Miscellaneous
In this Just Go Play podcast episode, Daryl Devonish speaks with Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth & Legislative Affairs at the National Hockey League, the premier professional ice hockey league in the world on: Hockey is indeed for everyone - NHL's vision for youth hockey.In this capacity, Kim leads a role reporting to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to attract, develop and retain fans – with a specific focus on multi-cultural audiences – through culture, youth participation, and social impact initiatives. “Kim’s professional experience uniquely qualifies her to ensure that our League is growing the game of hockey by demonstrating the leadership principles and values in communities and with all stakeholders that can ultimately lead to new and increased fandom,” said Commissioner Bettman.Ms. Davis has been recognized by Hockey News’ “2020 Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in the sport,” Essence Magazine’s “Woke” - 2019 Change Agents, Adweek’s “30 Most Powerful Women in Sports,” Sports Business Journal’s “GameChangers,” and Savoy Magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Corporate America.” She has received other notable recognitions including Savoy Magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America” and showcased in Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business.” In 2012, she was profiled with First Lady Michelle Obama in Essence magazine’s “28 Most Influential Black Women in America.”Hear Kim's journey to the NHL through, what may seem, as an unconventional pathway to become a change agent in making hockey appealing to a more diverse audience to both players and fans. Kim discussed how events this year connected to Black Lives Matter became an acceleration point for the NHL to build deeper awareness and education in the hockey community to deal with human rights issues top down and bottom up. The players and leadership team have been key in making a stance on being allies and ensuring no one is denied opportunity or treated lesser than because of the colour of their skin.To increase diversity and inclusion in hockey, the NHL dug into where they needed to focus and increase cultural availability within communities. While many may think the decline in participation is due to access to the game or the equipment required, the driving issue is that people don't feel a cultural connection to hockey.To ensure more voices are part of the decision making and change required, the NHL has set up committees to have a full 360 understanding of what the ecosystem wants from sport in the future including committees for:PlayersYouth SportFansBe inspired by the change Kim is supporting the NHL in creating for minorities and females to build a stronger ecosystem for years to come.If you are a parent or coach who wants to learn more about courses or resources to help you build a quality environment for your child and athletes, reach out to us at www.justgoplay.ca.Follow Just Go Play on Instagram @qualitycoaching to receive coaching insights and information. Just Go Play is the resource for parents, teachers, coaches, and athletes to understand how sports will help build skills for life. The mission is to help and encourage kids, parents, and coaches to enjoy sports and participate for life.