![]() "I know here in Edmonton, we strongly believe hockey is for everyone and strongly support Pride night," said captain Connor McDavid.Įveryone is welcome at our rink. "To show that we care and that we're ready and willing to include them in our game and in our sport is incredibly important to me."Įdmonton has not worn themed jerseys for its Pride games, but players used rainbow stick tape during warm-ups ahead of its annual celebration Saturday. On the contrary, I think it's extremely important to be open and welcoming to that greater community, just because they're a minority and they've faced a lot of persecution over the years. ![]() "It doesn't go against any of my beliefs. If I were in that position, I would wear one," said Oilers forward Zach Hyman. Other NHL teams have continued with big Pride celebrations, with high-profile players speaking out in support. It’s ignited a debate over inclusivity and personal freedom in pro-hockey. NHL teams have long held annual Pride nights to celebrate LGBTQ people and promote inclusivity, but controversy has bubbled this season as an increasing number of players have refused to take part.ĭuration 2:02 Canadian NHL players Mark and Eric Staal are the latest to join a handful of others who are refusing to wear Pride-themed warm-up jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community. ![]() ![]() So by getting young adults and adults out there, the exposure itself will hopefully help people critically think about what they're doing and the impact it has on people they know." 'That player believes that those teammates hate him' We lack exposure in this world, we lack identities in this world. "The more people are exposed to those that are different than themselves, the more likely they are to not judge, not be anti-LGBTQ+. "I think is just a testament that we have to build up community and work with our members to feel good," said McGillis, who played in the Ontario Hockey League, the United Hockey League and in the Netherlands. Whether it’s through coaching, sitting on boards, managing teams, playing - whatever it is, let’s start giving them tools to take part,” he said.NHL players refusing to participate in Pride nights around the league shows hockey still isn't safe for a number of LGBTQ people, says one of the first male professional players to publicly come out as gay.īrock McGillis is working to change the sport he loves through a new non-profit, Alphabet Sports Collective, which looks to make hockey safer for people of all sexualities and gender identities. “Let’s give them tools where they feel good to be a part of the hockey ecosystem in any capacity they want. That means pairing aspiring coaches with veterans already working behind the bench, and people who want to sit on boards with those who have experience, McGillis said. The new non-profit is currently working on connecting people who want to get involved in hockey at a variety of levels with mentors who can help them succeed. “I think it shows that there are people who are across the industry, that there’s more of us who want to become an inclusive and equitable space, and that there are people who are willing to do the work,” she said. The support the group has received so far has been huge, Ugarte added. Working within the existing hockey community to create change is key, said co-founder Gabriela Ugarte.Īlphabet Sports Collective is working to connect ambassadors to promote messages of inclusion, and critically analyze their own language and behaviours, she said. “And then all of a sudden, I’m seeing all these people who represent essentially that world, here saying, ‘No, we want this to be good for people like you and all people.’ ” It didn’t feel like a good space to me,” McGillis said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.
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