Now or Never

Changing the culture of hockey

Lately, a lot of serious questions are being asked about hockey - around diversity, bullying, hazing, and concussions. Meet five Canadians who are fighting to change the culture of the game they love so much. 
Ryan Sirisombath, left, and Enrico Champagne, right, are part of a BIPOC youth hockey team that made its debut last month. (Talia Ricci/CBC)

Across the country hockey season is getting started and players, from peewee to the NHL, are hitting the ice.

But is everyone welcome to play?

Lately, a lot of serious questions are being asked about the sport. Questions about diversity, bullying, hazing, and concussions.

Today on Now or Never, meet people who are fighting to change the culture of the game they love so much.  

  • When Debora Barkun and her family walk into their local hockey arena, they're usually the only Black people there.  Debora shares the fears and anxieties that led her to learning everything she can about the game. 
  • Trevor and Ify head to the rink to talk with kids and parents about their favourite hockey moments, and how the game has changed.
  • Join friends Chad Hay and A.J. Keller as they go shopping for hockey cages, after a terrifying close call in a game.

This episode originally aired in Oct. 2020