Manitoba Chiefs calling out ESPN following alleged racist comment against Zach Whitecloud

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is calling out the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) after comments made by broadcaster John Anderson.

According to the AMC, Anderson made racist comments regarding Vegas Golden Knights defender Zach Whitecloud’s last name.

“I am truly disheartened that such an incredible role model for Indigenous youth has had to endure such inappropriate commentary as he did last night,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick in a statement.

“Zach is the first hockey player from his First Nation to make it to the NHL, and so many youths look up to him and have hopes and dreams of also being in the NHL one day. So many First Nations youth play hockey across Canada; it is a sport that brings us together. Yet we continue to see discrimination and racism in the NHL community at all levels.”

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick adding, “We hope that ESPN and the NHL officials use these disappointingly racist incidents as opportunities to address racism and prejudice that continue to exist in hockey today.

“NHL players, officials, and sports broadcasters should lead the industry standard for modeling honourable sportsmanship. Zach’s acceptance of John Anderson’s apology demonstrates incredible strength and sportsmanship, an example that the NHL should take note of. We hope that ESPN and the NHL will address this issue with appropriate reparations.”