Representation in hockey continues to grow and Brock University’s Avery Diljee is part of that change. The second year forward for the women’s hockey team was awarded the Bernice Carnegie Scholarship by the Black Girl Hockey Club on Sept. 21.
The Bernice Carnegie Scholarship is named after the daughter of Herb Carnegie, one of the most influential Black figures in Canadian hockey. It is awarded annually to players who not only excel on the ice but also demonstrate a strong commitment to making hockey a more inclusive sport. Diljee’s selection reflects her impact both as a student athlete and a role model.
At Brock, Diljee has quickly established herself as a disciplined and driven player who contributed beyond her performance in games. Her approach to preparation and willingness to support her teammates highlight the qualities that align with the scholarship’s values.
The Black Girl Hockey Club (BGHC) has become a central voice in addressing racial and gender inequities within hockey. Founded to create a safe and welcoming space for Black women, their families and allies, the organization has expanded across North America. Its initiatives range from providing scholarships to organizing summer camps, mentorship programs and community outreach projects. The BGHC seeks to remove barriers for young Black players and to build a sustainable pipeline of talent and leadership in a sport where representation has historically been limited.
Diljee’s connection to the BGHC reflects the importance of visible role models in shaping young athletes. Canadian Olympian Sarah Nurse, one of the most prominent Black women in hockey, has been instrumental in promoting the organization and her example helped bring Diljee into its orbit. This pathway underscores the role of mentorship and representation in breaking down the sense of isolation that many Black athletes have described when entering a sport where they remain underrepresented.
The scholarship also emphasized the larger mission of creating pathways for Black women in hockey. Historically, access to the sport has been shaped by systemic barriers, including cost, culture and visibility. Organizations like the BGHC aim to challenge these barriers by affirming that Black women not only belong in the sport, but can lead it.
The significance of the award extends to younger players who may look to athletes like Diljee for affirmation. For young Black girls entering the sport, her visibility delivers the message that hockey is not reserved for any single group and that roads to excellence and leadership are open. At the same time, her recognition reminds institutions and organizations of the ongoing need to create supportive environments where players from marginalized backgrounds can excel.
For Brock women’s hockey, Diljee’s award also reflects positively on the program’s role in supporting diverse athletes. Her development within the team environment demonstrates how university athletics can provide a platform for both performance and advocacy. The acknowledgement from the BGHC strengthens this connection between competitive success and social responsibility.
As Diljee continues her career at Brock, her role extends beyond the ice. She represents progress in a sport working to expand its inclusivity and serves as a reminder that leadership is as much about inspiring others as it is about winning games.