Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap: Hockey's Agents of Change

The Neutral Zone Trap explores how hockey culture and structures exclude marginalized people, offering personal and scholarly accounts of agents of change. It challenges assumptions about hockey culture and provides critical discussions of previously underexplored topics, making it a valuable resource for fans, players, organizers, and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: University of Alberta Press

Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap is a groundbreaking collection of essays that challenges the norms of hockey and pushes its boundaries, offering fresh perspectives on its role in North American culture. The editors employ the metaphor of the neutral zone trap to delve into the ways in which hockey's culture and structures exclude marginalized individuals. The book features personal and scholarly accounts of agents of change, including individuals, ideas, and events, who confront the challenges associated with making hockey a more inclusive space. By exposing assumptions about hockey culture, Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap initiates critical discussions on previously underexplored topics such as the women's game, Indigenous participation, viable career pathways, masculine identities, hockey parents, mental health, and social media. This comprehensive book appeals to fans, players, organizers, and researchers alike, with contributions from a diverse range of experts.

Angie Abdou, Kieran Block, Cam Braes, William Bridel, Judy Davidson, Jonathon R.J. Edwards, Catherine Houston, Colin D. Howell, Chelsey H. Leahy, Roger G. LeBlanc, Cheryl A. MacDonald, Fred Mason, Brock McGillis, Vicky Paraschak, Brett Pardy, Ann Pegoraro, Kyle A. Rich, Tavis Smith, Noah Underwood, and many others contribute their insights and experiences to this thought-provoking collection.

The neutral zone trap in hockey serves as a metaphor for the barriers and exclusions that marginalized individuals face within the sport. The editors argue that hockey culture and structures perpetuate these exclusions, creating a "neutral zone" where individuals are neither fully included nor fully excluded. This trap hinders the growth and development of hockey as a truly inclusive and diverse sport.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the representation of marginalized groups in hockey. The authors highlight the lack of diversity in coaching, management, and leadership positions, as well as the underrepresentation of women, Indigenous peoples, and people of color in the sport. They argue that these disparities contribute to the marginalization of these groups and limit their opportunities to participate and thrive in hockey.

Another important aspect of the book is the challenge of making hockey a more inclusive space for players and fans. The authors discuss the need for cultural change, including the promotion of diversity and inclusion, the development of safe and supportive environments, and the recognition of the unique experiences and challenges faced by marginalized individuals. They also address the issue of homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination in hockey and advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and respect for all.

The book also explores the role of agents of change in overcoming the neutral zone trap. These agents include individuals, organizations, and events that challenge the status quo. They include players who advocate for diversity and inclusion, coaches who promote safe and supportive environments, and organizers who create opportunities for marginalized individuals to participate in hockey. The authors argue that these agents of change play a crucial role in promoting cultural change and making hockey a more inclusive space.

In conclusion, Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a fresh perspective on the role of hockey in North American culture. By challenging the norms and boundaries of the sport, the book promotes cultural change and makes hockey a more inclusive space for all. It is a must-read for fans, players, organizers, and researchers alike, as it provides valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sport.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 191 x 419 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781772125795