A Hard-Hitting Owner

When it comes to things that are truly American, some may say apple pie fits into that category due to the long-used saying about something being "as American as apple pie". I'm not here to crush dreams, but apple pie's history doesn't begin in America, so maybe we need another example. Baseball was forever touted as "America's pastime", but it's clear that the popularity of the NFL has not only surpassed that of baseball, but most sports. However, the man to the left knows quite a bit about football and the NFL, and he's officially as American as one can be thanks to the transaction that happened in the ECHL today. That man is Myles Jack, and the former NFL linebacker now owns controlling interest in the ECHL's Allen Americans franchise after the ECHL approved the sale!

Normally, the sale of an ECHL franchise wouldn't make ripples in the water for HBIC, but this one is important when it comes to changing the demographics of hockey. The sale of the Americans' controlling interest to the 28 year-old Jack marks the first time in the history of professional hockey that an African-American or Black man is the owner of a franchise. Yes, he used the money he made playing football to buy the franchise, but we have a young Black man sitting at the boardroom table in professional hockey for the first time.

"From the football field to the business world I have always brought passion and leadership to my teams. The opportunity to lead this franchise and serve our great fans is an incredible responsibility," Myles Jack stated. "I'm excited to bring a first-class, family friendly entertainment option to this community alongside our great partners."

Jack also added family to the equation as well as his mother, LaSonjia Jack, serves as President, COO, and Co-Owner of Amsonia Sports. As per her website, she's a long-time business executive who has been sought after by companies such as "Microsoft, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Cox" of which the latter is where she serves as Assistant Vice President of Retail Operations. While there's no doubt that Myles Jack had the wealth to buy into the Americans before taking over the controlling interest, it seems the business side of the Americans will be run by LaSonjia "LJ" Jack.

"It's such an honor to lead such a great hockey team in Texas - which is a great place for families and businesses," LaSonjia Jack said in her statement. "We are looking forward to engaging all our fans, business partners, and community leaders. The Allen Americans are a pillar in this community and we will continue that tradition. We believe in bringing people together and sharing memories, and what better way to do that than to attend an ECHL hockey game."

Again, I cannot state how important this development is when it comes to diversification of the "old boys' club" as the potential of having Myles and LaSonjia Jack sitting at the boardroom table bringing their perspective and experiences is vitally important when it comes to attracting more kids and families of African-American heritage to the sport. If this sport is going to get better, having everyone involved and bringing their experiences to the game is important. If Black kids see Myles and LaSonjia Jack opeing doors for them, the opportunity for the game to get better becomes a very possible reality.

I know the NHL uses the "Hockey is for everyone" line way too often with little proof of hockey actually being for everyone, but the ECHL can legitimately say they're trying to make hockey for everyone. For the first time in hockey history, we have owners who represent a distinct minority both playing and working in the game, and both Myles and LaSonjia Jack should be encouraged to use their wealth of experience and business acumen to make the Allen Americans and, eventually, the entire ECHL more accessible for all.

For a former Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Myles Jack has made a lot of important tackles in his career. Tackling diversity in hockey, though, might be his greatest legacy when all is said and done. And I'm excited to see what he and his mom bring to the Allen Americans as that team's new owners.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!