The Scotty Gomez Foundation Story

Scott is a first generation Mexican, Colombian, American who has paved the way for more diversity and inclusion in hockey. Scott was often a target of racial slurs because of the rarity of his culture in the sport. One of the most vivid events was when a player called Scott a “spic” during a High School playoff game. Scott didn’t know what that meant and had to ask his mother Dalia the meaning behind it. At first Scott was hurt but then he laughed it off and played harder.

The Devils brought Scott to their locker room as a 17-year-old after being noticed during a tour with Team USA and he impressed general manager, Lou Lamoriello. In 1998, At 18-years-old Scotty was the first Latino ever to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft, by the Devils as their #1 choice.

Scott was an all-star, a member of a Stanley Cup championship team in 2000 and awarded the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year before he turned 21. Scott won the Stanley Cup again in 2003 and went on to play an impressive 16 seasons with multiple organizations; New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Florida Panthers.

Scott briefly was the assistant coach for the New York Islanders (NHL) and in 2024 he became the head coach and general manager of the Surrey Eagles (BCHL), where he played his first junior hockey.

The Foundation bears Scotty’s name, but the story of the Foundation is really about Scotty’s dad and the Gomez family. It’s a story of humble beginnings and the American Dream.

Carlos was born in Modesto, California and as a young child was deported with his entire family to Mexico where the family lived in a small village two hours from Puerto Vallarta. Carlos’ mom was determined to escape their poverty. To get by Carlos’ family needed to separate and he moved around living in a mix of different homes; with a dear aunt, older sister, and two American families. Beginning in his teenage years Carlos worked to support himself and his family. Carlos received a scholarship to attend the University of California, San Diego but attended just one quarter before he was required to quit to generate enough money to help his mother support the family.

Carlos knows first-hand that economically disadvantaged kids don’t always get the chances they deserve. He understands the lives they live and the challenges they face. Carlos is the first to tell you all the disadvantages that come with that type of lifestyle; “I’ve lived it and survived it. That’s why I am determined to give all kids opportunities.”

Carlos moved to Alaska in 1972 to work in construction. Carlos met and married Dalia who was born in Medellin, Colombia, and has lived in Anchorage since she was 9 years old. Dalia is the heart and soul of the Gomez family and has dedicated her life to raising her children and grandchildren.

Dalia and Carlos raised their family in a modest home in the quiet neighborhood of Airport Heights in East Anchorage. Airport Heights boasts two ice rinks, one at the elementary school that all the Gomez kids attended and one at the municipal Tikishla Park.

When Scott was four years old, Carlos took him to a hockey game at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. This is where Scott’s love for the game began. While not poor, the family was not wealthy. As a new hockey player, Scott was disadvantaged even at age four. He didn’t know how to skate; his family didn’t have the resources to support the costs of equipment, ice time, and associated costs. Carlos was determined to raise funds and always give Scott the opportunity.

Carlos tells stories about raising funds relentlessly. He recalls working in midtown Anchorage and a worker from another union yelled across the site, “Hey Gomez! When are you going to sell me another pizza?” Carlos was constantly fundraising for Scott and in charge of the East High School hockey booster club. Through these efforts Carlos built incredible friendships and relationships with individuals and corporate donors that continue to support the Foundation’s work to this day.