Sharks' Evander Kane named co-head of new Hockey Diversity Alliance

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Evander Kane continues to be a face and voice for social and racial injustices. That includes in the NHL as well. 

The Sharks' star winger announced Monday the formation of the Hockey Diversity Alliance. Kane will serve as co-head with Akim Aliu, who last played in the NHL in 2013. 

Former Sharks winger Joel Ward, who announced his retirement on April 27, was named to the executive committee as well. 

Kane has made his voice heard following the death of George Floyd, an African American man who died in Minneapolis police custody. On May 27, Kane tweeted and signed a petition demanding the four officers involved in the death be arrested. Using his voice isn't something new for Kane, though. 

He time and time again has spoken out against racism in hockey within the last year. Kane also tweeted about the importance of Aliu writing a piece in "The Players Tribune" called "Hockey Is Not For Everyone." 

Kane also appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area's "Race in America: A Candid Conversation" and spoke on the importance of athletes using their voice. Notably, he debunked the idea of "sticking to sports."

"If we our platform only strictly to talk about sports and you have such a massive issue in society when it comes to racial injustice that we were to just shut our mouths and continue to go on about our business, I think that would be a shame," Kane said.

[RELATED: Sharks' Karlsson supports Kane, prays for better world]

It's clear Kane is up for the challenge to use his voice and lead the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

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