Open Extended ReactionsFIVE YEARS AGO, the Hockey Diversity Alliance was a group chat among several NHL players of color, discussing civil rights issues and the obstacles that have prevented equality within the sport they love. "But I think we've really been able to sink our teeth into the grassroots level, and that's kind of where we really wanted to start." Those six current and former NHL players announced their intentions in an introductory letter. Thanks to their grassroots hockey programs, around 1,500 kids are able to play hockey "completely free of cost," according to Akim Aliu. "We just wanted to help kids that couldn't afford to play hockey," Aliu said.