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PHF Toronto Six

Tinker's 'Saroya Strong' Program Makes a Difference in Black History Month and Beyond

February 26, 2022 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Toronto Six News Release


Elevate. Educate. Empower.

Those three words drive the mission behind Saroya Strong, a mentorship program created by Toronto Six defender Saroya Tinker, who is changing the face of hockey.

Her community of BIPOC women in sport connects virtually and through in-person events in Calgary, Toronto, and New York. Many of the over 55 members love hockey and together they focus on building a network that inspires each other to overcome struggles in a space where they can learn from one another and grow as women.

"As a professional athlete I think we have a responsibility to represent for the girls behind us and be role models," Tinker said. "We're given a platform for a reason as respected individuals in the community. If I can impact one girl a day, then I'm doing my job. I take great pride in that and it's enjoyable for me. I want to be that representation piece because right now you don't see many Black women in the game. We want to see more Black women in hockey and we're getting there."

Tinker started her program after graduating from Yale University in 2020. During her senior year on the Bulldogs women's ice hockey team she met freshman Kiersten Goode. It was the first time Tinker had ever played with another Black player.

"I realized quite quickly that we were going to become best friends and she was like a little sister to me," Tinker said. "With that I realized that she needed a lot of guidance and mentorship. I felt like my career would have been totally different if I would have had a role model. I brought it upon myself to make my mentorship program and provide this community and network to other young girls in the sport because there are a lot of young Black women who love hockey."

The 24-year-old from Oshawa, Ontario knows that if you can see it, you can be it. Tinker is living proof having grown up with aspirations of representing her country at the highest level when her Dad introduced Angela James into the conversation about elite females in the game.

"I knew that I could because she (James) was a Black female in the game that had been the 'GOAT' of the game in her time," Tinker said. "She wasn't just a Team Canada player, she was somebody they changed the rules for. She is the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey and called that for a reason. I knew that if she could do it, that I could do it. Having the honor of putting the Canadian jersey on when I made the U18 team, I also realized that I was one of the very few Black women who have ever had the opportunity to wear that jersey. It's important to recognize Angela and she is a role model."

Things have come full circle for Tinker who not only got a chance to meet her hockey idol, but has a front row seat to the influence that James, a Hockey Hall of Fame member, has on the game. Their daily interactions are part of what's made Tinker's first season with her hometown team so special.

"It's crazy to think that I get to learn from her every day," Tinker said. "I think this is probably my favorite, most fun year that I've played in my career. Our team chemistry this year is amazing. We all get along so well and we're all so positive with each other. We're all interested in each other's lives outside of hockey. We genuinely care and we're a family. I think that comes from people like Mark (Joslin) and Angela pushing that family atmosphere on us as a team. We come together and it's amazing how unified we can be despite how different we are."

Toronto is currently in first place in the overall PHF standings but had their eight-game winning-streak snapped in unexpected fashion by sixth place Buffalo. The Six are back in action on the road this weekend against the Metropolitan Riveters.

"I think that we all took the loss personally," Tinker said of the 3-0 outdoor game shutout against the Beauts. "But I also think that the way our team is set up, with our team dynamic and chemistry, it's such a way that we're not worried. We're ready for playoffs and what's to come. We're ready to rebound, especially against the Riveters."

The fourth overall pick of the Riveters in the 2020 draft is establishing herself as a PHF leader. She was the 2021 Denna Laing Award recipient and a Foundation Award honoree. She's also becoming one of the most reliable defenders with a knack for shot blocking. It's a category she leads by averaging almost two-per-game statistically, while also contributing four assists to the high powered offense led by Mikyla Grant-Mentis, the PHF's only other current Black athlete.

"I'm enjoying playing more which is something I haven't necessarily experienced the past couple of years," Tinker said. "With that, I think all in all I am playing better but I think I still have a lot more that I can offer and do. I'm blocking shots, playing defensively, I'm doing my job, and I believe I'm fulfilling my role on my team and that's really what I aim to do. I'm going to keep pushing. I'm excited to improve and even come back next season even better."

Saturday's game in New Jersey will be extra special for Tinker. Her former team has transformed the iconic Rosie the Riveter logo into a Black Rosie design as part of a celebration for Black excellence in hockey.

"I love the representation and I think it's important that we realize the history of Rosie as well," Tinker said. "There are Black Rosie's to acknowledge. I think that this is going to be the first professional jersey that showcases a Black woman on the front which is a historic moment in itself. I think it's amazing that they're doing that and I'm happy that there's going to be a Black Rosie on the jersey."

Black Girl Hockey Club, a non-profit organization that focuses on making hockey more inclusive for Black women, their family, friends and allies has collaborated with the Riveters for the game so that members can connect around the sport they love. Tinker, who serves on Black Girl Hockey Club's Scholarship Committee, knows the importance of providing communities like this.

"When I was younger I didn't have a community like that," she says. "I didn't know many other Black women playing hockey and it left me feeling lonely and not having as many friends as others within the sport. It's so great to see everybody and meet in person to realize how many Black women really do love the game of hockey and how much room there is for us to succeed within the sport now."

The event's timing during Black History Month is not lost on Tinker, however it's something she hopes others will come to appreciate more than just once a calendar year.

"It's a time to recognize and learn and educate ourselves on the history of Black individuals," she says. "We should always be continuously educating ourselves on other cultures and ethnicities. Black History Month, of course is great. I love the events and recognition that a lot of Black individuals get, but at the same time I still encourage other people to dive deeper into this and not just focus on one month of the year."

For more information about Saroya Strong visit saroyastrong.com or contribute to their Black History Month Community Fund goal of raising $15,000 to support community events, guest speakers, and equipment for its members.



Premier Hockey Federation Stories from February 26, 2022


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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