Nova Scotia legislature hosts young hockey player in show of support after slur

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A smiling Connors, who plays for the Halifax Hawks, gave Ince his hockey card and Ince gave Connors a copy of “Black Ice,” a book that chronicles an African Canadian hockey league that was formed in Halifax in 1895.

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“The beginning of that league, it was important for him (Mark) to get a sense of that history,” said Ince. “We are not new to the game — African Nova Scotians and African Canadians have been involved in the game for a long time.”

Connors said he enjoyed his visit, saying it felt “really good” to get the support.

He said the incident wasn’t the first time he’d encountered racism on the ice.

“I just ignore it and try not to think about it again,” said Connors. 

His father, Wayne Connors, said Mark was a bit overwhelmed by the attention.

He said Mark received a phone call from Chicago Blackhawks forward Anthony Duclair, who is also black.

“He (Duclair) said you belong and don’t give up . . . Whether you pursue hockey or not, the world is there for you, and that resonated with me,” he said.

The Canadian Press