When you think of a hockey player, the first thing to pop into your mind is some buff guy with missing teeth, tattoos, scars and a Canadian or Russian accent. Yes, that's more or less a majority of NHL teams, but this month the NHL is focusing on changing what it means to be a hockey player.
February has become, "Hockey is For Everyone" month. The main focus of this campaign is to,"drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities," according to the mission statement. By doing this, the NHL hopes to get more players, coaches, and fans involved in the league, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, nation origin, and socio-economic status.
The NHL has done amazing things for different charities. Hockey Fights Cancer is the largest display of unity in the hockey community as they band together and raise money for different cancer charities throughout the month of October, and the season. NHL teams and players are largely involved with different veterans programs as well, hosting families, charity nights and auctions to benefit those who serve our country. There's no shortage of smiles, tears, and support when the NHL gets involved with any cause.
Shirts and hockey gear have been rolled out for each team to allow fans to show their support. Online, fans can buy pride shirts, featuring the logo in the pride colors. If you're wondering, I already purchased one for my Penguins. There's pride stick tape which many teams have been using during warm-ups and games. Fans can also purchase packs of the 'Pride Tape' to use just like the pros.
Every day throughout February, different teams will have "Hockey is For Everyone" games, featuring ambassadors for puck drops, and special guests. On February 9th, Fatima Al Ali dropped the puck at the Capitals and Red Wings game, even snagging a selife with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg. Ali is a female hockey player for the United Arab Emirates women's national team. She was invited to Washington D.C. by the Capitals and spent a week at practices and different events. She was given the chance to drop the puck at the ceremonial puck drop before the game. She used this opportunity for a selfie that could easily rival Ellen Degeneres' selfie at the 2014 Oscars.
Other teams have also gotten involved, getting active in their communities and supporting everyone who wants to play hockey. Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban joined Willie O'Ree at the 2017 Winter Sports Celebration in Tribeca. O'Ree was the first black NHL player and has become a large advocate in diversity throughout the league. Gabriel Landeskog, captain of the Colorado Avalanche, took part in the team's "Break The Ice" program, targeted at helping disabled athletes get into the sport. Other members of the Avalanche association joined athletes on the ice to help them with drills and practice skills while skating with their favorite players.
The Buffalo Sabres supported an openly transgender player of the NWHL team the Buffalo Beauts. Harrison Browne became the name and face of the movement after coming out as transgender before the start of the 2016-2017 season. The Sabres honored Browne at one of their games and donated $5,000 to the Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York and Pride Center of Western New York.
Each team has a designated ambassador to represent the team and help motivate others to support the initiative. Other key partners in the Hockey is For Everyone program include Youth Hockey Partners, You Can Play, and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE). Youth Hockey Partners teaches the fundamentals of sportsmanship and respect to younger players while servicing those with disabilities and children in at-risk communities by getting them involved and donating gear. You Can Play is a program focused on the safety and inclusion of all coaches, fans and players, especially those in the LGBTQ+ communities.
The program pushes focus onto skills, dedication to the sport and work ethic, rather than the sexual orientation of players to ensure acceptance in sports. The RISE program brings together players and fans together to promote respect and understanding, targeted to promote positive race relations in sports.
Make sure you join the NHL and support another great initiative during the Hockey is For Everyone program all month long. Gear can be purchased at www.shop.nhl.com and a schedule of team games for the month can be found online at www.nhl.com.
