jubilees, Stanleys, Sea-Sides, and Royals. They played not just for victory, but for visibility in a society that often denied their existence. These athletes faced racism, exclusion, and economic hardship, yet they played with unmatched passion and skill.

Beyond the CHL, Black Canadians continued to break barriers. Herb Carnegie, born in Toronto in 1919, was considered one of the best players of his time. Yet he was denied entry into the NHL because of his race. His story, like many others, is a reminder of the talent lost to prejudice.

In 1984, Darren Lowe became the first Black Canadian to represent his country in Olympic hockey. He later became the first Black head coach of the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues, paving the way for future generations.

These stories are not just footnotes—they are foundational chapters in Canada’s sporting legacy. They reveal a truth long buried: that Black Canadians were not outsiders to hockey, but architects of its evolution.

Today, as hockey grapples with issues of diversity and inclusion, remembering these pioneers is more than symbolic—it’s essential. Their courage, creativity, and love for the game laid the groundwork for what hockey could be: a sport for everyone.