Volunteer-run 'Kilimanjaro' hockey club puts young Black kids on the ice with free lessons

In his fifteen years living in London, Didier Tshibangu has encountered one recurring barrier for Black youth thinking of taking up ice skating and hockey — a lack of representation.  

"If these sports are not part of someone's culture or daily experiences, it's easy to overlook them as something worth pursuing. There's a huge connection between seeing other people in your community engaging in an activity and feeling motivated to try it yourself," the Londoner said. 

With that goal in mind, Tshibangu started the Kilimanjaro Ice Hockey Club in 2019 to introduce more young Black kids to the ice rinks. Since then, more than 25 youngsters between four and 15 have been receiving free weekly lessons from Tshibangu and other volunteer coaches.

The club, which is open to youth from all communities, marked its first season having regular ice time at Stronach arena where they practice every Saturday evening. Prior to this, they'd get lessons at public arenas during recreational skating hours. 

"I didn't see any Black people playing hockey, and it's a very interesting sport, so I took it in my hands that I would introduce Black kids to skating and then we'll start a big club," said Tshibangu.

"When the kids come to the ice for the first time they're amazed but it's not something that could have ever crossed their mind to be there. It's only when they see other Black people on the ice that they'll be attracted to the sports." 

Tshibangu, 54, developed an interest in hockey when he attended college in the U.S. more than three decades ago. That passion only grew when he learned the rich history of Black hockey in North America, specifically the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes , an all-Black competitive league created in Halifax in 1895 by African Canadians fighting for equality in sports. 

'Representation matters'

Watching other young kids effortlessly glide on the ice at a community rink is what inspired 10-year-old Knyhiem Fraser to take up skating, two years ago. Mesmerized by how fun it looked, Fraser immediately asked his mom to sign him up for lessons.

Fraser then started playing in the West London Hawks' U10 league, but wanting to sharpen his skills, he joined the Kilimanjaro club where he's made lots of new friends and has become faster at skating, he said. 

"What I like about hockey is that you can have fun no matter if you lose or win. I learned lots of things in Kilimanjaro, they helped me with my stickhandling which is a little tricky," he said. "I was so glad I joined the club because I have so much fun and I enjoy scoring goals." 

The club has been instrumental in developing Fraser as a hockey player, said his mom Tricia Smith, adding that many Black hockey parents have also built their own community, cheering for their kids as they're on the ice.  

"A lot of Black children think basketball and soccer are the only sports that can be played, so I'm happy that Kilimanjaro is there to provide them with an alternative," said Smith. 

"Representation matters a lot, especially in the Black community because a lot of us think that hockey isn't for us so having a Black team sends a message to parents that once their child has an interest, they can come to this club to nurture that passion."

The greatest reward for Tshibangu has been watching a growing amount of Black youth take an interest in ice sports and find meaning in their lives. The club's impact has also allowed newcomers to Canada feel a connection to the ice, he said. 

The club is partially funded by a local organization called communautaire francophone de London.

With their season's end approaching in April, Tshibangu is already working on his plans to expand the club and branch out into different age ranges. But the group is still looking for more volunteer coaches as its player complement grows.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.