This column continues the Only One series in which this reporter shares his experiences as the only African American journalist on the scene. It took four walk-arounds inside the downtown Minneapolis arena before we finally accomplished our simple goal: finding a Black fan. “I am very excited to be here,” admitted Isaac Johnson, a sixth grader from South Dakota. The … [Read more...]
Sports: a space for local and national sports news, with emphasis on stories pertaining to African Americans.
Wild have shot at Stanley Cup
When I walk into Xcel Center and sometimes after finishing a sports update, I get calls, questions, emails and text messages asking why I talk about hockey. Perception is not reality. Many assume that Black people don't like hockey or don't know the game. Wrong. I grew up in Chicago where the Blackhawks were the dominant sports team in a great sports town. They played at the … [Read more...]
Wild hire Bruce Boudreau
Four years in a row the Minnesota Wild have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs, and tickets are very tough to get at Xcel Center — 19,000 occupied seats with standing-room only has been the attendance for virtually all 41 home dates. The Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Gophers would love to have the Wild’s problems, a great home venue and incredible fan support in the state of … [Read more...]
Trials of an Only One in the sport of hockey
This column continues the Only One series in which this reporter shares his experiences as the only African American journalist on the scene. We virtually spent a no-diversity weekend at the NHL Stadium Series game, staged for the first time in Minnesota and at the University of Minnesota football stadium. Following is our account set to 1970s hit songs. 1st act “How … [Read more...]
Pro hockey is apparently not for everyone yet
Just as we were about to do our Black fan search in the Gophers’ football stadium concourse, we ran into Anthony Wilson of St. Paul. He was the first Black fan we saw in two days of being at the stadium, where the first regularly scheduled outdoor pro hockey game in Minnesota was staged last weekend. “I think I’ve seen one or two [Blacks],” recalled Wilson when … [Read more...]