Hockey Hate Makes the Front Page

"Racist reaction to finale tarnishes Bruins’ run; Comments flood Twitter after playoff loss" by Bob Hohler  |  Globe Staff, April 27, 2012

In an episode that has renewed the conversation about racism in sports and society, the Bruins had barely finished shaking Joel Ward’s hand and saluting their fans from the Garden ice after the game when Ward was targeted with scores of racist posts on Twitter.

The Bruins, Capitals, and NHL immediately condemned the commentary, but the damage was done, as media outlets across the country once again raised questions about Boston’s turbulent racial history, although it was unclear how many of the comments actually came from Boston.

“This kind of emotional and ugly response to a very unfortunate loss rekindles the discussion about what we need to go through, healing the racial divide in America,’’ said Harvard Law professor Charles Ogletree, director of the school’s institute for race and justice. “If we don’t deal with this, we’re going to have a hard time moving forward.’’

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Ward’s triumphant goal was especially crushing for Bruins fans who expected the team to fare better in defending their Stanley Cup title. Goalie Tim Thomas graciously tapped Ward on the chest in the handshake line and was seen encouraging fans to smile before he left the ice - a sharp contrast to the Bruins loyalists who resorted to digital hate speech.  

Related: Bruin Goalie Blocks Obama

“It shows us that racism is alive and well, and that we need to spend a lot more time talking about diversity and inclusion,’’ said Dan Lebowitz, executive director of the Center for Sport in Society at Northeastern University....

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