Latest news with #ArjunAtwal
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Meet Edmonton's Arjun Atwal, the hockey star who walked away from a pro career to build a diverse future for South Asian and BIPOC players
Arjun Atwal (Image via Instagram) When most athletes get the call to go pro, they pack their bags and don't look back. But Edmonton's Arjun Atwal? He did the exact opposite and it's turning heads across the hockey world. Instead of heading to Europe to chase a professional hockey career, Atwal chose to build something even more powerful at home: a community where South Asian and BIPOC players could finally see themselves thrive in a game that hasn't always welcomed them. Now, the NHL is giving him his flowers as a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award and it's easy to see why. Arjun Atwal turned down pro hockey dreams to uplift others instead Atwal isn't just a talented player, he's the real deal. Once crowned MVP in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and a standout for the University of Calgary, he had professional contract offers on the table from teams in Europe. But the 26-year-old Edmonton native saw something more important than personal stats or shiny trophies: representation. After spending years being one of the only non-white players in every locker room, he knew firsthand how isolating that could feel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Retirement Villages in Bangalore (Search Here For Results) Senior Living Communities Undo 'Usually going into teams or rooms and not really seeing anybody who looked like me,' Atwal told CTV. Instead of ignoring that, he decided to change it for the next generation. Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award 2025 Finalist: Arjun Atwal His AZ1 Hockey program is changing the game for South Asian and BIPOC athletes That's where AZ1 Hockey comes in. Founded by Atwal, the program isn't just about drills and ice time, it's about guidance, mentorship, and making sure no kid gets lost in the shuffle just because they don't fit the mold. AZ1 helps young South Asian and BIPOC players train and navigate hockey's often confusing (and expensive) system. It's a space where culture, confidence, and skill-building meet, something many kids have never had access to in the world of Canadian hockey. And it's growing fast. With AZ1 expanding across Canada, the vision is clear: hockey should belong to everyone, not just a select few. The NHL gives Atwal his flowers with Willie O'Ree Award finalist nod The NHL is recognizing what Atwal's been quietly building for years. He's one of the finalists for the prestigious Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which honors people using hockey to positively impact society. For Atwal, the nomination isn't about him. 'It's the kids that are making this happen… I'm just one part of the puzzle,' he said. But let's be real, that one piece is doing a whole lot of heavy lifting. The winner, announced in June, will receive $25,000 for a charity of their choice. Fans can vote daily on the NHL's official site. Arjun Atwal isn't chasing clout, he's creating change. In turning down pro hockey contracts to invest in his community, he's proving that leadership doesn't always come with a captain's 'C.' Sometimes, it looks like showing up for kids who never saw themselves on the ice before. Also read - Why Brad Marchand's Blizzard break is the chillest moment of the Panthers-Hurricanes series Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Edmonton finalist for NHL award gives back by helping South Asian, BIPOC players
A hockey player that turned down professional contracts to play in Europe to help the next generation reach their hockey goals is being recognized by the NHL. An Edmontonian has put his hockey dreams aside in order to push the next generation of players further. Now, he's being recognized by the National Hockey League for his work in the community. Arjun Atwal is breaking down barriers for South Asian hockey players. The 26-year-old grew up playing hockey in south Edmonton, once won the Alberta Junior Hockey League's most-valuable player award and spent our years competing for the University of Calgary. He turned down professional contracts in Europe to pursue his business: AZ1 Hockey. Atwal says he wants to help the next generation of hockey players reach their goals. 'Giving back to the kids and seeing what they do, the effort they put in the smiles on their faces, is worth much more than playing pro hockey for me,' he told CTV News Edmonton last week. AZ1 Hockey focuses on helping South Asian and Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) hockey players train and navigate their way through the game. 'I had a 20-year career, and being one per cent or even less, maybe 0.5 per cent,' he said of how many non-white players he played with over the years. 'Usually going into teams or rooms (and) not really seeing anybody who looked like me.' AZ1 Hockey is expanding across Canada, and Atwal's efforts are being noticed. He is a finalist for the NHL's Willie O'Ree community hero award, which is given to someone who positively impacts society through the game of hockey. 'It's the kids that are making this happen. it's really not me,' Atwal said. 'I'm just one part of the puzzle and putting things together.' Voting can be done daily on the NHL's website. The winner will be announced in June and will receive $25,000 for the charity of their choice. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Kenny
