Bison To Celebrate Hockey Is For Everyone Initiative

By Matthew Noguez 

As March begins, the Bloomington Bison will be celebrating Hockey Is For Everyone. This annual observance has grown into a powerful catalyst of change, transforming rinks across North America into melting pots of inclusivity and diversity. The spirit of this initiative is breaking down barriers and opening doors for individuals from all walks of life to experience the game. 

But what exactly is Hockey Is For Everyone? 

Hockey Is For Everyone is a year-round campaign launched by the National Hockey League (NHL) to promote diversity and inclusion in hockey. The program's roots trace back to 1995 when the NHL Diversity Task Force was created to support non-profit hockey organizations providing opportunities to underrepresented, underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. 

A key figure in the Hockey Is For Everyone movement is Willie O'Ree, often referred to as the "Jackie Robinson of ice hockey". O'Ree broke the NHL's color barrier on January 18, 1958, when he debuted for the Boston Bruins. Since 1997, he has served as the NHL's Diversity Ambassador, traveling across North America promoting inclusion in the sport. 

Hockey Is For Everyone has sparked action and wider conversations within the hockey community. Leading to the formation of various committees, including the Executive Inclusion Council, Player Inclusion Committee, Fan Inclusion Committee, and Youth Hockey Inclusion Committee. Through these multifaceted efforts, Hockey Is For Everyone continues to work towards making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. 

In Bloomington, hockey's inclusive spirit is already evident and growing. The Central Illinois Courage, a special hockey team, provides opportunities for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to participate in the sport. Meanwhile, the CISHA Thunder in nearby Peoria offers sled hockey, and girls' youth hockey continues to expand with the Bloomington Youth Hockey Thunder and McClean County Sharks paving the way. 

Diversity within the Bison locker room. General Manager and Head Coach, Phillip Barski, has assembled one of the most diverse rosters in the ECHL.

However, this wasn’t planned "The face of hockey is definitely changing," Barski noted. "I think that's the great thing about the game. It allows people from other countries and other cultures to integrate into the game in their local country". 

This integration is evident in the Bison's roster, which includes players like forward Kohei Sato, one of two active native Japanese players in the ECHL. Sato has represented Team Japan for over six years, at the Ice Hockey World Championship and the Pre-Olympic Qualification Rounds. 

“There was a level of excitement when I got traded with Eddie Matsushima being Asian and Chongmin Lee being Korean,” Sato stated. “Playing with them has been amazing, I’ve only been here a little more than 10 games, but we have good chemistry going”. 

Lee is only the third Korean-born player in ECHL history. Team captain Matsushima is a Verona, Wisconsin native of Asian descent and has skated in 254 career ECHL games.

Further exemplifying diversity is defensemen Thomas Stewart and Bryce Montgomery. Stewart, a 22-year-old Toronto, Ontario native, of mixed heritage has played in 32 games this season with the 

Bison. Montgomery, also 22 years old, hails from Washington, D.C. and is one of the few Black players in the league. He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes at pick 170 in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-5 blueliner has appeared in three games with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL and 45 games with the Bison this season. He scored the first regular season goal in franchise history on October 20, 2024 and was reassigned to the Wolves last week.

In the crease, the Bison boast a goaltending duo that further embodies the team's diversity. Yaniv Perets, a 24-year-old Jewish netminder from

 Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, has been a standout performer. Recently earning ECHL Goaltender of the Week honors with impressive stats including a 2.37 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. Joining him is Kasimir Kaskisuo, a 31-year-old Finnish goaltender who brings international experience to the team, having played in the NHL, AHL, and various European leagues. 

As the Bison continue to make their mark in the ECHL, their diverse roster serves as a powerful symbol of hockey's evolving identity. The team's success on the ice is matched by its impact off the ice with players from different backgrounds coming together to create a cohesive unit that reflects the broader community. This blend of cultures and talents not only enriches the game but also inspires a new generation of players and fans, demonstrating that hockey truly is a sport for everyone.

Join us in celebrating Hockey Is For Everyone

One of the most beautiful things about being involved with a sport is the feeling of being a part of something special. This includes spectators, players, coaches, front office members, operations staff, arena staff and anyone involved in game.

Sports are an important part of many people’s lives and when you come to Grossinger Motors Arena, you should always feel like you are a part of a community where you can be safe and enjoy yourself. 

For fans interesting in attending Hockey is For Everyone Night, visit bloomingtonbisonhockey.com or call (309) 965-HERD. Single-game seats are available starting as low as $20! Group pricing with benefits and suite options are also available.