Quebec’s new hockey promotion committee criticized for its lack of diversity – Montreal

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The Quebec government is looking to revive hockey in the province.

A new committee will examine why young Quebecers are not interested in playing national sport and how to attract them.

Read more: The Premier of Quebec announces a plan to increase the number of Quebecers in the NHL

But it receives some backlash. The 15-person committee is made up of coaches, former NHL players born in Quebec and former Canadian Olympic players.

But, some say that the premier’s all-star team of who’s who in the Quebec hockey world has completely missed the mark.

“If you want to solve the problem of the lack of kids playing hockey, you have to look at representation,” said former Habs defenseman and Montrealer Georges Laraque.

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“Do you see First Nations on the board? Do you see any minorities on this forum? “

Laraque knows all too well the importance of diversity in hockey. He is part of a committee already created by the NHL to promote the sport in the world.

“I have been to many schools where the children have never skated before. They don’t even know what hockey is. These are the markets you need to go to, ”he says.

“Without representation, how are you going to go to these markets and talk to these parents about these kids and what they’re going through? “

Read more: Debunking stereotypes The hidden habits of elite athletes

Former NHL goalie turned hockey analyst Marc Denis will lead the newly formed Quebec committee. Speaking at a press conference Thursday alongside Prime Minister François Legault, he said they were fully committed to changing the way things are done.

“Sport has given us a lot. A lot of people around this table are willing and ready to give back, and I think we’ll go and get the expertise where we need it to make sure the change happens.

But the money speaks. Hockey is one of the most expensive sports to play. A season of AAA minor hockey can cost a family up to $ 10,000 per player.

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For some, including Nick Romano, a former pro player in Europe, change means making the sport more accessible.

“I think the grants, the grants, the big companies that sponsor minor hockey, will allow us to have more of it,” says Romano, who is now part of a minor league organization that helps develop young players.

“I think the boards, the coaches, the associations have to all shoot in the same direction, all shoot the best for the kids.”

The new Quebec committee has a few months to reflect. It should table a list of recommendations next spring.

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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