Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) marks five years of grassroots growth with its Summer Fest in Toronto, drawing 2,200 attendees from diverse backgrounds to meet NHL stars and sports figures. The event underscores the HDA’s mission to widen hockey’s reach beyond the rink, a core goal since its 2020 founding amid national protests. Founders Akim Aliu and Wayne Simmonds celebrate tangible progress—reviving community programs, keeping costs down for thousands of kids, and proving the movement’s sincerity. Yet funding and expansion remain the biggest hurdles, as the HDA eyes Vancouver and Chicago while pushing for a potential, eventually aligned partnership with the NHL. The narrative centers on access, inclusion, and a future where hockey is reachable for all socio-economic brackets, not just the traditional pipeline.

Five years ago, the HDA emerged from a group chat into a formal coalition with a bold eight-point pledge and a separate, independent path from the NHL. The organization’s early months faced skepticism and blowback, but its grassroots focus has yielded measurable gains: roughly 1,500 youths are in programs offering 22–26 weeks of free hockey, with 40% girls and 30% white participants and an 80% retention rate. Since 2022, clinics in the Greater Toronto Area have expanded to Montreal and Halifax, with Vancouver on the horizon and talks of Chicago. The aim remains simple: grow the game, make it affordable, and build a more inclusive hockey culture that broadens the talent pool for the next generation.

The Stanley Cup Final saw a chaotic Game 3 with the Edmonton Oilers suffering a 6-1 defeat to the Florida Panthers, a match that escalated into one of the most penalty-ridden finals games in history. A total of 140 penalty minutes were issued, with Edmonton taking 85 of those, including 21 penalties throughout the game.

The third period was particularly tumultuous, highlighting the tension as Oilers forward Trent Frederic's cross-check on Sam Bennett ignited a line brawl. Frederic downplayed the incident, acknowledging the bias players feel about officiating. His teammate Evander Kane echoed this sentiment, criticizing perceived inconsistencies in officiating standards between the teams. The Oilers now face a 2-1 series deficit with Game 4 looming.

The Edmonton Oilers have made significant strides since their defeat to the Florida Panthers in last year's Stanley Cup Final, presenting a more robust and physical team in the ongoing 2025 title series. Coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized their improvements in size and strength, which were evident in their Game 1 overtime victory. Players like Leon Draisaitl and Evander Kane, despite injuries, showcased their team's physicality with aggressive plays against the Panthers' defense, particularly targeting Aaron Ekblad.

Knoblauch noted the importance of not just finishing checks but dominating puck battles, a sentiment echoed by players like Darnell Nurse and Kane. Their strategy looks to combat Florida's notorious gamesmanship, particularly from players like Matthew Tkachuk, proving that the Oilers are indeed a different challenge this year. Edmonton's improved roster depth, equipped with new acquisitions, positions them strongly as they aim to overcome their past struggles against the Panthers.

The Edmonton Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, defeating the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The Oilers established an early lead with three goals in the first period, capitalizing on Dallas’ defensive lapses. Despite a spirited comeback attempt from the Stars, featuring goals from Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson, the Oilers maintained their momentum and countered effectively with strikes from Connor McDavid and Evander Kane.

This matchup sets the stage for a rematch against the Florida Panthers, who previously bested the Oilers in last year's Cup Final. Edmonton appears stronger this year, demonstrating improved defensive capabilities and heightened playoff confidence. As they prepare for the Panthers, the Oilers must strategize around Zach Hyman's absence, a key player known for his physical play and impactful contributions during the playoffs.