For something my family originally knew nothing about, the sport of hockey has given me everything. I step on the ice everyday thankful I was given the chance to play hockey. It has provided me with my best friends -- some of whom I would call family --, opportunity, education, life lessons and so much more.
But how can something that feels so close to me also make me feel so different?
At age 10, I was called a N***** for the first time by an opposing player.
At age 17, I stayed back on the bus after a hockey game while everyone else got off to grab something to eat because the area we stopped in was known to be racially confrontational.
At age 19, while walking back to the locker room at intermission of a junior hockey game, concession snacks were thrown at me while being called a N*****.
It was easier at the time to simply say, "I'm not hungry" when guys asked why I wasn't getting off the bus rather than explaining why I chose to stay. Talking about race can make people uncomfortable, regardless of whether you're a kid or an adult.
When writing this, I spent the most amount of time trying to describe what it is like to be called a racial slur. To someone who is privileged enough to have never experienced this, my words cannot accurately portray those feelings. It's numbing.. I question if I made the mistake and misheard them. When reality sets in -- that I heard what I heard --a deep pain and sadness comes over you. It's a feeling that lingers no matter what unfolds the rest of the day. It occupies your mind, even though I (along with many others) continue to put on a brave face.
I know there are people out there that do this. Those who seem to have hate in their hearts. I have learned to be cautious of everyone. But no amount of lessons learned growing up prepare you for when it happens firsthand.
Of all the pictures that have been taken of me on the ice, one in particular has become my favorite.
It's the picture of K'Andre Miller and myself playing against one another.
(K'Andre Miller was recently the victim of a racist hacker during a Zoom interview with the New York Rangers.)
To you all, it may look like two players on opposing teams battling for the puck. To me, I see a great person and hockey player in K'Andre. But I also see two black men in a predominantly white sport, who overcame adversity from not only a performance based standpoint, but racial adversity as well. Two men who play at some of the highest levels of hockey but still continue to fight for equality.
Although I have spoken about my experiences within the game, that doesn't exclude what happens when I leave the rink and what others uninvolved with the game experience in their everyday lives. My intention when writing this is to educate those who are privileged by providing a few of my thoughts and experiences. I am a friend and a student along with many of you. I am a teammate to some. But I should be seen as an equal to all.
I urge everyone reading this now to take the time and educate yourselves on what is going on, and the true meaning behind why you are seeing these protests on the news. Ask questions. Make an effort to have those uncomfortable conversations. Do more than a post on social media. This is a people's issue. Not a black issue. It is going to take the majority.
I am always available if you have questions or would simply like to talk.
Love you all,
Dominic Garcia
Alternate Captain, Sun Devil Hockey
But how can something that feels so close to me also make me feel so different?
At age 10, I was called a N***** for the first time by an opposing player.
At age 17, I stayed back on the bus after a hockey game while everyone else got off to grab something to eat because the area we stopped in was known to be racially confrontational.
At age 19, while walking back to the locker room at intermission of a junior hockey game, concession snacks were thrown at me while being called a N*****.
It was easier at the time to simply say, "I'm not hungry" when guys asked why I wasn't getting off the bus rather than explaining why I chose to stay. Talking about race can make people uncomfortable, regardless of whether you're a kid or an adult.
When writing this, I spent the most amount of time trying to describe what it is like to be called a racial slur. To someone who is privileged enough to have never experienced this, my words cannot accurately portray those feelings. It's numbing.. I question if I made the mistake and misheard them. When reality sets in -- that I heard what I heard --a deep pain and sadness comes over you. It's a feeling that lingers no matter what unfolds the rest of the day. It occupies your mind, even though I (along with many others) continue to put on a brave face.
I know there are people out there that do this. Those who seem to have hate in their hearts. I have learned to be cautious of everyone. But no amount of lessons learned growing up prepare you for when it happens firsthand.
Of all the pictures that have been taken of me on the ice, one in particular has become my favorite.
It's the picture of K'Andre Miller and myself playing against one another.
(K'Andre Miller was recently the victim of a racist hacker during a Zoom interview with the New York Rangers.)
To you all, it may look like two players on opposing teams battling for the puck. To me, I see a great person and hockey player in K'Andre. But I also see two black men in a predominantly white sport, who overcame adversity from not only a performance based standpoint, but racial adversity as well. Two men who play at some of the highest levels of hockey but still continue to fight for equality.
Although I have spoken about my experiences within the game, that doesn't exclude what happens when I leave the rink and what others uninvolved with the game experience in their everyday lives. My intention when writing this is to educate those who are privileged by providing a few of my thoughts and experiences. I am a friend and a student along with many of you. I am a teammate to some. But I should be seen as an equal to all.
I urge everyone reading this now to take the time and educate yourselves on what is going on, and the true meaning behind why you are seeing these protests on the news. Ask questions. Make an effort to have those uncomfortable conversations. Do more than a post on social media. This is a people's issue. Not a black issue. It is going to take the majority.
I am always available if you have questions or would simply like to talk.
Love you all,
Dominic Garcia
Alternate Captain, Sun Devil Hockey