On Monday, the New York Islanders came out with a statement in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement that has been sweeping the nation as the country looks to rid itself of systematic racism and police brutality.
The statement which was a few paragraphs was not well received and the result was a heavy amount of backlash and ridicule for the lack of awareness and the tone-deafness of what was written. It was a bad look, not even one Captain Anders Lee’s post could save. His message was much more appropriate and really showed where the Isles had missed the mark.
Then yesterday, with the country deeming the day #blackouttuesday, the organization redeemed itself in a sense by doing the right thing. On all of their social media accounts, the Islanders posted a black box and the trending hashtag.
The post was simple and effective. And in essence, it was the first step the organization really took toward truly understanding the important moment the country is going through. The players themselves also showed their acknowledgment of wanting to be at the forefront of change. Many of them, including Casey Cizikas, Derick Brassard, J.G. Pageau, Andrew Ladd, Oliver Wahlstrom, as well as several of the organizations’ prospects went the route of the black box with the Blackout Tuesday tag.
Scott Mayfield, on the other hand, took to both his Twitter and Instagram.
He followed the team’s lead and added his own spin with the caption: “Today has important social influence. Mute and Listen. Then CHANGE. Post all the long messages and thought out responses, but WE must change our actions. I must be better, we all must be better together. Show it in our actions of everyday life, not just over the internet. God Bless.”
Mayfield’s heartfelt plea was just one of the many Isles players who wanted to send a message on wanting change. Matt Martin posted on his Instagram with the caption: “Stand In Solidarity. Black Lives Matter.” After him came Mathew Barzal, the club’s resident face of the franchise.
Barzal, who is known to be a little more reserve on social media, clearly stroke the right chord. His Instagram post read: #BlackOutTuesday .. Although it goes a lot further than just posting a picture on Instagram, it is amazing to see so many people, of all color, onboard to fight the good fight!! #equalityforeveryone”
Seeing Barzal write something like that was a great representation of what this movement needs to be all about. Yet, there still more the Islanders, and even more so, the NHL can do to promote equality.
The Islanders play on Long Island, which is quietly known for a long time as being one of the most segregated areas in the entire United States. It’s surprising the area hasn’t been the hotbed of some of the crazy scenes which have unfolded the past week; there have actually been peaceful protests instead to the chagrin of many. But even with some of that good going on, it still a place that needs to change as well.
What that means is more players and figureheads being able to speak their minds more often on current issues. Hockey players, and some coaches for that manner, are a little bit like robots. But even they come to the realization of the environment around them, just as they’re doing now. Barry Trotz talking about the unrest right now would be enlightening. G.M. Lou Lamoriello doing the same would also be welcomed.
Sure those two, in particular, might have more important things to worry about, but talking about real-life problems could help those minorities who aren’t associated with the team — or hockey in general — relate to them in a sense.
The team should also start having its players go out in the community more and meet with those who feel oppressed or forgotten.
I’ll admit the Isles are wonderful when it comes to community efforts. Moving forward, if they made it a point of going to those places and having those tough yet important conversations, I think it would benefit the franchise a great deal. Even having more nights honoring minorities and raising more awareness for racism and social issues will give the organization another platform to give back.
Last would be the inclusion of more African Americans with the game.
The NHL came out with it’s “You Can Play” and “Hockey is for Everyone” initiatives a few years back. It’s worked to some degree. The Islanders though need to be one of those teams who should make a massive effort to get those kids and families involved to show them that anybody can play the sport and there is equality.