Black Ice (2023)

July 14, 2023 (CA) • Documentary • 90m

Overview

This incisive, urgent documentary examines the history of anti-Black racism in hockey, from the segregated leagues of the 19th century to today’s NHL, where Black athletes continue to struggle against bigotry.

Director

Hubert Davis

Writer

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Top Billed

P.K. Subban

Keywords

toronto, canada ice hockey racism ontario, canada sports documentary black canadian hockey nova scotia

Where to watch

Rent

Buy

Top Billed Cast

P.K. Subban

Self

Sarah Nurse

Self

Anthony Duclair

Self

Blake Bolden

Self

Darnell Nurse

Self

Matt Dumba

Self

Willie O'Ree

Self

Akim Aliu

Self

Jashvina Shah

Self

Sarorya Tinker

Self

Harvel Tinker

Self

Mark Connors

Self

Wayne Connors

Self

Wayne Simmonds

Self

Craig Smith

Self

George Fosty

Self

Darril Fosty

Self

Wayne Adams

Self

Debra Thompson

Self

Stanley Carvery

Self

Irvine Carvery

Self

Lynn Jones

Self

Paul Byard

Self

Kirk Brooks

Self

Bob Dawson

Self

Bernice Carnegie

Self

Cecil Harris

Self

Ron MacLean

Self

Janelle Joseph

Self

Simon Darnell

Self

Devante Smith Pelly

Self

Kevin Weekes

Self

Crew

Hubert Davis

Director

LeBron James

Executive Producer

Maverick Carter

Executive Producer

Drake

Executive Producer

Adel 'Future' Nur

Executive Producer

Ajay Virmani

Executive Producer

Pauline Dhillon

Executive Producer

Noah Segal

Executive Producer

Adrian Love

Executive Producer

Shawn Redmond

Executive Producer

Stewart Johnston

Executive Producer

Karen Zylak

Coordinating Producer

Karen Volden

Line Producer

Akim Aliu

Associate Producer

Darril Fosty

Associate Producer

George Fosty

Associate Producer

Will Mansbridge

Associate Producer

Charles Officer

Associate Producer

P.K. Subban

Associate Producer

Chris Romeike

Director of Photography

Eamonn O’Connor

Editor

Aden Bahadori

Additional Editing

Simon Poole

Original Music Composer

Michael Perlmutter

Music Supervisor

Felipe Tellez

Orchestrator

Slowpitchsound

Additional Music

Jivan Nagra

Archival Footage Research

Talia Wooldridge

Archival Footage Research

Jeff Cowan

Assistant Director

Sam Pecorard

Assistant Director

Chris Simon

Assistant Director

Reviews

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

⭐ 8/10

August 4, 2023

All hockey fans should watch director Hubert Davis‘ “Black Ice,” a documentary about the role of black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) players in the sport. The film will definitely make waves by exposing the unpleasant truth that many would prefer was swept under the rug, but it will also give you a deeper appreciation for the sport and the minorities who play the game.

The film takes a look at the history of racism in hockey and the struggles that many players still face when they lace up their skates. It’s shocking that this is still a discussion in present day, a time that most of us would think of as being enlightened and accepting of diversity. Hockey is still a predominately white sport where there’s a culture of keeping quiet (speaking out doesn’t happen much in hockey because there are very real consequences for doing so, and it’s proven to be an ongoing and continuing problem with the game). Even now, a black player on the ice is the odd one out.

Davis interviews players past and present to get their personal stories of racism that they’ve faced over their lifetimes. There are horrifying stories of teammates, coaches, and fans using the “n” word and other ethnic epithets. There’s a story of a father who recalls the other team refusing to shake his black son’s hand. Another had bananas thrown at him on the ice. It’s highly upsetting and inexcusable to learn of the shocking racist incidents many of these players faced, so much so that the film even comes with a “trigger” warning before the opening credits.

Several of the stories echo with a similarity: many are immigrants who moved to Canada and, wanting to fit in with their friends and their new country, decided to take up ice hockey. Each player faced obstacles as a result of their race. It’s also upsetting how many of the racist incidents sound familiar, and all of it will make you sad and mad. The worst line uttered in the entire film comes from NHL defenseman Matt Dumba, who asserts that racism is something that is “deeply ingrained in the game.” This is 2023. Hockey needs to do better.

Davis tries to tackle a bit too much here which makes the film feel overly long and repetitive, but he also includes a comprehensive overview at the BIPOC roots of the game that dates back to 1865 and the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL). The CHL was the first professional league and is a crucial part of hockey history, yet so few even know it ever existed.

“Black Ice” is an educational look at racist patterns in hockey that have existed since the sport’s inception, and it’s a rallying cry for all fans to demand change for the better.

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Black Ice (2023)

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Where to watch

Top Billed Cast

Crew

Reviews

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

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