Willie O'Ree was the first hockey player to break the color barrier when he joined Boston in 1958. If the gang at Sports Dreams have their way that legacy will continue.
The nonprofit organization branches out to provide non-traditional sports for inner city kids, and hockey is in the mix.
The inaugural Black Ice Invitational is being held this weekend with inner city teams from Michigan, Ohio and Washington, D.C. meeting up to honor black pioneers of the game in a two day tournament. Friday's action is at the Jack Adams Recreation Center and Saturday's is at Clark Park.
"We give them opportunity to learn. A lot of kids didn't know about the
black hockey teams from back in the day in the early 1900s, and when
they found out that there was a black team back in the day, they were
eager to get on and learn the game themselves," said coach Marcus Norwood.
Boys and girls from four to 19 are participating, and each kid is making a piece of the game their own allowing for another path to sports success instead of limiting city kids to just football and basketball.
"A lot of times kids don't know the opportunities that are out there, and we're just trying to expose them. It's kind of difficult to get kids involved because they just don't know, but once they know they seem to love it. They enjoy it," Norwood said.
Will the Black Ice Invitational mean there will be more black faces in the NHL? That answer is far off, but at least players know that there is a path to follow.
Thursday, May 2 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-05-03 00:25:47 GMT
Fix your swing? How about fix the swinger? That is the goal at Fox Hills with a brand new program called Omni Kinetics, the first of its kind in Michigan.
Fix your swing? How about fix the swinger? That is the goal at Fox Hills with a brand new program called Omni Kinetics, the first of its kind in Michigan.
Friday, February 22 2013 8:47 PM EST2013-02-23 01:47:23 GMT
You can see some potential future African-American hockey stars this weekend at the Black Ice Invitational. Inner city teams from Michigan, Ohio and Washington, D.C. are meeting up to honor black pioneers of the game.
You can see some potential future African-American hockey stars this weekend in Detroit at the Black Ice Invitational. Inner city teams from Michigan, Ohio and Washington, D.C. are meeting up to honor black pioneers of the game.
Wednesday, January 23 2013 4:08 PM EST2013-01-23 21:08:44 GMT
There is not supposed to be a lot of snow in the forecast, but they are making it in Rochester for the Sixth Annual Fire and Ice Festival, which kicks off this weekend.
There is not supposed to be a lot of snow in the forecast, but they are making it in Rochester for the Sixth Annual Fire and Ice Festival, which kicks off this weekend.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
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Hockey players (Credit: Fox 2 News)
