Soul On Ice

Soul on Ice, released in 2015, is an enlightening and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the intricate and compelling history of Black athletes' struggle and triumph in the world of professional ice hockey. The film spans from the Coloured Hockey League's creation in 1895 through to today’s National Hockey League (NHL), offering an in-depth look at how the sport, often seen as monochromatic, became a more diverse and vibrant entity over the years.

Smoothly directed by Damon Kwame Mason, the documentary follows the course of the sport through history and presents a racially inclusive counter narrative. While the focus is on illuminating the lesser-known contributions of Black athletes, the primary intent is not to divide but to unite hockey fans under a single banner of appreciation for the shared love of the game.

The film opens with an eye-opening historical revelation about the Coloured Hockey League, an all-Black ice hockey league that was created decades before the NHL. The existence of this league is not widely known, and Mason takes the viewer on an intriguing journey of discovery, revealing that slap shots and goalie butterfly style were both innovations originating here.

The leading characters who breathe life into this narrative include former NHL players Sean Brown and Anson Carter and ice hockey commentator Don Cherry. Sean Brown shares his life’s journey and his experiences playing in the NHL. With an engaging style and introspective approach, he speaks of the racial taunts he faced, balancing the harsh reality of racism with the joy and pride of playing a sport he loved.

Anson Carter offers anecdotal insights into his successful career and the racial prejudices he had to contend with. His story reflects on the determination, passion, and resilience that allowed him to make a mark in a predominantly white sport.

Don Cherry, the controversial and vibrant Canadian ice hockey commentator and former player and NHL coach, adds a seasoned perspective to the tale. His candid comments offer surprising insights into the struggles and barriers Black athletes had to overcome in a sport long considered to be the exclusive domain of white players.

Soul on Ice also profiles younger players like Jaden Lindo, preparing for the NHL draft, who represent a new generation taking the baton and moving forward. The experiences of these young, aspirational athletes are juxtaposed against the historical context, showing how far the sport has come and how far it still has to go.

In commenting on the racism that these players faced in their careers, while maintaining an overall optimistic tone, the film doesn’t shy away from addressing the darker sides of ice hockey’s history. Continuously, it brings forward the prejudices that Black players had to battle, coupled with their determination and fortitude to break the ice, quite literally.

Yet, there is also a strong sense of community emphasized in the story, revealing how these athletes consistently spoke up and stood together in solidarity against racial bias, contributing to wider societal change. Their shared experiences as Black athletes in a white-dominated sport are universal in some ways, but each also carries an individual personal narrative.

Interwoven through these narratives is the underlying thread of the tremendous contribution Black athletes have made to the sport. The film skillfully communicates the importance and need for diversity and inclusivity in professional sports, making a profound statement about breaking racial barriers in society at large.

In conclusion, Soul on Ice is more than just a documentary about ice hockey. It is an inspiring tale of perseverance, a tribute to the tenacity and spirit of Black athletes who defied the odds to leave their mark in a sport where they were the minority. It is an engrossing and emotionally rich exploration of race, sports, and the struggle for equality that will captivate sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The film offers a much-needed perspective and undoubtedly makes an important contribution to the historical narrative of ice hockey.