This is one of those hidden stories about Canada’s Forgotten Hockey Founders, a history deliberately buried for far too long. We often think of history as a set collection of facts, but the truth is, the loudest voices often get to write the books, leaving out crucial parts of the story. The contributions of Black Canadians, who were vital in building the nation and even inventing parts of modern hockey, were often silenced or completely erased. It’s a part of Canadian life that needs to be brought into the light.
The Hidden Soldiers
Many forget that Canada was built partly by those loyal to Britain during the American Revolution. Among the most steadfast defenders of this new northern land were Black men—soldiers and freedmen who fought bravely. From the late 1700s through the War of 1812, Black Canadian regiments stood on the front lines, defending Canada from invasion time and again. They even helped protect Vancouver Island from annexation threats in the 1850s. Yet, their names and their courage rarely appear in mainstream history books.
Their contributions weren’t just military. Black Canadians shaped cities, built communities, and were essential to the nation’s early life. But prejudice led to their stories being ignored, dismissed, or twisted.
The Birthplace of Modern Hockey
One of the most shocking parts of this erased history involves Canada’s national sport. Long before the NHL existed, Black athletes were not just playing hockey—they were innovating it. The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes was formed in Nova Scotia way back in 1895, nearly two decades before the NHL’s precursor.
These weren’t just casual games. This league, formed by the sons and grandsons of escaped American slaves, was a hotbed of talent and creativity. It was these Forgotten Hockey Founders who pioneered moves that define modern hockey. They developed the slapshot. They were the first goalies to drop to their knees to block shots (the butterfly style). They created offensive plays still used today.
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By 1900, the Colored Hockey League was incredibly popular, rivaling white leagues in skill and drawing huge crowds. Their games weren’t just skilled; they had a wild energy, often featuring community celebrations at halftime. But their success became their downfall.
As Black teams gained popularity, the racist power structures of the time moved to crush them. Rinks suddenly denied them ice time. Sponsorships vanished. Rules were changed to hinder their style of play. Slowly, this groundbreaking league was choked out of existence. The final blow came in the 1960s when Africville, the historic Black community in Halifax that was the heart of the league, was bulldozed under the guise of “urban renewal.” The birthplace of modern hockey was literally buried.
Rewriting the Narrative
The erasure continued. Hockey became known as “a white man’s game.” The Stanley Cup was reserved for elite white teams. The sport’s Black and Indigenous roots were actively ignored to fit a national myth. Even today, monuments and museums barely mention these pioneers.
Canada’s story is incomplete without acknowledging these Forgotten Hockey Founders and the countless other Black Canadians who shaped the nation. Their history isn’t a footnote; it is Canadian history—a history of brilliance, resilience, and grace in the face of constant attempts at erasure. It’s time to dig up the buried truth and give these pioneers the recognition they earned long ago.
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