Just think, by the time the next round of guys are playing at the AHL level like the Marlies here, some of them will have already had a chance to experience an inclusive You Can Play Project work environment as NHL prospects.

The NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play Project shared fantastic news today of their “historic partnership” that will bring the You Can Play Project’s message and resources to all 30 teams across the league.

In establishing an inclusive work environment by partnering with You Can Play Project, the NHL and the NHLPA now stands as the first of the major sports leagues in North America to embrace the message of judging players based on “talent, heart, desire and work ethic — and not on the basis of sexual orientation or other discriminatory factors.” (youcanplay.com)

» Continue reading “NHL, NHLPA & You Can Play Project Announce Historic Partnership”

In a move that shocked no one, the Toronto Marlies were the first American Hockey League team to join up with You Can Play and sign a pledge to fight homophobia in the sports world:

The AHL and You Can Play are also in talks to add other teams to the mix. This is a great thing to see from the highest level of minor-league hockey, and I hope more organizations and players come forward with their support. As the Marlies are the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, and Brian Burke is the Maple Leafs’ GM, it was only a matter of time before they would hop on board. (That said, bonus points to the Marlies for adding racist and sexist behavior to the pledge. Awesome stuff.)

The video will be played during the Marlies’ games, and two copies of the pledge have been signed and hung both in the locker room and in Ricoh Coliseum, their home arena. Job well done, boys.

San Jose Sharks’ forward Tommy Wingels is staying busy following the completion of his rookie NHL season. Wingels was the Sharks’ nominee for the Masterton trophy, largely due to his with with the You Can Play Project. He is an advisory board member on the project, and You Can Play’s co-founder Patrick Burke made the announcement that Tommy would be marching in Chicago’s Pride parade today.

“Our family and everyone at You Can Play are once again overwhelmed by Tommy’s generosity and commitment to our cause,” Burke told CSNCalifornia.com. “He called us looking to find a way to get involved with his hometown pride parade as part of his continued support for LGBT athletes.” (Quote Source: CSN Bay Area)

This isn’t the first time an NHLer has been involved in Chicago Pride. Brent Sopel and the Stanley Cup took part in the parade not long after the ‘Hawks won their championship in 2010.

Kudos to Tommy, the Sharks, and the NHL for their continued efforts to promote equality in sports.

Update: Patrick Burke tweeted a picture of Tommy marching with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association this afternoon.

(Photo: Damien D./flickr)

We always manage to find some real gems regarding issues, both in the hockey world and elsewhere, here on Aerys. What I’m about to discuss today stems from this article by Huffington Post Canada writer David Menzies. It was written about two months ago, which makes it somewhat old news, but it still merits talking about.

Basically, Mr. Menzies accuses Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke of “latching onto” the gay rights movement as a means of trying to make himself look good. Mr. Burke and his son, Patrick, have helped found You Can Play, an organization helping gay athletes in every sport, including hockey. The project is partly in memory of Patrick’s brother, Brendan, who died in a car accident. Brendan was a gay hockey player and fought for acceptance in the hockey community, not just for himself, but for others.

» Continue reading “To David Menzies, With Love.”