I hope the thing that people take from Akim's article today is how much he loves the game. He really does. Probably more than you do. And he wants, so badly, to be part of the solution. He has *so* many great ideas on how to help leagues focus on inclusion and diversification.

Those ideas are born out of deep thought and reflection from the truly awful and heartbreaking experiences he and his family have endured since he was born in Nigeria 1989.

This story is not about him, he knows that. It’s about others. It’s about those who don’t have a voice. He is a selfless person, in part because he was raised that way, but also out of necessity. You can’t be part of a message — a fight — like his and only be in it for yourself.

He doesn’t want to ruin hockey for you and your buddies. He doesn’t want to take away the feelings you have for the game — because he has them, too.

I think Akim wants to bring the game to more groups — and show them that they are loved here — so they can feel the way you and I do about it. And that mission is harder than most could ever imagine.

So I stand with him.

We all should.

#TimeToDream