OUR BACKGROUND
The Hockey Players Of Color (HPOC) movement focuses on highlighting, promoting and supporting hockey players of color globally and at every level.
From youth and university hockey, to the pros and beer league heroes—we cover it all.
We provide a one-stop resource for hockey players, parents, coaches, fans, and others involved in hockey. We pride ourselves on delivering content with information, entertainment, advice, motivation and more from hundreds of contributors—if you have something to say about your hockey experience, we want to share it! Our team is dedicated to enriching the lives of those in the colored hockey community by providing resources to live your hockey dreams to the fullest.
THE COMMUNITY LEADERS
JAZMINE MILEY
Founder
Jazmine a/k/a Jaz is originally from Queens, New York. She played travel hockey with the New Jersey Rocket’s Junior Team. During her college years she has played NCAA Division Three and ACHA Division One hockey. Graduating from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Crime Scene Investigation. Shortly after graduation Jaz was chosen to play in the Women's Invitational Tournament in Zagreb Croatia, earning second place. Jaz was then offered a coaching position with the Jr. Canes girls’ program in Raleigh, North Carolina. Putting her coaching career on hold she went on to play professional hockey in Europe. She is currently playing Hockey in Finland for Koovee in the Mestis (W) League. In the off season she likes to spend time with family, her two dogs Delyla and Dallas, and working out at CrossFit.
Favorite Quote: If you compete with others, you may not win. If you compete with yourself, you always win by becoming better.
― Debasish Mridha
State Residence: Virginia
SYDNEY KINDER
Director
Sydney a/k/a Syd is from Harlem, NY. Syd played for the New Jersey Rockets Junior team and Brewster Bulldogs. While attending a NCCA Division Three university as a defenseman, she also played soccer, lacrosse and ran track. Syd graduated with her bachelor’s in Health & Fitness Promotion and is currently studying towards a master’s degree in Athletic Training at Texas A&M. In her spare time, she likes to go hiking with her dog Duke and train Olympic lifting.
Pregame meal: Pasta with meat sauce
Favorite Quote: When you know your why, you can endure any how.
State Residence: Alabama
THE MENTOR'S
Where the Passion Begins
CALEB WILLIAMSON
Mentor
Caleb is from Arverne, New York. He played travel hockey with the Long Island Edge 18U AA. During his college years he was a defenseman for Hamilton College Club Hockey (Tier 1 UNYCHL). He is currently enrolled in Syracuse University’s School of Law. In his off time, he enjoys playing tennis, going to museums, going to restaurants he’s seen on the Food Network, listening to live music, and spending time with friends and family.
Live by Quote: “Your talent is God’s gift to you; what you do with your talent is your gift back to God.”
State Residence: New York
JAZMIN MALINOWSKI
Mentor
Jazmin is from New Lenox Illinois, she attended Lincoln-way Central high school. She played three years of Division I ACHA Hockey for Mckendree University. She received her bachelors degree in psychology. Along with playing college hockey Jazmin was selected to play for team USA University games in the 2018-2019 season in Russia.
Favorite Quote: It's hard to beat a person who never gives up. -Babe Ruth
State Residence: Illinois
PHIL GARCIA
Mentor & Video Analysis
Phil Garcia born and raised in Brooklyn has spent the past two years playing NCAA collegiate hockey at Becker college. In his junior season, Phil excelled for the program winning the team’s outstanding performer award, ACHA Krampanade All American Award and was a nominated for the CCC MVP award for the 2019-2020 season.
Off the ice, Phil is a 4.0 student and plans to graduate in the Spring of 21 with a BS in Business administration and looks to continue to earn his master’s in science of organizational leadership.
For the past 5 seasons Phil has worked as an official for USA Hockey, officiating the local junior hockey in Massachusetts. His playing and officiating background is what’s makes him a valuable asset to the HPOC team and their athletes.
MICHAEL WILSON
Mentor
Michael Wilson from Alexandria, VA currently resides in NJ. He currently attends Becker College and is studying a Bachelor's in Business Administration. He is a Center Forward with the Hawks. In 2019 he was named USPHL Premier Northern Region All-Stars Forward. He enjoys shooting pucks, playing Fortnite and NHL in his free time.
His favorite quote is "Win the Day" which he interprets as doing whatever you need to do to feel accomplished when the day is over. In his case it means to do something every day that helps me become a better hockey player.
RENEE HOFFMANN
Mentor
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JULIA HOFFMANN
Mentor
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NINA RODGERS
Mentor
Nina Rodgers a Minnesota native with some Southern Cali mixed in. Growing up in Minnetonka Minnesota where she played for Hopkins High school. Making her way to the University of Minnesota and transferring to Boston University. Playing forward for two top division one universities while earning her bachelor's degree in Health Science at Sargent College at BU. Nina is currently playing in the NWHL for the Minnesota Whitecaps. In her offtime she likes to listen to and find new music, photography, and playing any other sport.
Live by quote: No matter your speed you're still on your way.
MIKYLA GRANT-MENTIS
Mentor
Mikyla Grant-Mentis is from Ontario, Canada. While attending NCAA Division I Merrimack College and playing with the Warriors as a center she earned bachelors degrees in Criminology and Psychology. Mikyla will be playing this upcoming season in Sweden. During her off time she likes to hike, enjoy outdoor adventures, watch movies and play video games.
Quote: Good Karma
State Residence: Ontario, Canada