Coyotes’ coaching internship highlights diversity in ‘NHL Bound’ docuseries

The Arizona Coyotes are part of a first-ever coaching internship program that aims to create a more diverse talent pool.

“NHL Bound” is a docuseries that follows Duante’ Abercrombie and Nathaniel Brooks, both of whom are Black hockey coaches getting their chance behind an NHL bench with Arizona.

“They’re just two remarkable individuals with infectious personalities that love the game of hockey and came into our camp with an open mindset wanting to learn,” Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong told KTAR News.

“Our coaches really embraced the coaches from the moment they got there, so it was a big hit in our organization.”

Armstrong added that while the NHL has done a good job financially with its outreach to youth, he still thinks even more can be done to grow diversity in hockey.

“I think we got to get to the schools and get to the communities — introduce hockey in steps. First it starts in street hockey — it might be roller hockey,” he explained.

“And then it’s getting the kids to the rink to make it affordable so they can play. … If we can make hockey affordable and give the steps to the kids, they’ll fall in love with the game.

The weekly series gives Coyotes fans behind-the-scenes access to Arizona’s coaching staff and management as well.

New episodes are released every Thursday at 1 p.m., with Ep. 4 set to air on March 3.

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