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.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:07 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:07:12 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:49:41 GMT
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Hockey players (Credit: Fox 2 News)
