San Jose Sharks forwards Anthony Duclair and Justin Bailey went to Toronto last weekend to participate in the Hockey Diversity Alliance Winterfest.

San Jose Sharks forwards Anthony Duclair and Justin Bailey went to Toronto last weekend to participate in the Hockey Diversity Alliance Winterfest.

Akim Aliu, the founder of the HDA, wrote what this event means. 

"WinterFest will transform Trinity Bellwoods Park into a vibrant hub of hockey, entertainment, and community spirit," said HDA Chairman and former NHL player Akim Aliu. "HDA is honoured to host the first WinterFest, celebrating Canadian heritage and diversity in hockey, during NHL All-Star Weekend while the spotlight is on Toronto. It's great to have all the founders in town and for the community to see their favourite HDA members and players on the ice."

THN spoke to Justin Bailey before the All-Star break, and he talked about his role within the HDA.

"I was involved a little bit during COVID. It's something that obviously has some meaning to me with all that kind of stuff going on," Bailey said. "The last few years, I haven't been as big a part of it as I want to. I think it'd be a good opportunity to get up there, meet some people, and catch up with some familiar faces."

Oakland native and former NFL star Marshawn Lynch joined the festivities in Canada. 

Bailey has played in the NHL for the majority of the season. With a newfound full-time NHL role, he hopes to get more involved with fellow players of color in the NHL. 

"I know my younger self and kids younger than me [that are] coming up to the game. There are a lot of resources that I wish I knew," Bailey said. "The more involved that can be, I think, the better going forward."

Duclair is one of eight founding members, including former Sharks forward Joel Ward. 

When he was first acquired, THN asked Duclair what it meant to play for the first African American GM in the NHL, Mike Grier. Bailey was asked the same thing last week.

"It's kind of crazy, [that] 2022 it's the first time a GM has been black," Bailey said. "It goes to show you, like as much as the game has changed, as much as there's more inclusivity between European guys and black players and players from all over obviously, it's still kind of eye-opening. "Obviously, things are moving in the right direction."

Bailey also talked about what it is like to play with fellow black players.

"Playing with black players, it doesn't happen all the time. In the last few years, I played with a couple, and it definitely makes life a little bit easier," Bailey said. "At the NHL level, there's nothing that's going on that's like that anymore, but at the same time, it is nice to have someone that you share some culture with and share some experience with."

Bailey told THN he plans to go to Arizona after his time in Toronto to visit some family and friends. 

The Sharks and Bailey return to the ice on Valentine's Day.

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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