NHL & NHLPA celebrate Pride Month
June 18, 2021
In recognition of International Pride Month, this June we’re spotlighting some of the incredible organizations and individuals in our network working to achieve equal justice and equal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we feature Beyond Sport Founding Supporter, the NHL and its Players' Association the NHLPA.
This month, the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) are celebrating Pride Month as part of their year-round Hockey Is For Everyone initiative. The initiative uses the game of hockey - and the League's global influence - to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities.
This year focuses on 'Why Pride Matters,' with people from across the hockey community sharing personal stories on the importance of fostering a welcoming environment in the locker room, front office and in the stands. The stories are being posted across the League's social and digital platforms throughout the month. The NHL and NHLPA's partnership with the You Can Play Project and Pride Tape is also continuing this season.
"We are fortunate to have incredible members of the LGBTQ+ community as fans, Players and employees in the game of hockey today," said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. "The NHL's celebration of Pride has gained strength and meaning over the years, and while we take this month to honor those who are accelerating inclusion in the sport, our aim is to continue to improve hockey experiences for all who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer."
Also hosted on NHL’s Pride website is a series of stories highlighting members in the community who are actively being inclusive allies and working to break down stereotypes. One features the New York City Gay Hockey Association, an organization that is looking to create a scholarship fund to help members who have been impacted by the pandemic pay for ice time and fees. And later this month a story will feature the Seattle Pride Classic which will become the first-ever game hosted by the Seattle Pride Hockey Association, just a few months before the NHL's 32nd franchise drops the puck.
"While the Players proudly celebrate Pride Month together with the NHL, it is important that we work to ensure hockey is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, including all members of the LGBTQ+ community," said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA Special Assistant to the Executive Director.
Stories will culminate on June 25, NHL Pride Day, which will be a virtual day on social media focused on uniting the entire hockey family, both LGBTQ+ teammates and allies. Fans are encouraged to participate and follow the conversation using the hashtag #NHLPride.
NHL Pride Day will also feature content from NHL teams who hosted Pride Games this season. For nearly a decade, teams have been hosting Pride Games with participation from Players, Club executives, local LGBTQ+ organizations and fans. Earlier this season, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres co-hosted the first-ever joint Pride Game, with Players stepping onto the ice for warmups wearing the Progress Pride Flag on their sleeve. The game brought together two cities, sharing stories of inclusion, hope and allyship.