GLENDALE, Ariz. — Scott Gomez grew up among the diverse cultures that amalgamate around Anchorage, Alaska. Race was something he never really thought about, particularly on the ice.
The son of a Mexican American father and Colombian mother, Gomez heard a few disparaging remarks while coming up through the junior and professional ranks, but the occasions were rare.
He was a hockey player and that’s all that mattered.
“The game was always accepting,” said Gomez, an assistant coach with the New York Rangers. “When you’re in that locker room, you’re one of the boys. Sure, you’re going to get the occasional off-color joke, but long as you give it back you’re fine.