"Very raw, talented guy:" Jonathan Diaby the first African-American to serve a full season with the Admirals

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Collectively, the Milwaukee Admirals try to win hockey games as a team. Individually, the Admirals players are trying to advance to the National Hockey League. One Milwaukee product has no trouble getting noticed.

The Milwaukee Admirals have had their share of players over the years -- 890 of them in fact since 1977. They have never had an African-American player with them for a full season before now.

Jonathan Diaby is a 20-year-old Canadian defenseman who is drawing notice for his play, and admittedly, his skin color.

"Maybe a bit less now. I mean, people are growing up. It's 2015. The racism is kind of going away, but you still feel it a bit. Like you said, being the only black guy, people notice it for sure. People look at you or hear some stuff sometimes, but it's no big deal," Diaby said.

"I was in the NHL when Europeans weren't wanted, or Russians weren't wanted. Now, it's like everybody who can play the game. It doesn't matter where you're from or what color you are. If you can play the game, if you're a good person, it gives you an opportunity to have success,"Admirals Head Coach Dean Evason said.

So what's the report on Diaby?

"He's made great strides this year -- great strides. Very raw, talented guy. Big, strong -- skates extremely well. He has to find his balance of aggressiveness and calmness," Coach Evason said.

"I'm 20 years old. I'm still young. First year of pro for me. There's still a lot of time, a lot of work to do. I'm exactly where I wanted to be, and I just have to keep working," Diaby said.

So does Diaby feel he's judged at all on anything other than his hockey ability?

"No, I don't think so. Not anymore. Maybe back in the day, but like I said, the managers, team owners and stuff, they just want to win, you know? It's what the game is about. We've got Asian guys, black guys -- wherever we are from, how tall you are doesn't matter. If you can help the team win, they're going to keep you, and if not, like I've said, they're just going to push you away," Diaby said.

The next step for Diaby is to be called up to the NHL's Nashville Predators, where the team envisions pairing him with Seth Jones -- a highly touted, young, skilled player. He is the son of former NBA player Popeye Jones, and like Diaby, he's African-American.

"Exactly. Two black guys. Hopefully maybe one day we play together. Hopefully if I get a spot on the team. For sure. It could be fun," Diaby said.

The Milwaukee Admirals play at home Friday night, April 3rd. They have a half-dozen games remaining before the playoffs.