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My Hockey Hero

Dean Barnes / Podstarter

Stories of hockey's diverse heroes, from early trailblazers to rising new talent. Their own stories in their own words, featuring players from all levels of the professional game. Together, we will bring the cards to life to understand the personality and the drive that allowed them to break down barriers.

Hosted by Dean Barnes.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Our Editor's Take

Black hockey players have often gone overlooked, even at the elite level of the NHL. My Hockey Hero is a podcast that wants to correct that problem. Its goal is to bring attention to the Black hockey players who have contributed to the sport's history over several decades.

Dean Barnes is the host, creator, and producer of the My Hockey Hero podcast. Barnes is the son of Jamaican immigrants who settled in Ontario, Canada. The host became a passionate hockey fan from an early age. He played college hockey at the University of Waterloo. Before becoming a superintendent of education in Ontario, he worked as a high school teacher and principal.

The My Hockey Hero podcast began with an interesting idea that evolved over time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnes set out to complete a goal that he had long had. He wanted to complete his 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey card set. He would go on to complete the set, including a Wayne Gretzky rookie card.

However, the murder of George Floyd caused Barnes to do some soul-searching. He came to the realization that the media had not recognized Black hockey players. He set out to change this by beginning My Hockey Hero.

Each episode of My Hockey Hero features an interview with a former pro hockey player of color. Previous podcast guests include Darren Banks, Anthony Stewart, and Ray Neufeld.

Barnes proves himself to be a skilled interviewer during these episodes. He does an excellent job at letting these players tell their stories. Sometimes, the players get emotional. This may be because this is the first time anyone has asked them to do so.

My Hockey Hero is a beautiful celebration of a beloved game in a way that is long overdue. New episodes of the podcast premiere on Monday of each week.

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Episodes

Memorial Cup Special: Donovan McCoy
2d ago
Memorial Cup Special: Donovan McCoy
This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome Donovan McCoy. Donovan grew up in Belleville, Ontario, and began playing hockey with the Belleville Junior Bulls. He transitioned to triple-A level, and Donovan realized he had potential to play at higher levels, being drafted to the Peterborough Petes in 2020. He reflects on the experience of being the first Black captain in Peterborough Petes' history and the responsibilities that came with it including his memorable run with the Petes to the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup.This episode covers:Early Life and Hockey BeginningsGrowing up in Belleville, Ontario.Playing minor hockey for Belleville Junior Bulls and Quinte Red Devils.Discussing travel for tournaments and camaraderie with teammates.Influences and InspirationsCollecting hockey cards with his brother.Inspiration from black players like the Subban brothers.Starting to skate at a young age, supported by his dad who worked at the arena.Realization of PotentialWhen Donovan started to believe in his potential to succeed in hockey.Discussions with friends about aspirations to play in the OHL.Junior Hockey CareerDrafted by the Peterborough Petes in the first round of the 2020 OHL draft.Challenges and experiences during his first camp with the team.Becoming the first black captain in the history of the Peterborough Petes.Achievements and HighlightsScoring his first goal and significant moments in his career.The impact of being a leader and mentor to younger players.Celebrating team successes, including an OHL championship and playing in the Memorial Cup.Reflection on Diversity and Inclusion in HockeyDonovan’s experiences as a black player in a predominantly white sport.His efforts to be a role model and connect with the community.Optimism about the increasing diversity and inclusivity in hockey at all levels.Key TakeawaysThe importance of representation and mentorship in sports.The evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion in hockey.The personal and professional growth that comes with leadership roles.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Memorial Cup Special: Peter Worrell
May 24 2024
Memorial Cup Special: Peter Worrell
This 2024 Memorial Cup special episode is exciting to welcome back Peter Worrell, former NHL player who took to the ice for the Florida Panthers and Colorado Avalanche. Peter is one of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial Cup, an esteemed trophy awarded to the top junior hockey team from Canada and the US. He will talk about his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997 and the challenges and successes he faced during that time.In this episode we cover an introduction of Peter Worrell:Former NHL player for the Florida Panthers and Colorado AvalancheOne of the few black Canadians to have won the Memorial CupDiscussion on his junior hockey career, winning the Memorial Cup in 1997, and the challenges he facedPeter Worrell's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings:Born in Pierrefonds, Montreal on August 18, 1977Family background: Parents from Barbados, moved to Montreal when Peter was threeEarly introduction to hockey with his brother and cousinJunior Hockey Career Highlights:Played for the Hull OlympiquesWon QMJHL Championships in 1994 and 1996Totalled 464 penalty minutes during the 1995 season, the fifth highest in league historyImproved to 63 points in 62 games in his final junior yearMemorial Cup Experiences:1997 Memorial Cup win with Hull OlympiquesDescription of the preparation and challenges faced leading up to the tournamentEmotional and competitive journey throughout the tournamentDetailed Discussion on Memorial Cup Win:Initial surprise and low expectations for the Hull OlympiquesOvercoming challenges and defeating heavy favorites Beauport and LavalEmotional experiences and the importance of team mentalityReflections on Diversity and Legacy:Peter's role as one of the few black players to win the Memorial CupReflections on the growing diversity in the CHL and the impact on future generationsImportance of representation and legacy in hockeyFor CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Malcolm Spence
Apr 10 2024
Malcolm Spence
Malcolm Spence, was raised in Burlington Ontario, a 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League, who several hockey observers believe has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.The 17-year-old forward for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League scored on a breakaway with seven seconds remaining in overtime to propel Canada to a 3-2 win against Czechia in the championship game of the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Aug. 5.In this episode Malcom discusses:Malcolm's Background:Raised in Burlington, Ontario.Currently in his second season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).Second overall pick in the 2022 OHL draft.Expected to be a high draft pick for the 2025 NHL Draft.Early Hockey Journey:Started in Burlington house league, progressing to AAA with Mississauga Senators in the GTHL.Reflections on seeing his rookie hockey card and transition into OHL.Inspirations and Role Models:Sidney Crosby and Wayne Simmonds as influential players.Family background: mother from Canada (Irish), father from Jamaica.Mentors: Grandfather and uncle, both involved in hockey.Career Highlights:Drafted into the OHL, playing first game, and winning gold.Describes scoring the overtime goal as a team achievement.Balancing Hockey and Academics:Importance of academics instilled by family.Maintaining focus on academics alongside hockey career.Diversity in Hockey:Reflects on experiences of diversity within hockey teams.Mentoring and supporting young players through organizations like Hockey Equality.Discusses experiences with racism and efforts towards inclusivity.Mentoring others to promote inclusivity in hockey.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Taos Jordan
Apr 3 2024
Taos Jordan
Originally from Brooklin, ON, Jordan is in his third season with the Owen Sound Attack, after being drafted in 2020 as a 12th Round pick (# 151).The Jerseys designed by Jordan as both a celebration of diversity within the game and in support of Team Jamaica and the Owen Sound Emancipation Festival.The black and red jerseys feature a prominent raised, clenched fist symbolizing the fight against racism as well as the empowerment of future generations of Black hockey players. All game-worn and issued jerseys worn by the Attack on Feb. 3 will be auctioned off online through the Attack’s DASH auction page, which will be open for bids from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.In the episode Taos discussed:NHL Video Game Experience:Taos shares his experience of being included in an NHL video game, highlighting the significance of representation in gaming.Background and Early Hockey Journey:Taos talks about growing up in Brooklyn, Ontario, and his experiences learning to skate and play hockey with his father.His cultural background, with his grandparents being from Jamaica.Diversity in Hockey:Discussion about the diversity within Tess's hockey teams and his experiences as a minority player in the sport.Junior Hockey Career:Taos shares his journey through junior hockey, including his time with the Central Ontario Wolves and his draft experience with the Owen Sound Attack.Role Models and Inspirations:Taos discusses his hockey role models, including NHL players like P.K. Subban and Wayne Simmonds, as well as local inspirations.Taos describes his playing style as a defensive defenseman and shares his goals for improving his offensive skills.His leadership role in advocating for diversity and inclusion in hockey.Initiatives for Black History Month:Taos talks about his efforts to raise awareness and celebrate Black History Month through special jerseys and community outreach.Mention of the historical significance of black settlers in the Owen Sound region.Taos discusses his personal experiences with racism in hockey and the importance of collective action to address racism and promote inclusivity.Positive experiences of support and encouragement from teammates and fans in the face of racism.Community Engagement and Mentorship:Taos reflects on his role as a mentor and role model for young black hockey players, emphasizing the importance of representation and support.Taos shares memorable moments from his OHL career, including his first goal, and discusses his aspirations of playing in the NHL.Education and Personal Development:Taos talks about balancing hockey with education and his plans for furthering his studies while pursuing his hockey career.Taos emphasizes the need for greater diversity in hockey audiences and encourages fans to engage with players from diverse backgrounds.For CHL new and tickets visit chl.caTo learn more on how you can help make hockey accessible to all, check out hockeyequality.orgThe see the Black Hockey card collection and learn more go to www.blackhockeycards.comProduced by Podstarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.