Flyers Scout Behind Partnership Between NHL and LGBTQ Sports Org You Can Play

Today, LGBTQ sports organization You Can Play (YCP) joined forces with the NHL, marking the org’s first partnership with a professional North American sports league, reports thehockeynews.com. In an announcement today, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that:

“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.

The big news in Philly, however, is that Philadelphia Flyers scout and YCP co-founder Patrick Burke helped make the whole thing happen. In the announcement, he weight in, saying:

“I’m very proud that the National Hockey League and NHL Players Association are the ones taking this step and breaking new ground. … The big shift is that this is a professional sports league saying not that, ‘We tolerate you,’ not that, ‘We’ll deal with it if we need to,’ but that they’re inviting us in. It’s exciting.”

Hockeynews.com reports that “the partnership … will see You Can Play (a) conduct seminars at the NHL’s annual rookie symposium to educate players on gay equality issues; and (b) integrate YCP’s message of respect for all into the league’s Behavioral Health Program by allowing players to confidentially seek counseling or education. As well, YCP will work with the league to create and broadcast public service announcements promoting equality for all.

Such exiting news. And how neat that a Flyers scout was involved. Go Philly.

Follow G Philly on Twitter | Like G Philly on Facebook | Follow G Philly on Instagram