Scarborough-born Leaf Wayne Simmonds is a potent force on the ice for the Leafs. But he’s working to bring change in the wider hockey community as well, through the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

Show Notes

Although he is presently out with a broken wrist, off-season acquisition Wayne Simmonds has already made a massive impression with Leaf Nation. Making his presence felt, physically and emotionally, whenever he’s been called upon. 

Wayne is the 8th Black player to wear the Maple Leaf. And he’s the first one to do so in a world where players feel confident enough to speak openly about racism in our game.

Wayne grew up right here, in Scarborough. Despite a successful career—a career that has seen the 32 year-old rack up over 500 points, make an All-Star game (where he’d be named MVP) and play for his country—Wayne always felt the call back home. 

For years, he continued to hold his Road Hockey Warriors Charity Ball Hockey Tournament at Scarborough Arena Gardens. And now, here he is: back in Toronto, at the most interesting, exciting and important of times. A time where it’s clear he can make a huge impact on the ice for a team that’s ready to contend; and a time where his off-ice impact could be more keenly felt than ever. 

Read Wayne’s article on Wille O’Ree here.

And check out the amazing O’Ree-inspired skates that Simmonds helped design with Bauer and Terry Smith Creations here.

This has been your fourth episode of Barrier Breakers- our look at the amazing Black players and individuals who have changed our game for the better. 

We hope you’re finding the journey as entertaining, thought-provoking and essential as we are. A very special thank you to number 24 - Wayne Simmonds. We wish him a very speedy recovery from injury. We need your touch and your drive out there my guy.

‘Barrier Breakers’ was co-created by us here at Leafs Forever and Akil Augustine. Today's episode was written by myself and Paul Matthews, produced by Renita Bangert & Katie Jensen at Vocal Fry Studios for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Further thanks to Digital Producer Emily Latimer, Executive Producer Michael Gelfand, and Director of Production Shawna Morrison. 

If you liked the episode, tell people about it. And write us a review. Your feedback is always welcome. Especially on this series. Help us think about this issue in new and interesting ways, and if you have story suggestions for the types of things we should be talking about, let us know. 

I am Scott Willats. And until next time, Go Leafs Go.