“It’s not fun anymore”: Racism and the reality of the hockey fandom
Myles Rogusky’s battle with racism and discrimination in the online hockey fandom.
Myles Rogusky in a Team Canada jersey ahead of an Oilers game at Rogers Place. Photo credit: Alicia Labine
Participating in hockey’s online culture became less about celebrating the game and more about surviving it for Myles Rogusky.
Rogusky has loved hockey their entire life. In 2022, that passion led them to become an online personality known for supporting the Edmonton Oilers. For years, they were regarded as one of the team’s most prominent fans.
Now, in 2026, racism along with homophobia and misogyny have put a halt to their presence in the community. As a Trinidadian person, they expressed that their skin colour has become a more defining feature of their public perception than it should be.
“I am not as active in the community anymore because of racism, misogyny and homophobia,” Rogusky said. What was once an escape from the hardships of their day-to-day life had swiftly become a breeding ground for frequent harassment.
Hockey is widely viewed as a central part of Canadian identity. However, as Rogusky has expressed, many fans of colour feel as though their participation in the sport’s culture is seen as conditional. Online spaces, in particular, have become battlegrounds where identity is scrutinized, and belonging is questioned.
“No. There’s layers to it,” they said when asked whether they feel seen as equal in the hockey community. “The way people would react to me existing sometimes would be so negative for no reason.”
Rogusky was added to countless group chats where people online would harass them about their race, sexuality and gender. In 2024, the harassment escalated to the point where they filed a restraining order against one of the agitators.
Even though these events have made them wary of the online hockey community, Rogusky still wants to remain involved in some capacity. They recognize that they have become an ambassador for people of colour in the space.
“I’ve had a lot of people in the past tell me they have started getting interested in hockey after seeing me on social media,” Rogusky said. They added that seeing other people you can relate to is important. “It is a little bit of a safe haven in my experience to have other people like yourself. It proves you aren’t alone.”
In recent years, the NHL has introduced initiatives aimed at promoting diversity within the sport, including theme nights celebrating Pride, Black excellence and South Asian heritage.
“We need consistency,” Rogusky said, adding that change cannot happen overnight. “If they keep doing events like that and showing minorities that they are welcomed to stay, it will feel much safer for us.”
