When the Ryerson Rams men's hockey team announced their first recruit of the 2020 off-season, the program added a rapid, tough, and versatile player — and a passionate advocate in Elijah Roberts.

Tallying 108 career Ontario Hockey League (OHL) points as a defenceman with the Kitchener Rangers and Niagara IceDogs, Roberts plans to work towards a professional hockey career after school but is keen on using his time at Ryerson to break into the sport media industry.

"The RTA: Sport Media program definitely was a big factor in my commitment," said Roberts, who is currently enrolled in Ryerson's Arts and Contemporary Studies program, but is looking to transfer into the aforementioned program. 

"My whole life I've been interested in all sports, my parents were both athletes, and I've always loved talking and debating about sports," Roberts explained.

After having the end of his OHL season canceled due to COVID-19 and committing to Ryerson shortly thereafter, Roberts, a sports discussion enthusiast, along with his former teammate and Los Angeles Kings prospect, Akil Thomas, decided to start a podcast.

Though some would say that starting a podcast during the pandemic was a move made by many, Soul On Ice: The Podcast has undoubtedly separated itself from the rest. 

Joining the NHL Studios podcast network, Roberts and Thomas teamed up with Canadian filmmaker and on-air personality Damon Kwame Mason to host Soul On Ice with the goal of highlighting important Black voices in the sport of hockey.

"Whether it's taking a class or hosting your own podcasts, there are things you learn about interviewing and speaking that you normally wouldn't think of," said Roberts, who discussed the benefits of networking with his co-host and his guests David Amber, Anthony Stewart, Brian Burke, and many more.

More importantly, the podcast has given Roberts the confidence to speak out and contribute to racial discourse and how to handle certain moments as a Black hockey player. 

"It's given me empowerment, for sure," said Roberts. "It's also made it easier to speak out on issues and be more outspoken instead of avoiding certain questions."

"I think the biggest thing is that it gives me a bit of courage to be like these guys," referencing his notable hockey guests like David Amber, Matt Dumba, and Evander Kane, "and be role models for the younger generation."

Circling back to his commitment to Ryerson, Roberts listed the benefits of being close to his hometown of Brampton, Ryerson's prominent hockey program, and the creative media scene as contributing factors, but expressed that Ryerson's diversity and inclusivity also played a significant role for him.

"I can't believe I didn't mention that before," Roberts said when discussing his cultural fit with Ryerson as one of his deciders. "That was actually a big factor. I had thought about going to school in Prince Edward Island and figured I would have been one of the only Black people in the area, and that just wasn't something I wanted. I know Ryerson has a lot of culture and diversity, so that certainly played a big part."

As we celebrate Black History Month during a time where Black athletes have been at the forefront of social justice advocacy, Roberts voiced what Black Excellence in today's game means to him.

"There's not a lot of Black hockey players, so going out to be excellent, and giving it your all is important. You're playing for more than just yourself."

Kyle Bollers, a lifetime friend and Roberts' current roommate, also committed to Ryerson last spring and is an active leader in Black rights advocacy, raising over $1000 for the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club in Toronto by selling t-shirts. 

"It was easier to commit knowing he was also going to be there," said Roberts. 

When looking ahead, Roberts hopes to keep Soul On Ice as an active part of his life, saying, "hopefully we can take the podcast further and make it something to always have on the side."

As for his future Rams career, Roberts is touted as one of the most exciting OUA newcomers for the upcoming season. 

To check out Soul On Ice: The Podcast, visit https://audioboom.com/channels/5028036 

For more academic profiles on our student-athletes, stay tuned to ryersonrams.ca