A Nova Scotia hockey coach is the only Canadian in the running for the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award.
Cole Harbour’s Ryan Francis has been nominated for his efforts to break down barriers to get more women to play the sport.
In an NHL promotional video, Francis says he’s humbled by the recognition for his leadership of the “Indigenous Girls Hockey Program.”
“A little bit embarrassed, but in a good way,” Francis says. “I really appreciate it and know that there has been a lot of support and a lot of really cool work that has been done here in the community.”
In the program’s first two years, Francis has helped nearly 200 girls from three Mi’kmaq communities.
He says the program creates an opportunity for young Indigenous girls to experience hockey with their peers.
“Sometimes their jerseys are mismatching,” Francis says. “So when you first walk into the rink you wouldn’t think this is a team practicing, or this is a team playing, but you often hear the girls refer to one another as their own team, and I think that is something really special.”
Francis is one of three people nominated.
Noel Acton, co-founder of The Tender Bridge and Banners Hockey in Maryland, and Meredith Lang, co-founder of Hockey Ninas and MN Unbounded in Minnesota, are also nominated.
The award is named after the NHL’s first black hockey player, Willie O’Ree, who grew up in Fredericton.
You can cast your vote online.
