Blog 6 - Hockey Is For Everyone

     During the month of February, the National Hockey League (NHL) is running a marketing campaign called "Hockey Is For Everyone." The initiative aims to embrace social change, as well as promote inclusiveness among communities. The organization teamed up with the "You Can Play," a project that's committed to fighting homophobia in sports. While this is not the first time the NHL has advertised this initiative, this year is the first time there are "You Can Play" ambassadors for each of the thirty NHL clubs. As part of the campaign, each team must host a "You Can Play" theme night. During warmups, players can use "pride" colored tapes on their hockey sticks, which will then be auctioned off to different charities. Coaches and executives, on the other hand, can choose to support the cause by wearing pins.

     Despite not being a diehard hockey fan, I love what the NHL is doing. This campaign certainly gave fans another perspective into the NHL, a game known to be dominated by straight rich white males. By having a "You Can Play" ambassador from each team, it really speaks volume that the NHL is committed to inclusiveness across the board. It just goes to show that there are no boundaries when it comes to sports, moreover, that there is a space for the LGBT community on the hockey rink.