Evander Kane leaves Hockey Diversity Alliance, blames 'individual agenda' and 'combative approach'

On Friday, Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane announced that he is stepping away from the Hockey Diversity Alliance group, citing the fact “the HDA is now being led and influenced by members with individual agendas.”

“There has also been a combative approach with other organizations and groups that have embarked on similar goals. This is a method I do not support,” Kane said in his statement.

This is what he posted on his Twitter account:

Kane co-founded the HDA in 2020 with Akim Aliu. Its stated goal was to promote diversity and eradicate racism in hockey.

The Oilers’ star forward did not point to specific incidents causing his departure, though it takes place just a week from Aliu and the HDA criticizing the NHL and NHLPA’s new Player Inclusion Coalition, chaired by former NHL players Anson Carter and P.K. Subban.

“Our communications with the league have indicated to us that the NHL has no interest in working as a partner for a good cause, but rather seeks full autonomy over any initiative, even one with the best of intentions,” the HDA’s July 5 statement said.

The statement also called the Inclusion Coalition “laudable on its face, laughable in full context of the work we have been doing for three years without the league’s support.”

The HDA’s board includes chair Aliu, Trevor Daley, Anthony Duclair, Matt Dumba, Nazem Kadri, Wayne Simmonds, Chris Stewart and Joel Ward.

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