After years of advocating for diversity in hockey, Akim Aliu has been given a chance to return to professional hockey with the San Jose Sharks' minor league affiliate. The Sharks' general manager announced that Aliu has been offered a tryout contract with the San Jose Barracuda, the team's American Hockey League affiliate, for the remainder of the season.
Aliu, a 34-year-old defenseman, confirmed the tryout via text message, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. He last played professionally in the Czech Republic's top league in 2019-20, registering one goal and two assists in three games.
Aliu, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Ukraine before settling in Toronto, has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in hockey. He gained prominence in 2019 after revealing incidents of racism and bullying he experienced during his career, leading to significant changes in the NHL's policies regarding personal conduct and racism.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, including being labeled a troublemaker by NHL teams, Aliu continued to pursue his passion for hockey. He spent most of his career in the minor leagues, with limited NHL experience during his 13 seasons in professional hockey.
In addition to his playing career, Aliu co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance, aiming to promote inclusivity and accessibility in hockey for minorities and underprivileged youth. His inspiring story was recently featured in a graphic novel titled 'Akim Aliu Dreamer: Growing Up Black in the World of Hockey.'
Aliu's journey serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact in the hockey community. His return to the ice with the San Jose Barracuda marks a significant milestone in his career and a step forward in promoting diversity and equality in the sport.
