Gay hockey players are changg the sport’s atavistic culture - Outsports

Contents:

• NHL PROSPECT LE PROKOP OUT AS GAY, A FIRST FOR THE LEAGUE
• PROKOP REFLECTS ON YEAR SCE G OUT AS GAY
• 11 TIM ICE HOCKEY WAS SUPER-AWOME TO GAY PEOPLE"THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NHL IS ONE OF CLN ON THE ICE, OUR LOCKER ROOMS AND THE STANDS."{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}LIFEBY JOSH YOUNGAPRIL 16, 2015/2:53 PMBY JOSH YOUNGAPRIL 16, 2015 / 2:53 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"11 TIM ICE HOCKEY WAS SUPER-AWOME TO GAY PEOPLE","DATEPUBLISHED":"2015-04-16T18:53:30.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2015-04-16T18:53:30.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"JOSH YOUNG","ARTICLESECTN":"LIFE"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SPORTS WORLD HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN THE MOST IENDLY PLACE FOR THE LGBT MUNY BUT, GRADUALLY, THAT'S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ICE HOCKEY HAS CREASGLY BEE A CLIVE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, FOR FANS AND PLAYERS ALIKE, EVEN IF THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO OUT PLAYERS THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“OUR MOTTO IS ‘HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE,’ SAID NHL COMMISSNER GARY BETTMAN LAST YEAR. “THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NHL IS ONE OF CLN ON THE ICE, OUR LOCKER ROOMS AND THE STANDS.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BELOW, CHECK OUT 11 TIM ICE HOCKEY EMBRACED THE LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN ANDREW FERENCE MARCHED A PRI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OILERS' STAR LLED PARTICIPATG EDMONTON'S ANNUAL GAY PRI PARA "A NO BRAER," SAYG THAT "WHETHER ’S A TEAMMATE WHO MIGHT BE THKG ABOUT G OUT, OR WHATEVER—WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ’S AN ACCEPTG ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN PHILALPHIA FLYERS SUT PATRICK BURKE FOUND YOU CAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOU CAN PLAY, WHICH PROMOT EQUALY SPORTS, WAS FOUND BY PHILALPHIA FLYERS SUT PATRICK BURKE 2012, THREE YEARS AFTER THE TRAGIC ATH OF HIS BROTHER, BRENDAN BURKE, WHO MA HEADL WHEN HE ME OUT AS GAY. THEIR FATHER, NHL GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN BURKE, SS ON THE ANIZATN'S BOARD, ALONG WH SEVERAL PRO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, THE NHL AND NATNAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYERS ASSOCIATN FORMALIZED THEIR PARTNERSHIP WH YOU CAN PLAY, MTG TO TN AND TRAG FOR TEAMS, PLAYERS, MEDIA AND FANS, PL THE PRODUCTN AND BROADST OF MORE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"AS NHL PLAYERS, WE ALL STRIVE TO NTRIBUTE TOWARDS HELPG OUR TEAMS ACHIEVE SUCCS ON THE ICE. ANY PLAYER WHO N HELP THOSE EFFORTS SHOULD BE WELED AS A TEAMMATE," SAID WNIPEG JETS FENSEMAN RON HASEY. "THIS PARTNERSHIP SOLIDIFI THE MSAGE THAT THE HOCKEY MUNY BELIEV FAIRNS AND EQUALY FOR EVERYONE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN CAL CAHOW ATTEND THE SOCHI OLYMPICS AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL U.S. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALONG WH OPENLY GAY TENNIS LEGEND BILLIE JEAN KG, OUT HOCKEY PLAYER CAL CAHOW ATTEND THE SOCHI OLYMPIC GAM AS A MEMBER OF THE OFFICIAL UNED STAT LEGATN, CHOSEN BY PRINT OBAMA HIMSELF TO SEND A MSAGE TO RSIA ABOUT CLN. (CAHOW PREVLY PLAYED FOR TEAM USA HERSELF, MEDALG TWICE.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"THE GAM BRG OUT OUR HUMANY AND OUR ABILY TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER, TO VALUE DIGNY AND RPECT," CAHOW WROTE AN EXCLIVE STORY FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN A WOMAN PROPOSED TO HER GIRLIEND AT A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BACK 2012, A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN NAMED ALICIA WAS RTED ONTO THE ICE WEARG A BLDFOLD. WHEN THE BLDFOLD WAS REMOVED, SHE LOOKED UP AT THE VIO SREBOARD AND READ A MSAGE OM HER GIRLIEND, AN OTTAWA SENATORS FAN NAMED {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE PAIR EMBRACED BEFORE CHRISTA GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND SLID THE ENGAGEMENT RG ONTO ALICIA'S HAND. AFTER THE UPLE SHARED A KISS, THE SENATORS MAST RAISED A SIGN THAT CLARED: "SHE SAID YES."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE EDMONTON OILERS BEME THE FIRST NHL TEAM TO E "PRI TAPE"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DIGNED BY KRIS WELLS AT THE UNIVERSY OF ALABAMA, THE RABOW-LORED TAPE WAS MEANT TO SERVE AS "A BADGE OF SUPPORT OM THE HOCKEY WORLD TO YOUNG LGBT PLAYERS" WHEN WRAPPED AROUND THE END OF A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OILERS EMBRACED THAT MSAGE JANUARY, WHEN THEY BEME THE FIRST PRO TEAM TO E THE TAPE, AT THE ANNUAL SKILLS COMPETN AT REXALL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE CHIGO GAY HOCKEY ASSOCIATN VERED MARIAH CAREY'S "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;POSN:RELATIVE;PADDG-BOTTOM:56.49999999999999%;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;POSN:ABSOLUTE;HEIGHT:100% !IMPORTANT;WIDTH:100% !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, THE CHIGO GAY HOCKEY ASSOCIATN THST THE CHRISTMAS SPIR ONTO ALL OF WH A TOO-ADORABLE-FOR-WORDS VER OF MARIAH CAREY’S “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE CGHA, NOW S 13TH YEAR, PROVIS A NON-DISCRIMATORY ENVIRONMENT WHICH ANY LOVER OF HOCKEY--NOVICE, PRO, MALE, FEMALE, STRAIGHT, GAY--N PLAY THE SPORT THEY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE FLORIDA PANTHERS HOSTED THE NHL'S FIRST PRI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FLORIDA PANTHERS BEME THE NATNAL HOCKEY LEAGUE’S FIRST ANCHISE TO SPONSOR AN LGBT NIGHT WH THEIR "YOU CAN PLAY EQUALY NIGHT".{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’M A HUGE BELIEVER DIVERSY THIS WORLD,” SAID PANTHERS ACH KEV DEEN. “WE ARE A FAY THAT HAS STRONG FAH AND BELIEFS BUT WE’RE VERY UNRSTANDG OF EVERY SUATN AND THAT’S OUR WORLD NOW… OUR WORLD HAS CHANGED.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE KINA IF HOCKEY TEAM BEME THE FIRST LGBT-CERTIFIED SPORTS CLUB {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN JUNE OF LAST YEAR, KINA IF BEE THE NATN'S FIRST LGBT-CERTIFIED SPORTS TEAM, ANNOUNCG THEY'D BE SWCHG THEIR UNIFORMS TO RABOW LORED MATCH JERSEYS A SHOWG OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"BY SETTG A GOOD EXAMPLE, KINA IF WANT TO PREVENT BULLYG AND EXCLN AND CREATE THE BT OPPORTUNI FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY AND LOVE HOCKEY," THE CLUB ANNOUNCED A PRS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE OWNER OF THE MONTREAL CANADIENS SAID HE'D WELE A GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SAME DAY JASON COLLS RETIRED OM THE NBA LAST NOVEMBER, MONTREAL CANADIENS CEO AND -OWNER GEOFF MOLSON MA CLEAR HIS TEAM WOULD WELE AN OPENLY GAY PLAYER. “I N ONLY SPEAK FOR THE MONTREAL CANADIENS ON A QUTN LIKE THAT, AND THERE IS AN EXTREMELY OPEN ENVIRONMENT,” SAID MOLSON. “NOT ONLY WH OUR TEAM, BUT ALSO WH OUR FANS. EVERYONE AND EVERYBODY IS WELE THE MONTREAL CANADIENS ANIZATN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN SEAN AVERY BEME AN LGBT ALLY AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[PTN ID="ATTACHMENT_144859" ALIGN="ALIGNNONE" WIDTH="500"] AVERY WH BFF ANDY COHEN[/PTN]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FORMER NEW YORK RANGER SAYS HIS WORK WH THE LGBT MUNY STEMS OM HIS TIME ON THE ICE:"I WAS SUCH A BULLY WHEN I HAD MY UNIFORM ON, THAT WHEN I TOOK OFF I FELT THE NEED TO STAND UP AGAST THE BULLY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AVERY PUBLICLY BACKED MARRIAGE EQUALY WHEN WAS BEG BATED THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE, IS A BOARD MEMBER OF ATHLETE ALLY AND HAS LLED ON THE NHL TO ADDRS ANTI-GAY LANGUAGE ED BY PLAYERS—SOMETHG HE WNSED FIRST {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“MY BELIEF IS THE RPONSIBILY LI WH THE LEAGU, THE WAY THEY DISCIPLE PLAYERS, THE POSN THEY TAKE AND E EVERY-DAY CINTS," HE SAID. "ONE GUY’LL GET SLAPPED WH A FE, THE NEXT DAY NOTHG WILL HAPPEN. THERE NEEDS TO BE NSISTENCY.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE STANLEY CUP ME OUT AT CHIGO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CHIGO BLACKHAWKS PRINT JOHN MCDONOUGH MA A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE 35-POUND STANLEY CUP TO BE FLOWN BACK OM LOS ANGEL, SE OF THE NHL DRAFT, SO ULD APPEAR CHIGO'S PRI PARA. "IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE CY AND IMPORTANT FOR THE ANCHISE," MCDONOUGH TOLD THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• LE PROKOP COM OUT AS GAY AND MAK NHL HISTORY
• GAY MALE HOCKEY PLAYERS ARE G OUT DROV, AND CHANGG THE SPORT’S CULTURE

NHL PROSPECT LE PROKOP OUT AS GAY, A FIRST FOR THE LEAGUE

Atralian A-League soccer star Josh Cavallo me out as gay an October vio posted to his social media, beg hailed as the first current male top-flight profsnal soccer player to publicly do so. I'm a footballer and I'm gay. "He ntued: "Growg up I always felt the need to hi myself, you know, bee I was ashamed, and ashamed I'll never be able to do what I love and be gay.

In a September terview wh USA Today, 25-year-old mor league baseball player beme the only active baseball profsnal to be out as gay! Natnal Hockey League prospect Le Prokop me out as gay July, the first active player the league to e out.

PROKOP REFLECTS ON YEAR SCE G OUT AS GAY

"I am proud to publicly tell everyone that I am gay, " he wrote a heartfelt msage on social media.

The 28-year-old Natnal Football League player and Rairs fensive leman ma history when he me out as gay on Instagram durg Pri Month, beg the first veteran NFL player to e out as gay while signed to a regular-season ntract. I jt wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay. The Bachelor star and former football player (who was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted ee agent and was on the practice squad of the Oakland Rairs and the Philalphia Eagl) me out as gay April, sayg he had fally e to terms wh his sexualy and the "next step all of this was sort of lettg people know.

"He wanted everyone to know he was "still the same Colton everybody met on TV" and is "proud to be gay. Hiltz had prevly e out as gay while llege and has been a visible and affirmg prence for gay athlet the past.

11 TIM ICE HOCKEY WAS SUPER-AWOME TO GAY PEOPLE"THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NHL IS ONE OF CLN ON THE ICE, OUR LOCKER ROOMS AND THE STANDS."{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}LIFEBY JOSH YOUNGAPRIL 16, 2015/2:53 PMBY JOSH YOUNGAPRIL 16, 2015 / 2:53 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"11 TIM ICE HOCKEY WAS SUPER-AWOME TO GAY PEOPLE","DATEPUBLISHED":"2015-04-16T18:53:30.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2015-04-16T18:53:30.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"JOSH YOUNG","ARTICLESECTN":"LIFE"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SPORTS WORLD HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN THE MOST IENDLY PLACE FOR THE LGBT MUNY BUT, GRADUALLY, THAT'S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ICE HOCKEY HAS CREASGLY BEE A CLIVE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, FOR FANS AND PLAYERS ALIKE, EVEN IF THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO OUT PLAYERS THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“OUR MOTTO IS ‘HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE,’ SAID NHL COMMISSNER GARY BETTMAN LAST YEAR. “THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NHL IS ONE OF CLN ON THE ICE, OUR LOCKER ROOMS AND THE STANDS.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BELOW, CHECK OUT 11 TIM ICE HOCKEY EMBRACED THE LGBT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN ANDREW FERENCE MARCHED A PRI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OILERS' STAR LLED PARTICIPATG EDMONTON'S ANNUAL GAY PRI PARA "A NO BRAER," SAYG THAT "WHETHER ’S A TEAMMATE WHO MIGHT BE THKG ABOUT G OUT, OR WHATEVER—WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ’S AN ACCEPTG ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN PHILALPHIA FLYERS SUT PATRICK BURKE FOUND YOU CAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}YOU CAN PLAY, WHICH PROMOT EQUALY SPORTS, WAS FOUND BY PHILALPHIA FLYERS SUT PATRICK BURKE 2012, THREE YEARS AFTER THE TRAGIC ATH OF HIS BROTHER, BRENDAN BURKE, WHO MA HEADL WHEN HE ME OUT AS GAY. THEIR FATHER, NHL GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN BURKE, SS ON THE ANIZATN'S BOARD, ALONG WH SEVERAL PRO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, THE NHL AND NATNAL HOCKEY LEAGUE PLAYERS ASSOCIATN FORMALIZED THEIR PARTNERSHIP WH YOU CAN PLAY, MTG TO TN AND TRAG FOR TEAMS, PLAYERS, MEDIA AND FANS, PL THE PRODUCTN AND BROADST OF MORE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"AS NHL PLAYERS, WE ALL STRIVE TO NTRIBUTE TOWARDS HELPG OUR TEAMS ACHIEVE SUCCS ON THE ICE. ANY PLAYER WHO N HELP THOSE EFFORTS SHOULD BE WELED AS A TEAMMATE," SAID WNIPEG JETS FENSEMAN RON HASEY. "THIS PARTNERSHIP SOLIDIFI THE MSAGE THAT THE HOCKEY MUNY BELIEV FAIRNS AND EQUALY FOR EVERYONE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN CAL CAHOW ATTEND THE SOCHI OLYMPICS AS PART OF THE OFFICIAL U.S. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALONG WH OPENLY GAY TENNIS LEGEND BILLIE JEAN KG, OUT HOCKEY PLAYER CAL CAHOW ATTEND THE SOCHI OLYMPIC GAM AS A MEMBER OF THE OFFICIAL UNED STAT LEGATN, CHOSEN BY PRINT OBAMA HIMSELF TO SEND A MSAGE TO RSIA ABOUT CLN. (CAHOW PREVLY PLAYED FOR TEAM USA HERSELF, MEDALG TWICE.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"THE GAM BRG OUT OUR HUMANY AND OUR ABILY TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER, TO VALUE DIGNY AND RPECT," CAHOW WROTE AN EXCLIVE STORY FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN A WOMAN PROPOSED TO HER GIRLIEND AT A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BACK 2012, A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN NAMED ALICIA WAS RTED ONTO THE ICE WEARG A BLDFOLD. WHEN THE BLDFOLD WAS REMOVED, SHE LOOKED UP AT THE VIO SREBOARD AND READ A MSAGE OM HER GIRLIEND, AN OTTAWA SENATORS FAN NAMED {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE PAIR EMBRACED BEFORE CHRISTA GOT DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND SLID THE ENGAGEMENT RG ONTO ALICIA'S HAND. AFTER THE UPLE SHARED A KISS, THE SENATORS MAST RAISED A SIGN THAT CLARED: "SHE SAID YES."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE EDMONTON OILERS BEME THE FIRST NHL TEAM TO E "PRI TAPE"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DIGNED BY KRIS WELLS AT THE UNIVERSY OF ALABAMA, THE RABOW-LORED TAPE WAS MEANT TO SERVE AS "A BADGE OF SUPPORT OM THE HOCKEY WORLD TO YOUNG LGBT PLAYERS" WHEN WRAPPED AROUND THE END OF A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OILERS EMBRACED THAT MSAGE JANUARY, WHEN THEY BEME THE FIRST PRO TEAM TO E THE TAPE, AT THE ANNUAL SKILLS COMPETN AT REXALL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE CHIGO GAY HOCKEY ASSOCIATN VERED MARIAH CAREY'S "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;POSN:RELATIVE;PADDG-BOTTOM:56.49999999999999%;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;POSN:ABSOLUTE;HEIGHT:100% !IMPORTANT;WIDTH:100% !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, THE CHIGO GAY HOCKEY ASSOCIATN THST THE CHRISTMAS SPIR ONTO ALL OF WH A TOO-ADORABLE-FOR-WORDS VER OF MARIAH CAREY’S “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE CGHA, NOW S 13TH YEAR, PROVIS A NON-DISCRIMATORY ENVIRONMENT WHICH ANY LOVER OF HOCKEY--NOVICE, PRO, MALE, FEMALE, STRAIGHT, GAY--N PLAY THE SPORT THEY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE FLORIDA PANTHERS HOSTED THE NHL'S FIRST PRI {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FLORIDA PANTHERS BEME THE NATNAL HOCKEY LEAGUE’S FIRST ANCHISE TO SPONSOR AN LGBT NIGHT WH THEIR "YOU CAN PLAY EQUALY NIGHT".{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’M A HUGE BELIEVER DIVERSY THIS WORLD,” SAID PANTHERS ACH KEV DEEN. “WE ARE A FAY THAT HAS STRONG FAH AND BELIEFS BUT WE’RE VERY UNRSTANDG OF EVERY SUATN AND THAT’S OUR WORLD NOW… OUR WORLD HAS CHANGED.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE KINA IF HOCKEY TEAM BEME THE FIRST LGBT-CERTIFIED SPORTS CLUB {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN JUNE OF LAST YEAR, KINA IF BEE THE NATN'S FIRST LGBT-CERTIFIED SPORTS TEAM, ANNOUNCG THEY'D BE SWCHG THEIR UNIFORMS TO RABOW LORED MATCH JERSEYS A SHOWG OF {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"BY SETTG A GOOD EXAMPLE, KINA IF WANT TO PREVENT BULLYG AND EXCLN AND CREATE THE BT OPPORTUNI FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE TO PLAY AND LOVE HOCKEY," THE CLUB ANNOUNCED A PRS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE OWNER OF THE MONTREAL CANADIENS SAID HE'D WELE A GAY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE SAME DAY JASON COLLS RETIRED OM THE NBA LAST NOVEMBER, MONTREAL CANADIENS CEO AND -OWNER GEOFF MOLSON MA CLEAR HIS TEAM WOULD WELE AN OPENLY GAY PLAYER. “I N ONLY SPEAK FOR THE MONTREAL CANADIENS ON A QUTN LIKE THAT, AND THERE IS AN EXTREMELY OPEN ENVIRONMENT,” SAID MOLSON. “NOT ONLY WH OUR TEAM, BUT ALSO WH OUR FANS. EVERYONE AND EVERYBODY IS WELE THE MONTREAL CANADIENS ANIZATN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN SEAN AVERY BEME AN LGBT ALLY AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}[PTN ID="ATTACHMENT_144859" ALIGN="ALIGNNONE" WIDTH="500"] AVERY WH BFF ANDY COHEN[/PTN]{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE FORMER NEW YORK RANGER SAYS HIS WORK WH THE LGBT MUNY STEMS OM HIS TIME ON THE ICE:"I WAS SUCH A BULLY WHEN I HAD MY UNIFORM ON, THAT WHEN I TOOK OFF I FELT THE NEED TO STAND UP AGAST THE BULLY."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AVERY PUBLICLY BACKED MARRIAGE EQUALY WHEN WAS BEG BATED THE NEW YORK LEGISLATURE, IS A BOARD MEMBER OF ATHLETE ALLY AND HAS LLED ON THE NHL TO ADDRS ANTI-GAY LANGUAGE ED BY PLAYERS—SOMETHG HE WNSED FIRST {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“MY BELIEF IS THE RPONSIBILY LI WH THE LEAGU, THE WAY THEY DISCIPLE PLAYERS, THE POSN THEY TAKE AND E EVERY-DAY CINTS," HE SAID. "ONE GUY’LL GET SLAPPED WH A FE, THE NEXT DAY NOTHG WILL HAPPEN. THERE NEEDS TO BE NSISTENCY.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN THE STANLEY CUP ME OUT AT CHIGO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CHIGO BLACKHAWKS PRINT JOHN MCDONOUGH MA A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE 35-POUND STANLEY CUP TO BE FLOWN BACK OM LOS ANGEL, SE OF THE NHL DRAFT, SO ULD APPEAR CHIGO'S PRI PARA. "IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE CY AND IMPORTANT FOR THE ANCHISE," MCDONOUGH TOLD THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Corey Walsh, the 27-year-old pro BMX rir and Vans spokperson, said he isn't normally the type of person to "let people " on his personal life, but felt was important to e out as gay a March Instagram post bee "there are a lot of people still stgglg wh the same suatns" and he "jt wanted to let people know that they are not alone. Champn long track speedskater Conor McDermott-Mostowy never hid beg gay om his fay, iends, and fellow athlet, but he also wasn't one to rate his locker wh rabow Pri flags eher. He ially feared negative stereotyp about gay male athlet but threw those ncerns asi after his two-tle performance at the U.

LE PROKOP COM OUT AS GAY AND MAK NHL HISTORY

Natnal Hockey League prospect Le Prokop me out as gay via a heartfelt statement to fans Monday, sayg he hoped would improve gay visibily wh the hockey muny. “I hope that sharg who I am I n help other people see that gay people are wele the hockey muny, as we work to make sure that hockey is tly for everyone, ” he wrote. Prokop hasn’t played an NHL game yet, but if he do, he’ll jo que a small club: There have only been two openly gay active players the four largt US sports leagu – Carl Nassib of the NFL’s Las Vegas Rairs, who me out last month, and Jason Colls, an NBA veteran who me out 2013 and retired the followg season.

Homophobic language is often ed among ach and players on youth sports teams. This n evolve to lastg homophobic attus or e gay players to hi their sexualy om their teammat, said Erik Denison, a behavral scientist and lead rearcher on the Sport Incln Project at Monash Universy Atralia, a June terview wh CNN.

Along wh the ual warmup jersey ctn and rabow stick tape, there was a ceremonial puck drop wh Alexanr Roque of the New York Gay Hockey Associatn, and the Natnal Anthem was sung by Wren Rivera, a nonbary actor. He me out as gay on social media 2021. After he me out as gay publicly 2009, he worked towards batg homophobia hockey.

GAY MALE HOCKEY PLAYERS ARE G OUT DROV, AND CHANGG THE SPORT’S CULTURE

But even wh the NHL’s queer outreach efforts over the last few years, ’s hard to believe the league’s assertns that “hockey is for everyone” when racist and homophobic slurs are still hurled out on the ice by active players at all levels of play.

Jt lookg at the repli to all those Pri Night tweets, you’ll fd plenty homophobic repli. The play-by-play broadster for Uti, the New Jersey Devils' Amerin Hockey League affiliate, publicly me out as gay October 2021, fluenced by Prokop's cisn. "I want to be the first openly gay player to play the NHL, " he said.