First all-Black forward starting line showcases Lightning, NHL s focus on diversity
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. - The first faceoff Monday night between the Lightning and Panthers was also the first of its kind. An historic starting lineup, said Lightning play-by-play announcer Dave Randorf. There s another look at Daniel Wolcott playing with Mathieu Joseph and Gemel Smith.
It was the first time a full line of forward players who are Black started an NHL game. Maybe it is a story today, but as the league gets more diverse, you hope it is not going to be a story anymore and it is just going to be the norm, said head coach Jon Cooper.