There's no comparison between what those guys had to go through and how things are for me today. I don't think of it as a racial thing. Unlike sports such as baseball and football, hockey faces socio-economic barriers. It's much more expensive to play hockey than, for example, basketball. Skates, sticks, protective equipment, and time on the ice rink all cost money.
Basketball simply requires a ball and a hoop.
Hockey also lacks the alluring presence of Latino superstars, especially in urban areas such as New York. The NHL's diversity program, which has 27 chapters in several states, is designed to help these economically disadvantaged children get a chance to play hockey-a goal G mez wholeheartedly supports. In the meantime, he's inspiring those very kids by filling the nets and fulfilling his dreams. Copyright 2001 by Hispanic Magazine. All Rights Reserved.