Color of Hockey: NHL hopeful co-authors children's hockey book

Today, he profiles Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jermaine Loewen, who has co-authored an illustrated children's book that deals with race, diversity and inclusion and kindness.
Jermaine Loewen made history when he became the first Jamaica-born player to be drafted by an NHL team.
The 22-year-old left wing recently added another first to his budding career as co-author of an illustrated children's hockey book that deals with race, diversity and inclusion while underscoring the value of kindness.
"I never thought I'd be co-author of a book at 22," said Loewen, now a prospect in the Vegas Golden Knights system.
The book, co-authored and illustrated by Thom Van Dycke, is the brainchild of Ray Petkau, a father of four, CEO of Alpha Hockey Inc., and Loewen's agent.
Jermaine Loewen with co-author Thom Van Dycke, left, and his agent, Ray Petkau.
Mainer, a black bear in the book, is loosely based on Loewen's experiences growing up as one of the few Black hockey players and visible minorities in his adopted Manitoba town.
In the book, Mainer encounters Ari, a prideful young lion packed with preconceived notions about the bear who joins his hockey team of other animals.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward led Kamloops in scoring in 2017-18 with 64 points (36 goals, 28 assists) in 66 games and became team captain the following season.
Loewen finished his WHL career with 142 points (78 goals, 64 assists) in 295 games.
"It wasn't straight blunt, but it's a pretty glaring thing that happens a lot to Black hockey players and other minorities," he said.
Loewen said it wasn't easy sharing some of his experiences for the book, but that he felt it was important to do it to help people get a grip on racism.