Why Hockey N.B. is hiring a Black drag performer to lead workshops on respect

When Hockey New Brunswick started tracking all complaints of discrimination last year, organizers expected to get just a few. 

Instead, 29 allegations were investigated, resulting in 15 players being suspended for a minimum of five games, and up to as many as 20. 

Executive director Nic Jansen said this was a sign the organization — the governing body of all ice hockey in the province — needed to take another approach.

"So we decided to be more proactive," he said. "And Normand was recommended to us as someone who could lead workshops on equity, diversity and inclusion."

Normand Hector, who identifies as Black and gay, has agreed to meet with players, parents and coaches in Moncton and the Saint John area, starting next month. When he delivers his Hockey New Brunswick workshops, he is not in drag.

Local hockey groups had already engaged him to give presentations over the past few years. 

Some concerns he heard made him believe that change is going to take a lot of time and work.

"I've heard about bad behaviour toward parents," Hector said. "I'm hearing about disrespect towards coaches. I'm hearing that racial slurs are still being uttered.

"I'm also hearing that young girls want the same opportunities, the same equal chance, to play a game that they love."

Hector said he tries to promote empathy by encouraging players to treat each other as they would wish to be treated. 

He asks them to imagine being attacked verbally about something they couldn't change, such as the colour of their skin. 

"I ask them how they would feel if somebody deliberately wanted to make sure they crushed you on the ice with that. How would you feel?"

When they answer that they wouldn't like it at all, he asks why they would tolerate that