Where Everyone Belongs: How Hockey, Family, and Diversity Continue to Shape the Game in Markham

by Zach DeForest | Ontario Hockey Federation | CAMBRIDGE, ON

For Richard and Matthew, hockey has always been about far more than just the game itself. It became a way to build family connections, create community, and experience the positive impact hockey can have in bringing people together from all backgrounds.

During Asian Heritage Month, their story reflects how communities like Markham continue helping shape a more inclusive and welcoming future for hockey across Ontario.

“For myself, growing up I never had the opportunity to play organized hockey,” Richard, Team Manager of the Markham Waxers U18BB1 Team shared. “Both my parents were immigrants to Canada, and understandably there were higher priorities as they worked to get settled. Yet, hockey always seemed to be a part of my life.”

Growing up in Toronto, Richard quickly fell in love with the sport through ball hockey, watching games on television, and studying every detail of the game.

“I was fascinated not only by the speed and skill of the game, but also the strategy behind it, how players broke down the game, and the sacrifices they made to be successful.”

Years later, after moving to Markham and starting a family, that passion naturally carried into the next generation.

"In many ways, that passion has now come full circle through my own family. Being able to experience hockey alongside my two boys and become part of the hockey community as a parent has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding. Hockey became a central part of our family life very organically. I was always a huge hockey fan, so I’m not sure if there was ever really much of a choice for them, but it was a huge relief when they both developed the same level of passion and naturally gravitated toward hockey.”

For Matthew, the memories that stand out most were never only about wins or accomplishments on the ice.

“When I think about my hockey journey, what stands out most isn’t always the goals or the wins, but it’s my dad being there through all of it. Some of my greatest hockey memories weren’t necessarily made on the ice, but through the conversations we had and all the time we spent together because of the sport.”

Richard says hockey helped strengthen their relationship over the years while also teaching important life lessons beyond the rink.

“The sport created countless opportunities for mentorship, support and meaningful conversations, both on and off the ice. Hockey became more than just a sport; it became quality time together and allowed us to build a stronger bond and deeper connection as a family.”

Their experience within the Markham hockey community also played a major role in helping their family feel welcomed and connected.

“We’ve been very fortunate to be part of the Markham Waxers organization throughout our entire hockey journey,” Richard said. “Their welcoming culture and accessible programming made it easy for our family to feel involved and connected from the very beginning."

"The culture created by the coaches, team staff, parents and players, along with having a welcoming dressing room environment made a world of difference. It helped create a strong sense of belonging for both the players and the families involved."

"Through our family’s personal experience, both of my boys have played on longstanding teams whose composition truly reflected the diversity of the community itself. Under the leadership and support of their head coaches and team staff who embraced different cultures and traditions, those teams built incredibly welcoming environments while also achieving tremendous success on the ice."

During Asian Heritage Month, both Richard and Matthew believe representation in hockey continues to play an important role in growing the game and creating belonging for families entering the sport.

“In a city like Markham, where over 80% of residents identify as visible minorities, representation in hockey really matters 365 days a year, not just during Asian Heritage Month. When young players and families see people from similar backgrounds involved in the game, it helps create a sense of belonging, encourages participation and shows that hockey truly is for everyone.”

Richard says communities like Markham demonstrate how much the game continues to evolve.

“You’ll see families from all cultural backgrounds reflected in local rinks involved in hockey now, and that diversity strengthens the sport as a whole. Hockey also serves as a bridge, helping families connect with their communities.”

That impact became especially visible during the inaugural U18BB/A OHF Championships hosted in Markham.

“The level of energy and community spirit exceeded all expectations,” Richard said. “Seeing supporters from all backgrounds, some perhaps experiencing the game for the first time was truly special and electric. Moments like that matter because they help young players and families see that there is a place for everyone in the game. Being able to showcase hockey at an elite level and personally lead an event of this magnitude that helps inspire the next generation of players, and create visibility is incredibly meaningful. That’s where I believe the real growth of the game happens."

For Richard and Matthew, hockey has never been separate from culture, family, or community. Instead, it became the place where all three came together.

“We never viewed hockey and cultural background as separate things, and I would never want anyone to feel that their background should be a barrier to what they can achieve through the game” says Richard. "When I think about my hockey journey, what stands out most isn’t always the goals or the wins, but it’s my dad being there through all of it. He introduced me to a sport that ultimately became such a big part of our lives, and through it, he opened up a whole new world for me" Matthew exclaims.

And ultimately, they hope their story reminds others that hockey continues growing stronger when more families feel welcomed into the sport.

“Stories like ours show that hockey truly belongs to everyone, and the game grows even stronger when more families see it as a space where they belong.”

Share Your Story

The Ontario Hockey Federation is proud to celebrate the individuals, families, volunteers, players, coaches, officials, and community members who continue to make a lasting impact on hockey across Ontario.

The Wong's story is just one example of the many inspiring journeys, experiences, and contributions that help shape our game and strengthen our communities both on and off the ice.

If you know someone whose story deserves to be recognized — or if you would like to share your own hockey journey, community impact, cultural experience, volunteer efforts, or personal connection to the game — we would love to hear from you.

Stories may be featured across OHF digital platforms, social media, website articles, campaigns, or special initiatives throughout the season.

Please reach out to zdeforest@ohf.on.ca to share your story or nominate someone within your community.