This research examines the ability of the NHL to foster meaningful culture change, particularly through the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It delves deep into hockey’s ethos, evaluating how the NHL is integrating these critical values amidst evolving societal expectations. This exploration delves into the multifaceted role of sports as both a reflection of societal dilemmas and a catalyst for profound transformation.

Emerging from 23 interviews, this study identifies significant societal events—the presidency of Barack Obama, the polarizing elections of 2016 and 2019, the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the renewed focus on racial injustice following George Floyd’s death—as key drivers reshaping DEI strategies in major sports leagues. These events challenged the sports domain to confront its exclusionary legacies, navigate socio-political shifts and commit to a future that is genuinely inclusive and equitable.

This research underscores an urgent need for transformative actions within hockey. Actions that not only challenge but disrupt the status quo. My exploration reveals that the NHL’s success in embedding DEI and transforming its culture hinges on a comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple factors at various systemic levels. It highlights the imperative for a coordinated, evolving approach to ensure DEI becomes a permanent facet of the league’s identity and operational ethos.