Anson Carter, P.K. Subban co-chair NHL Player Inclusion Coalition - ESPN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The NHL and its players association on Tuesday announced the launch of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition, a group of current and former NHL players and professional women's players that will work to advance equality and inclusion in hockey.

As part of the launch, the NHLPA and NHL have earmarked more than $1 million to support the coalition's programs through contributions to grassroots organizations and other projects.

The NHL Player Inclusion Coalition is co-chaired by former players Anson Carter and P.K. Subban. It has 20 members with a range of perspectives across players of color, LGBTQIA+ and allies.

«The more diverse the group is, the more ideas that are going to come out of it,» said Coalition member Ryan Reaves, who played for the Minnesota Wild last season. «I think that's the most important thing is you have so many people from different backgrounds who played the sport, who haven't played the sport, who come from different cities, different cultures.»

Coalition members have led and contributed to initiatives that have included conducting inclusion experiences and educational sessions for NHL on-ice officials, rookies and minor professional hockey; bringing voice to diversity and inclusion issues impacting hockey on personal platforms and networks; and leading and supporting hockey events to connect with and inspire underrepresented youth.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, another member of the Coalition, said the focus isn't just on the NHL but on the entirety of the game across all levels.

«Ryan was very vocal within our Coalition that we need to get out in the community and make sure that we are putting our money where our mouth is, figuratively and literally,» he said.

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