Donald Brashear

Challenges On and Off The Ice

By Cynthia Nevels

Racing across the ice with a hockey stick, slamming the puck in hopes of scoring a goal in your opponent’s net and blocking your net at all costs against the other team, that’s the stuff of ice hockey. Known as Canada’s Number #1 winter sport and a popular pastime in the United States (New England area), ice hockey is often viewed as a white sport.

That image underwent a change in 1958 when Black Canadian, Willie O’Ree, entered the National Hockey League as a player with the Boston Bruins. Since then, athletes, predominately Black Canadians, such as Grant Fuhr, Mike Marson, Bill Riley, Tony McKegney, Jerome Iginla, Georges Laraque, Kevin Weekes, and Donald Brashear have taken up where O’Ree left off: continuing a strong diverse presence in a dynamic and exciting game enjoyed internationally. Donald Brashear, (Left Wing) of The Washington Capitals took time out to discuss his beginnings, his role in the game, involvement in promoting diversity in the league and life in general outside the arena of sticks and pucks.

Born in Indiana to an American father and a Canadian mother, sent to Canada at an early age and being raised by a French couple in Quebec City, Brashear faced many challenges. Not only did Brashear have to adjust to a different country, a new family and another language, he also tackled Canada’s favorite pastime, ice hockey. Brashear (6 feet 3 inches and 240 lbs.) is celebrating 14 years in the National Hockey League. He entered the league in 1992, beginning with the Montreal Canadians, moved on to the Vancouver Canucks, was traded to a U.S. team, the Philadelphia Flyers and in 2006, was signed to play for The Washington Capitals.

BSTM: As a child, when did you have thoughts of becoming a professional sports athlete?

Brashear: I began ice skating at a late age, eight, when most Canadian kids learn as early as age three. I was very determined learning how to keep my balance and skate, even then, I entertained being a professional. The idea became stronger by the time I was fifteen, due to the fact that I gained more skills on the ice, my physique was large and I had the roughness and physical play that was necessary to succeed in the game. All of those attributes were noticed.

BSTM: Were there any doubts in your mind that your color might hold you back?

Brashear: Raised in Quebec City, Canada, where I was the only person of color, there were some concerns. For example: If a white person possessed the same skills, would I be overlooked due to my color? I was concerned that racism could enter the picture. As you see, my skills spoke for itself, in ice hockey, it’s about getting the job done.

BSTM: What was your training routine in preparation for the minor and professional leagues?

Brashear: In school, one studied for half of the day and the rest of the day was devoted to practicing in the rink. I attended college, but spent the majority of the time, perfecting my skills in hockey, that’s where I wanted to be. At age 17, I was drafted.

BSTM: While growing up, who were your ice hockey heroes?

Brashear: Cam Neely and Rick Tocchet. Cam Neely was a big man, he didn’t look like the most agile guy, but he was very effective in scoring goals. Rick Tocchet was an all around player. He got into scrapes, but scored a lot of goals.

BSTM: Do you have dual citizenship?

Brashear: I am an American and Canadian, and I appreciate both sides.

BSTM: Are there a significant number of black fans in the stands?

Brashear: There are more black fans in the stands in the United States, more so than in Canada. Overall, the numbers are not large.

BSTM: Are you instantly recognizable as a sports athlete?

Brashear: In Canada, yes, it’s a given. In D.C. no, but in New York, I’m often approached and people say they saw me on television, but can’t quite figure out what I do, so I give them a hint. I appreciate fans giving me their support.

BSTM: In your travels, what group of fans appears to be the most enthusiastic?

Brashear: Philly has a great crowd. They are really into the game. Fans get you pumped up, supply that extra adrenaline.

BSTM: What was your biggest moment in the NHL? Was it being drafted?

Brashear: Being drafted was great, but once you make it in, you still have to prove yourself worthy of being on the team. You always have to prove that you belong there. The greatest period in my life in hockey was when I scored my first goal.

BSTM: What’s life like as an ice hockey player?

Brashear: You experience many kinds of sensations. I love what I do, not many people can say that about their professions. There are highs and lows in the game. When you are winning, fans make you feel like a king, like you are on top of the world. When one is not doing so well, you catch crap from your teammates and the coach. Those low periods can become frustrating, but you keep going in life, find a way, you fight through adversity. In sports, just as in life, you are given lessons, and you realize that respecting the teammates and being held accountable are characteristics that you must have to succeed. People depend on you.

BSTM: The Enforcer… You are known within the NHL as one of the top enforcers. Is there pride in that role?

Brashear: It is a role that you play to change the action of the game, as well as, to protect your teammates. Pride as an enforcer enters only within the hockey environment.

BSTM: How did you utilize your time during the Ice-Hockey Lock-out?

Brashear: The lockout gave me time to get engaged in other endeavors. Someone suggested that I take up boxing and offered me free lessons. I later went to “Smokin” Joe Frazier’s gym and learned the art and technique of boxing from Marvis Frazier. As a result, I entered the amateur league winning 2 matches and losing one. You learn just as much from your losses, as well as, the victories.

BSTM: Are there any skills in boxing that you could apply to ice hockey?

Brashear: Boxing is about feet and hand coordination, whereas hockey is about balance and upper body movement.

BSTM: What other activities did you involve yourself in?

Brashear: I went into the construction business with some friends. We built some homes in Quebec City. Engaging in that business is one way of making extra money, helping friends and myself become entrepreneurs. Creating jobs, owning your own business, there’s nothing like doing your own thing.

BSTM: Down time, when hockey season is over, where do you find yourself?

Brashear: Going back home, being a responsible father, I try to spend quality time with my children. I also listen to music and unwind by playing piano. Music relaxes me.

BSTM: Tell us about your involvement in the NHL’s Diversity Council?

Brashear: The Diversity Council, founded in 1995, provides support and programming to youth hockey organizations across America – specifically aimed toward disadvantaged youth, giving them an opportunity to play. I try to be out there, become very visible to kids of color who might desire to give ice hockey a try. You meet the kids, get involved in foundations and camps that mentor them. Some of them will be inspired, others won’t . First and foremost, exposure is the key. Not being exposed and the expensive equipment can be roadblocks. The NHL Diversity Council is aware of those obstacles and tries to assist in overcoming those hurdles. In the States, I’ve seen people segregating themselves, the actions, the looks, you pick up on that. Children, regardless of their background or race, should engage in sports together. Overall, we encourage kids to give the game a try, play and enjoy. n