"Need to keep children safe from alphabet people": Hockey fans divided as former hockey pro who came out as gay fights for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion

The recent news of NHL players refusing to participate in Pride nights has once again highlighted the issues of discrimination and lack of inclusion in hockey. As one of the first male professional players to publicly come out as gay, Brock McGillis has worked tirelessly to create safer spaces for people of all sexualities and gender identities in hockey.

Through his new non-profit, Alphabet Sports Collective, McGillis hopes to bring attention to the fact that hockey still isn't safe for many members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. It's disheartening to see players refuse to participate in Pride nights, citing their religious beliefs and concerns of retribution in their home countries.

While everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, it's crucial that we continue to prioritize inclusion and acceptance in all areas of society, including sports.

Reactions on Twitter to the news of players refusing to participate in Pride Night have been mixed:

It's not just about wearing a Pride jersey or participating in a Pride night, it's about creating a culture of acceptance and support for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in hockey. This means educating players and coaches on LGBTQ2S+ issues, implementing policies that prohibit discrimination and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ individuals to participate in the sport without fear of judgment or harassment.

It's important to remember that inclusion isn't just a matter of being politically correct, it's about creating a safer and more welcoming environment for all individuals. No one should have to feel excluded or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It's time for the sport of hockey to step up and prioritize inclusion and acceptance for all.

National Hockey League is planning to cancel pride nights

Reports have emerged that the NHL is considering dropping its Pride Night celebrations after a number of players refused to wear themed jerseys. The protests have been described as a "distraction" from the league's message of inclusivity and have sparked a debate about the role of politics in sports.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has said that the league will evaluate the situation during the offseason, and that a decision may ultimately be made to cancel the event altogether. Some have argued that if Pride Night is causing division and controversy, it may be best to do away with all pre-game celebrations, including Military Appreciation Night and Serve and Protect Night.

It remains to be seen whether the NHL will ultimately decide to cancel Pride Night, but the controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the intersection of sports and politics.

About the author

Arnab is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over three years of experience and is a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, owing to their consistent performances every season. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Technology, but his passion for reading and writing led him to pursue a career in creating content.

Arnab’s NHL journey began after watching a live game and his all-time favorite players are Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid. Patrick Kane’s overtime goal in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals made Arnab an NHL fan for life, and he considers Scotty Bowman the greatest coach of all time.

His hockey write-ups encompass live game coverage and technical deep dives about important topics. To ensure accuracy and authenticity in his articles, he goes through credible publications, verified X handles, and watches live matches and their recap.

When away from the buzz of the NHL, Arnab likes to read books, watch movies, listen to music and play games.

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