Equality in Hockey -
There have been terrible instances in the amazing history of hockey where players have faced discrimination because of their race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This has no place in our sport. Regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, your teammate is still your teammate. We should all be able to enjoy this game as we all cherish it. It is crucial to provide an inclusive hockey environment for athletes who identify as LGBTQ+, women, and people of color. “We need to shift hockey culture,” Gay Former hockey player Brock McGillis said. “To me, the way to do it is, we need to humanize these issues. When I go speak, I humanize being a gay man and playing hockey at high levels. I don’t think any of these players understand the impact it has.”
Every year the NHL hosts programs promoting equality in sports one of which being the "Hockey is For Everyone" program. In warm-ups the players use pride tape on their sticks to promote equality among members of the LGTBQ+ community. This program is extremely important for the development of the sport. Many NHL players are very outspoken about their support for the LGTBQ+ community especially former NHL player Kurtis Gabriel. Be like Kurtis, and remember that inclusion is always the way to go!
Hockey is a diverse sport played by both men and women and is incredibly fun to watch. The men's league is called the NHL and the women's league is called the PWHL. The PWHL was established in August 2023. There are currently six teams in the PWHL, three from the U.S. and three from Canada. At the conclusion of their regular season they complete for the Walter Cup. Many young girls compete on boys ice hockey teams like myself and it is very fun and I've had both great interactions and not so great interactions with people on my teams. Always be sure to support women in sports and women in hockey!
