sens Prospect’s Durag Sparks Viral Conversation, Challenges Hockey Norms
OTTAWA – Ottawa Senators prospect Djibril Touré is generating widespread attention after a recent on-ice incident revealed him wearing a durag under his helmet during a September 13 prospect game against the toronto maple Leafs. Video of the moment, quickly circulating online, has garnered millions of views and largely positive reactions.
A durag is a close-fitting cloth head covering traditionally worn by Black men to protect and maintain hair, particularly braids. Touré had worn the durag during minor league play last season, noting it hadn’t caused important issue beyond some comments from opponents and teammates.
“We’ve never seen anything like that before, a player wearing an actual durag in any hockey game,” said julian Mackenzie, Ottawa Senators reporter for The athletic. “And then it catches on like wildfire and people are actually celebrating it, looking at it in a pretty positive way.”
While other sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA, have previously banned durags, the NHL has yet to comment on its policy. However, the Ottawa Senators association is publicly supportive of touré’s choice.
Godlove Ngwafusi, co-founder of the African Hockey Association, emphasized the importance of self-expression. “This is who he is, this is who he put on the table, or on the ice as the case may be. If he comes with a durag, that’s what it’s going to be.”
Touré himself expressed a desire to inspire younger players. “I’m happy…to show the younger people [to not] be afraid,” he said. Mackenzie believes the incident could have a lasting impact, perhaps encouraging more players to embrace their cultural practices on the ice. “A kid right now who wants to play hockey and wants to protect their braids…they could point at that moment and they could say, ‘Well, if he’s able to do that around NHL players, why can’t I do that in my minor hockey league?'”
Touré intends to continue wearing his durag as he pursues a spot on the Senators’ NHL roster, and plans to get his braids done before the season begins.
