Ottawa Senators Prospect Goes Viral for Wearing Durag on Ice

OTTAWA, Canada — Ottawa Senators prospect Djibril Touré has gone viral after being seen wearing a durag under his helmet during a recent exhibition game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 13. The video, which has attracted millions of views, showcases a moment that many are calling a first in hockey.

During the game, Touré got into a scuffle that caused his helmet to come off, revealing the durag he has worn to protect his hair. While he previously wore the durag during last season’s minor leagues without much fuss, this incident has brought it into the spotlight.

“We’ve never seen anything like that before, a player wearing an actual durag in any hockey game. And then it catches on like wildfire, and people are actually celebrating it,” said Julian Mackenzie, a reporter for The Athletic who covers the Senators. The NHL has yet to comment on its policies regarding durags, but the Senators organization is fully supportive of Touré.

Godlove Ngwafusi, co-founder of the African Hockey Association, expressed his support, stating, “This is who he is, this is who he put on the table, or on the ice as the case may be. If he comes with a durag, that’s what it’s going to be.”

Touré expressed his hope that his visibility would inspire younger players. “There’s always going to be pioneers for doing things first, and I’m happy to show the younger people to not be afraid,” he said.

Mackenzie emphasized the significance of Touré’s choice, noting how it could empower kids interested in hockey. “A kid right now who wants to play hockey and protect their braids could point at that moment and say, ‘If he’s able to do that around NHL players, why can’t I do that in my minor hockey league?’”

Looking ahead, Touré has aspirations of playing in NHL games this season and plans to continue wearing his durag whenever he competes.