Sonny Sekhon Builds Community Through Punjabi Elite League
Willie O'Ree finalist uses hockey to empower South Asian youth, blending heritage with access.
Sonny Sekhon, a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Award, is using hockey to empower South Asian youth through the newly formed Punjabi Elite League. Inspired by his time with the Edmonton Oilers organization, Sekhon designed the league to provide affordable access and visible role models for immigrant families. The league operates across multiple Canadian cities, aiming to bridge cultural gaps while preserving hockey's traditions.
Sekhon's personal history drives the initiative. Growing up, he saw few South Asian faces in , a void he now fills by creating a space where kids see themselves reflected in the sport. The Punjabi Elite League emphasizes skill development and community engagement, not just competition.
