SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 29: Evander Kane #9 of the San Jose Sharks in action against the Pittsburgh Penguins at SAP Center on February 29, 2020 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
As the enforcer and one of the Sharks’ leaders, Evander Kane is truly a lovable player. But his advocacy for racial justice and unwillingness to conform to the status quo make him a league-wide standout.
His work with fellow NHL alums Akim Aliu, Trevor Daley, Matt Dumba, Wayne Simmonds, Chris Stewart, and Joel Ward has led to the development of the Hockey Diversity Alliance.