I apologize for any confusion. Here is the revised response:
Sarah Nurse and Saroya Tinker, two trailblazing Black women in Canadian hockey, recently opened up about their experiences in the sport and the importance of mentoring young girls who share their dreams. In a candid conversation with CBC Sports, Nurse and Tinker discussed the challenges and rewards of being Black women in hockey, as well as their efforts to support and inspire the next generation.
Both Nurse, 29, and Tinker, 25, have achieved significant success in their respective hockey careers. Nurse, a forward from Hamilton, Ontario, played a pivotal role in helping Canada win Olympic gold in 2022 and currently plays in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for the Toronto team. Tinker, a former defender from Oshawa, Ontario, transitioned from the ice to a role in the league office as the PWHL’s Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives & Community Engagement. She retired from playing after the Toronto Six won the Isobel Cup in the Premier Hockey Federation’s final season.
But beyond their individual accomplishments, Nurse and Tinker are making a significant impact on the lives of Black girls who aspire to play hockey. They are actively involved in various initiatives aimed at helping these young girls realize their dreams. Tinker, for instance, launched the Canadian chapter of the Black Girl Hockey Club (BGHC) in November 2022. This non-profit organization is dedicated to inspiring and sustaining passion for the game within the Black community. Tinker also started a mentorship program called Saroya Strong for BIPOC female players in 2020.
Reflecting on the impact they have on young Black girls, Nurse expressed her excitement and gratitude for being able to serve as a role model. The sight of seeing girls who look like her in the stands fills her with an indescribable joy and sense of being seen and recognized. Tinker also shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of representation and creating a community where Black women in hockey feel welcomed and supported.
During their conversation, Nurse and Tinker shared personal anecdotes about the challenges they faced as Black women in the hockey world. They discussed instances where their hair became a topic of conversation, with their peers making comments that emphasized their differences. Although these experiences were disheartening, Nurse and Tinker have chosen to use their platform to inspire and empower others, paving the way for the next generation of Black girls in hockey.
Nurse acknowledged the pressure they face as women of color to be perfect, expressing how mistakes or missteps can feel magnified due to the added scrutiny. Despite this pressure, she remains determined to set an example for the young Black girls who aspire to play hockey. Tinker also discussed the significance of their presence as Black women in the sport, emphasizing that they, along with a handful of other Black players, represent the trailblazers of their generation and are paving the way for more representation.
In addition to their individual efforts, Nurse and Tinker announced a new collaboration aimed at exposing even more Black girls to hockey and the opportunities it provides. They launched Nursey Night, an initiative in which Nurse will host young Black girls at PWHL Toronto games each month, allowing her to connect with and inspire the next generation of hockey hopefuls. CBC Sports will provide coverage of these events, ensuring that the stories of these young girls and their experiences are shared.
Through their passion, advocacy, and dedication to mentorship, Sarah Nurse and Saroya Tinker are making a lasting impact on the world of hockey. Their commitment to leveling the playing field and empowering Black girls is creating a more inclusive and diverse future for the sport they love.
