The National Hockey League announced Thursday it was postponing its slate of two games for that day as well as Friday’s two games.

The postponements are in line with other leagues and teams that have pushed back games to bring attention to social justice issues after Jacob Blake was shot in Wisconsin this week. The league’s statement said it was the players’ belief that postponing Thursday’s and Friday’s games was the best course of action.

“The NHL supports the players’ decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly,” a statement said. “Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice.

“We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.

“The NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond.”

The Hockey Diversity Alliance, a group of Black NHL players, publicly stated Thursday that it requested the NHL postpone its games.

“The Hockey Diversity Alliance is deeply saddened by the Jacob Blake shooting – yet another example of police brutality against Black Americans that continues to go unabated and unaddressed in the communities where NHL teams play,” the HDA said in a statement.

The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off the movement of postponements on Wednesday night when they boycotted their playoff game against the Orlando Magic. Eventually, the NBA slate of games on Wednesday was postponed. Thursday’s NBA games were also not going to be played as scheduled, although players voted to continue the season at some point.

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