A milestone on the ice
Five years after April Scott and Rochelle Popyon posted a simple call for players on the Black Hockey Mommies Facebook group, the all‑Black youth tournament team they created has evolved into a 100‑player strong program that travels from coast to coast.
The squad’s impact extends beyond the rink; a rented Airbnb known as the ‘den’ serves as a gathering place where coaches and families share stories, and where 16‑year‑old forward Miles Hess first felt the camaraderie that kept him coming back.
Operating with the precision of an NHL franchise, Scott and Popyon have taken on multiple roles — from logistics to mentorship — while Popyon is now stepping back from day‑to‑day duties, leaving Scott to steer the program and plan a future girls’ team.
The upcoming appearance at the 18U AA division of the Vegas Summer Showdown marks the fifth anniversary and highlights the broader push for diversity in hockey, a sport still searching for ways to amplify Black voices.
Looking ahead
With the Panthers’ fifth anniversary on the horizon, the organization is poised to expand its reach, offering mentorship and visibility to the next generation of Black hockey players across North America.