Prokop, who was drafted by the Nashville Predators last year, me out as gay wh a heartfelt statement to fans this week, an admissn he said he hoped would improve gay visibily wh the hockey muny.
Contents:
- LE PROKOP COM OUT AS GAY AND MAK NHL HISTORY
- NHL PROSPECT LE PROKOP OUT AS GAY, A FIRST FOR THE LEAGUE
- GAY MALE HOCKEY PLAYERS ARE G OUT DROV, AND CHANGG THE SPORT’S CULTURE
- THIS GAY NHL FAN WAS ATTACKED AND IS G FORWARD TO STOP HOMOPHOBIA
- REPORT: NHL ACTUALLY HAS HAD HUNDREDS OF OPENLY GAY PLAYERS FOR YEARS
- PROKOP REFLECTS ON YEAR SCE G OUT AS GAY
- FAMEWATCHER SEARCH PRIMARY MENU SKIP TO NTENT HOMECELEBRY HAIR TRANSPLANTCELEBRY PLASTIC SURGERYCELEBRY LEATHER JACKETBODY SHAPER SEARCH FOR: HOT HOCKEY PLAYERSGAY HOCKEY PLAYERS LIST: COLLEGE AND PRO ATHLET
- 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 nhl fans *
Le Prokop, a prospect for the Nashville Predators, me out as gay on Monday. Nashville Predators prospect Le Prokop has e out as gay, beg the first active player unr ntract to an NHL team to do so.
High-level female hockey players, such as Olympic gold medalist Meghan Duggan, have prevly e out as gay, acrdg to the league. Prokop's announcement ls than a month after Las Vegas Rairs fensive end Carl Nassib beme the first active NFL player to e out as gay.
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.
NHL PROSPECT LE PROKOP OUT AS GAY, A FIRST FOR THE LEAGUE
Many gay male hockey players and officials me out on Outsports this year. Together, they’re makg the sport’s culture more clive. * gay nhl fans *
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. A slew of players me out, and wh each announcement, showed gay people belong on the ice. Gay former hockey player Brock McGillis spoke to Outsports multiple tim this year about the prevalence of homophobia locker rooms.
Durg the quiet of the sprgtime sports shutdowns, two well-known NHL players, Stanley Cup champn Dt Penner and wger Brendan Leipsic, were ught postg horribly homophobic and misogynistic msag on social media. When I go speak, I humanize beg a gay man and playg hockey at high levels.
GAY MALE HOCKEY PLAYERS ARE G OUT DROV, AND CHANGG THE SPORT’S CULTURE
NEW YORK—In the wake of NBA center Jason Colls and U.S. soccer midfielr Robbie Rogers g out as homosexual, reports revealed Friday that the Natnal Hockey League has fact had hundreds of openly gay athlet throughout s history. * gay nhl fans *
Thomas Aquas College Upstate New York, Fkle often heard other players e anti-gay slurs. Fkle told the goalie he was gay, and that language was unacceptable to e on the ice — or anywhere, ankly. There are more openly gay figur all around the world of men’s hockey.
This year alone, longtime NCAA Divisn 1 ref Brian Hicks announced he was gay; player and referee Gordie Mchard me out; pro announcer Jonathan Kliment penned his g-out story.
After a lifetime of hearg gay sults the rk — opponents were always lled “cksuckers” or “fuckg fags” — Wton cid to e out to his teammat a heartfelt speech.
THIS GAY NHL FAN WAS ATTACKED AND IS G FORWARD TO STOP HOMOPHOBIA
Le Prokop said feels much longer than a year sce he beme the first player unr ntract to an NHL team to e out as gay. * gay nhl fans *
Over the last , an creasg number of gay female Olympic hockey players have e out.
REPORT: NHL ACTUALLY HAS HAD HUNDREDS OF OPENLY GAY PLAYERS FOR YEARS
He was playg an ele youth league, but years of homophobia and self-hatred drove him away om the sport. And if someone asks if you are gay, jt look at them olly and say, ‘Yeah, so what? Sure, he would hear the ocsnal homophobic slur at the ural, but he didn’t spend a lot of time thkg about whether those words would one day be directed towards him.
PROKOP REFLECTS ON YEAR SCE G OUT AS GAY
That’s when the anti-gay slurs startg flyg.
Certaly, the overwhelmgly warm rponse to Prokop, the recipient of our 2021 Outsports Male Hero of the Year, dit the NHL is ready for an out gay player. Far too often, sual homophobia is portrayed as an accepted part of male sports culture.
FAMEWATCHER SEARCH PRIMARY MENU SKIP TO NTENT HOMECELEBRY HAIR TRANSPLANTCELEBRY PLASTIC SURGERYCELEBRY LEATHER JACKETBODY SHAPER SEARCH FOR: HOT HOCKEY PLAYERSGAY HOCKEY PLAYERS LIST: COLLEGE AND PRO ATHLET
The act of nmng homophobic slurs needs to bee more normalized than the sults themselv. Soccer midfielr Robbie Rogers g out as homosexual, reports revealed Friday that the Natnal Hockey League has fact had hundreds of openly gay athlet throughout s history. Holot Deniers Expla Why They Deny The HolotOffEnglishSourc nfirmed that gay players have actually been credibly mon the NHL for s, and the league is only now beg creded wh layg the groundwork for the growg acceptance of homosexualy profsnal sports.
“It’s obvly a watershed moment when a player om the NBA announc he’s gay, but most people fet about Montreal Canadiens wger Steve Shutt, who me out back 1972, ” said hockey historian Hank Crerand, notg that Shutt was the first of many gay NHL players to reveal their homosexualy. “Even though gay athlet still rry a stigma today, ’s nothg pared to the ’70s.
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
”“The issue of gay athlet has now reached a major turng pot, and ’s only a matter of time before someone the NFL or MLB out, ” Crerand ntued. ”Sce s origal ceptn 1917 through to the “Origal 6” era of the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, the NHL has reportedly had a long history of gay players and was far ahead of s time batg prejudice and tolerance toward homosexualy wh locker rooms and stadiums.
“Thgs really started to take a turn for the better when Mike Ezne beme the first openly gay pta of an Olympic hockey team to w a gold medal, leadg the U. ”“That kiss really changed a lot of attus wh the hockey muny, ” Crerand Probert, who played 16 seasons for the Detro Red Wgs and Chigo Blackhawks, reportedly had a huge impact on the league as hockey’s “Homo Enforcer, ” timidatg the petn and pummelg opponents wh vic punch.