Honouring Asian Heritage Month Through Hockey
Throughout May, Hockey Northwestern Ontario is recognizing Asian Heritage Month by highlighting stories that reflect the experiences and contributions of individuals across our hockey community. As part of this month, Hockey Northwestern Ontario is proud to feature Cullen Brown, a Thunder Bay player whose passion for the game, commitment to his teammates, and pride in his heritage continue to shape his hockey journey.
Cullen has been playing hockey for six years and spent this past season playing for the U13AA Neebing Hawks. His love for the game started at an early age, inspired by his father’s own hockey background. “My Dad played when he was young and I wanted to play like he did,” Brown shared.
On the ice, Brown describes himself as a playmaker who brings speed and energy to his team, while also helping create a positive atmosphere away from the rink. “I bring speed on the ice and good vibes in the locker room,” he said.
For Brown, hockey is about more than just competition. It is also about friendships, experiences, and the small moments that make the game memorable. “I like being out on the ice and hearing the sound of the puck going bar down or the edge of skates gripping into the fresh sheet,” Brown said. “Hanging with the team outside of the rink is a lot of fun as well.”
Like many young players, Brown looks up to Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, specifically admiring his skating and stickhandling abilities. Looking ahead, Brown hopes to continue advancing through higher levels of hockey with aspirations of one day playing at the college or professional level before potentially moving into coaching later in life.
Off the ice, Brown also takes pride in his Malaysian-Chinese heritage through traditions celebrated with his family in Thunder Bay. “Whereas Dad is Canadian born and raised, my Mom was born and raised in Malaysia,” Brown explained. “Her Malaysian-Chinese family passed on the tradition of Chinese New Year which we celebrate here in Thunder Bay every year with a large griddle cooked meal which could include her family recipe Hainanese Chicken rice. Ang pau (red packets) containing money are also passed out to us kids during that time.”
Brown believes representation in sports remains important and hopes hockey continues to become more welcoming and inclusive for future generations. “I feel representation in sports like hockey is very important as no one should feel discouraged from picking up a pair of skates and stick and giving the game a try,” he said.
As for younger players following in his footsteps, Brown hopes they continue pushing forward through challenges and setbacks that come with the game.
“Don’t give up, you will make mistakes,” Brown said. “Learning from mistakes make us better.”
Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with us as we recognize Asian Heritage Month. We thank Cullen and his family for sharing his story and look forward to continuing to highlight the diverse voices and experiences that help grow the game across Northwestern Ontario.
