NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr is applauding the many players who have taken a stand against racism and police brutality.

"I'm really proud of the guys," Fehr recently told The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton. "They understand it's an important moment. They understand what the issues are, at least in the grand scope. And they're making their voice heard. Not everybody, but quite a lot. And that's to their credit."

Fehr is more than familiar with protests for social causes. He grew up during the civil rights era and was unable to attend his college graduation at the University of Indiana because it was scheduled to take place a week after the Kent State shootings amid peaceful Vietnam War demonstrations in 1970.

He's hopeful the Black Lives Matter movement brings about significant change for the better.

"These are issues which have always been important and fundamental and around which you need to make progress," Fehr said. "The hope is that in one fashion or another, the current state of events will result in that kind of progress and meaningful progress being made."

Over 100 NHLers have voiced their support for the cause over the last week or so, following the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25.

The Floyd incident - which ignited protests around the world after being captured on video - was the latest example of white officers' or civilians' conduct leading to the death of a black person.

The NHL is creating four committees to address diversity issues at all levels of the sport.

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