Honoring and recognizing Philadelphia Flyers Forward, Wayne Simmonds on being named the Most Valuable Player in the National Hockey League All-Star Game and the second African-American in NHL history and first for the Philadelphia Flyers.

WHEREAS, Wayne Simmonds, forward for the Philadelphia Flyers was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game on January 29, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Simmonds is only the second African-American in NHL history and the first for the Philadelphia Flyers to be named the All-Star Game MVP; and

WHEREAS, Joining Simmonds on the All-Star team this year were other players of color including

Nashville Predators

defenseman P.K. Subban,

Columbus Blue Jackets

defenseman Seth Jones,

Buffalo Sabres

forward Kyle Okposo and

Toronto Maple Leafs

forward Auston Matthews, the No. 1 pick in the most recent NHL Draft; and

WHEREAS, Simmonds has been featured in a new documentary film entitled “Soul on Ice: Past, Present and Future” which chronicles the experiences and history of blacks in the NHL; and

WHEREAS,

Simmonds’ award at the All-Star Game gives heightened credence that the NHL and

hockey as a whole, is finally ready to take the next steps toward diversifying the sport which is still viewed as a primarily "white" sport

; and

WHEREAS, Simmonds’ trailblazing career and recent achievement particularly serves as an inspiration for young people of color, who may one day imagine becoming a professional ice hockey player; now

,

therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes

Philadelphia Flyers Forward, Wayne Simmonds on being named the Most Valuable Player in the National Hockey League All-Star Game and the second African-American in NHL history and first for the Philadelphia Flyers.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Wayne Simmonds as evidence of the deep admiration and sincere sentiment of this legislative body.

End