[News] NHL and NHLPA partner with You Can Play project

[MissTeeks]

Good work NHL and NHLPA!

http://youcanplayproject.org/news/en...h-you-can-play

“The NHL sets the standard for professional sports when it comes to LGBT outreach and we are incredibly grateful for their help and support,” said Philadelphia Flyers scout Patrick Burke, the co-founder of the You Can Play Project, an advocacy organization that fights homophobia in sports. “We will work with League and NHLPA officials, teams and players to ensure that we create a more inclusive hockey community at all levels.”

Said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: “Our motto is 'Hockey Is For Everyone,' and our partnership with You Can Play certifies that position in a clear and unequivocal way. While we believe that our actions in the past have shown our support for the LGBT community, we are delighted to reaffirm through this joint venture with the NHL Players’ Association that the official policy of the NHL is one of inclusion on the ice, in our locker rooms and in the stands.”

“NHL players have supported the You Can Play Project since its inception, which we are pleased to formalize and expand upon with today’s announcement,” said Don Fehr, NHLPA Executive Director. “The players believe our partnership with the NHL and You Can Play will foster an inclusive hockey environment from the grassroots level to the professional ranks.”

“As NHL players, we all strive to contribute towards helping our teams achieve success on the ice. Any player who can help in those efforts should be welcomed as a teammate,” said Ron Hainsey, Winnipeg Jets defenseman and NHLPA Executive Board member. “This partnership solidifies the message that the hockey community believes in fairness and equality for everyone.”

The official partnership with You Can Play includes a significant commitment to education and training for teams, players, media and fans plus the production and broadcast of more public service announcements. The NHL becomes the first major American professional sports league to officially partner with an LGBT advocacy group on this scale.

[RockOnRoberts]

Unfortunately, due to advertising differences between the 3 groups they will could not reach an agreement and it will be renamed You Can't Play until further notice.

[Kavvy]

While I think this is a step in a good direction, the best part of this press release? The photo CNN decided to post of Bettman, who looks very excited.

Spoiler!

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/us/spo...html?hpt=hp_t2

[GrrlGoalie33]

You Can Play is a great initiative and it's great that the NHL and NHLPA is on board! I think it will be a long time until we see an "out" player in the NHL, but this is a big step in the direction of seeing it happen.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Nice to see them team up and do this.

I wonder how long it takes for the NFL or NBA to get on board.

[ClubFlames]

Great move by the NHL and NHLPA.