EP.37 - Dampy Brar – NHL Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award Winner - a podcast by Jason Podollan

Dampy Brar, former pro-hockey player and co-founder of Apna Hockey was recently named the winner of the 2020 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award at the NHL Award's Banquet.  

Dampy also happens to be a member of the “Up My Hockey – Parent Group” I host on Facebook.  

The Parent Group is a private group dedicated to hockey families all over North America and designed to be the ultimate hockey resource for parents to successfully navigate the journey of their aspiring players. 

One of my habits within the group, is to personally welcome new members by greeting them on Messenger. When I messaged Dampy, his name got my attention - I had never met a “Dampy” before – but I was also curious about his profile picture. He was wearing hockey gear and clearly looked like a pro or junior player. 

I almost never asked him, but my curious nature got the best of me, and I asked if he played pro before. We ended up having a short conversation over Messenger and it was eventually unveiled that he won the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award (moral of the story – be curious and interested about the people you meet!). 

I quickly invited Dampy for an interview and he graciously accepted. I am so thankful for our fateful encounter. Hearing the stories directly from hockey ambassadors like Dampy, who are tirelessly dedicating their energy towards our youth athletes and growing the diversity of the game is powerful. 

Black, brown, yellow, white, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh, boy, girl, straight or gay… hockey is a game for everyone. Diversity is a strength, but right now it is a weakness in our sport. We collectively need to make it more accessible and more inclusive to all. 

Dampy’s organization, Apna Hockey, has a mandate to increase participation and social change in hockey within the South Asian community across Canada. Apna hockey ensures South Asian players have access to mentorship and hockey programs in major cities across Canada.  

Dampy is doing his part to diversify hockey, and by listening to this conversation you are doing your part to promote hockey’s evolution. Understanding the struggles, and successes of people from backgrounds different than our own, allows us to connect on a human level. Greater awareness equals greater understanding and empathy.  

It means we can all be a part of the cultural shift to end racism. And if we can make our hockey arenas a safe and inclusive place for all, we are off to an amazing start. 

So without further ado, I bring you my conversation with Dampy Brar, hosted live in the Up My Hockey – Parent Group. 

Enjoy the conversation. 

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