Hockey is Diversity was founded in 2010 by former professional hockey player and author Dr. Martin Hyun. Having experienced both the unifying power of sport and the realities of racism, exclusion and underrepresentation throughout his career, he recognized that hockey needed more than occasional statements—it needed a lasting commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
What began as one person’s conviction quickly grew into a movement. Players, clubs, volunteers and supporters joined a shared vision: to ensure that everyone—regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or social background—can experience hockey as a place of belonging, respect and opportunity.
Hockey is Diversity was born out of both lived experience and a clear, undeniable necessity. We have seen firsthand how sport can bring people together across cultures and generations. At the same time, we have witnessed the moments when it falls painfully short—when discrimination goes unchallenged, stereotypes persist and talented people feel they do not belong.
Those experiences made one thing clear: the game we love needed a stronger, louder and more enduring voice. Change would not happen on its own. It required leadership, partnership and the courage to stand up for human dignity—both on and off the ice.
Since 2010, Hockey is Diversity has worked alongside athletes, clubs, leagues, schools, communities and international partners to promote respect, equal opportunity and social responsibility. We believe that diversity is not an add-on to hockey—it is essential to its future. Because hockey is at its best when everyone has the opportunity to play, to belong and to thrive.
For more than 15 years, our mission has remained unshakeable: we are deeply committed to creating a sustainable sports environment rooted in diversity, inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities. From grassroots school workshops to elite professional hockey collaborations, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels a true sense of belonging. For us, this isn’t just about corporate language or symbolic gestures; it is about real impact. We don’t just talk about change—we live it every single day, both on the ice and off the ice.
In 2010, former DEL player Dr. Martin Hyun founded Hockey is Diversity with a simple belief: no one should have to question whether they belong in hockey. That belief has grown into a movement reaching clubs, leagues, schools and communities across Germany and beyond.
Expanding our borders. Joining hands with global sports organizations to drive community-level impact.
Taking our mission to the classrooms. Launching anti-racism and inclusion workshops for the next generation.
Nurturing young athletes through initiatives like the DEL Future Camp, International U17 Tournament, and Equipment Support Programs.
Partnering with elite leagues, professional clubs (like PENNY DEL, Eisbären Regensburg), and player associations to institutionalize inclusion.
We show diversity through real stories, real people, and real hockey—not through corporate symbols or generic stock photography.
Actively supporting women in hockey and providing essential gear to underprivileged players through our Equipment Support Programs.
Bringing anti-racism and inclusion workshops directly to schools and youth camps to shape the next generation of athletes.
Driving impactful hospital visits and community outreach projects to support and uplift society far beyond the ice rink.
Every donation, partnership, and share helps us amplify diverse voices, create impactful content, and expand opportunities across the hockey world. Together, we can make the game stronger, more accessible, and open to everyone.
