Georges Laraque, a former forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, returned to Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, to participate as a guest coach at the Willie O’Ree Academy. The academy is designed to help local youth hockey players aged 10-17 enhance their skills and develop a supportive community. Laraque expressed his delight at seeing the diverse group of young players participating in the program.
“I’m looking at this now, I can’t believe how many young Black kids, diverse kids, girls are here playing hockey,” said Laraque during his visit to the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. “This shows you how much hockey has evolved.”
The Willie O’Ree Academy was established by the Penguins five years ago and is presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. It offers eight training sessions from June to August without charge and includes educational activities such as sports nutrition workshops and career talks.
Joining Laraque were Penguins defenseman P.O Joseph and retired forward Colby Armstrong. Joseph commented on the progress being made towards inclusivity in hockey: “It’s gratifying to see that hockey is going in the right direction and taking steps towards having a more different culture in hockey.”
Jaden Lindo, who manages the program and was drafted by the Penguins in 2014, emphasized the significance of role models for young players: “Having people that look like them who play at the highest level on the ice with the kids … They always say, ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’”
Laraque highlighted efforts by the NHL to make hockey more accessible through initiatives like this academy. He is also involved with these efforts as part of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition.
“We’re seeing young kids, talented kids that are going on the ice with us,” said Laraque about witnessing increased minority participation in hockey.
Martina Lucas, a 15-year-old player from Franklin, Pennsylvania shared her experience: “When you’re coached by people who look like you, it just gives you more confidence.”
The academy aims not only to improve athletic skills but also to foster personal growth among its participants.
