On Saturday afternoon, Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba became the first NHL player to kneel during the American national anthem.

Before the anthem, Dumba gave a powerful speech on systemic racism prior to the start of the Chicago Blackhawks-Edmonton Oilers game.

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Dumba walked out while wearing a black Hockey Diversity Alliance hoodie. His voice cracked with emotion while he made comments at center ice. As he spoke, Dumba was surrounded by Blackhawks and Oilers players while digital screens read slogans like END RACISM and #WESKATEFORBLACKLIVES in the empty arena.

“I’d like to say thank you to all of the fans watching at home and all of the people that have made a positive difference in our world right now. We appreciate you,” Dumba began. “I know none of us need to be reminded how our day-to-day lives have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, so I hope this Stanley Cup playoffs can bring a little normality and peace of mind during all these times of uncertainty.

“I’ll transition topics to a topic that is very important to me and my fellow members of the Hockey Diversity Alliance and the NHL. During this pandemic, something unexpected but long overdue occurred. The world woke up to the existence of systemic racism and how deeply rooted it is within our society.

“For those unaffected by systemic racism, or unaware, I’m sure that some of you believe that this topic has garnered too much attention during the last couple months. But let me assure you, it has not.

“Racism is a man-made creation and all it does is deteriorate from our collective prosperity. Racism is everywhere. Racism is everywhere – and we need to fight against it.

“On behalf of the NHL and the Hockey Diversity Alliance, we vow and promise to stand up for injustice and fight for what is right. I know first-hand, as a minority playing the great game of hockey, the unexplainable and difficult challenges that come with it.

“The Hockey Diversity Alliance and NHL want kids to feel safe, comfortable, and free-minded every time they enter an arena. I stand in front of you today, on behalf of those groups, and promise you that we will fight against injustice and fight for what is right.

“I hope that this inspires a new generation of hockey players and hockey fans. Black Lives Matter. Breonna Taylor’s life matters. Hockey is a great game, but it could be a whole lot greater, and it starts with all of us.”

When Dumba concluded his speech, players tapped their sticks against the ice to show support.

Dumba then went to one knee as the national anthem was played. Blackhawks goalie Malcolm Subban and Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse put their hands on Dumba’s shoulders in solidarity. No players joined Dumba.

Matt Dumba shouldn’t have to stand up alone at center ice and say what he just said. He shouldn’t have to. HE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO.

— Jashvina Shah (Mrs. Spencer Reid) (@icehockeystick) August 1, 2020

I know my BIPoC friends in hockey feel this. Being given a platform but still being left alone, or letting your voice echo with no one there to amplify or to stand by your side (in this case, kneel).

He has to do the work b/c the NHL won’t. That’s not fair.

— Jashvina Shah (Mrs. Spencer Reid) (@icehockeystick) August 1, 2020

Kneeling during the anthem was begun four years ago by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Initially, Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem, but he was persuaded instead to kneel instead by Army veteran and former NFLer Nate Boyer.

There have very few demonstrations like this in pro hockey. Three years ago, JT Brown, then of the Lightning, now with the Wild, raised a fist during the anthem to call attention to racism. As an organization, the NHL appears to still be grappling with how to address the issue.

Screenshot courtesy of Sportsnet