The National Hockey League has announced a historic collaboration with the You Can Play Project to advance a robust commitment to eliminating homophobia from hockey. This alliance grows from a long-standing relationship, as the league has supported You Can Play since the project began in 2012, and it expands that support with increased investment in education, training, and public advocacy. The initiative will fund education and training programs for players, coaches, referees, media members, and fans, and it will roll out a slate of public service announcements designed to spark respectful conversations about LGBT issues in hockey. The aim is to embed inclusive values at every level of the game, from grassroots programs to the pro ranks, ensuring participation and belonging for all who love the sport. The NHL expects this effort to create a more welcoming environment in locker rooms, on benches, and within arenas, aligning with a broader set of community responsibilities and cross sport partnerships. Operationally, the league will provide access to You Can Play materials in team education sessions, grant funding for local inclusion initiatives, and coordinate league wide events that highlight diverse role models among players and alumni. Staff from You Can Play will work with club leadership to tailor resources to team culture and to the needs of youth, junior, college, and professional levels. By weaving this program into ongoing development plans, the NHL aims to measure progress with clear metrics and publicly report on gains in safety, respect, and participation rates.
Lectures will educate players and current athletes about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender issues, with topics covering inclusive locker room practices, the impact of language, bystander intervention, reporting mechanisms, and the personal experiences of LGBT players and fans. You Can Play will supply resources, staff, and subject matter experts to teams as needed, offering customizable programs that fit league divisions, from youth and junior levels up through professional hockey. In addition to on-ice education, the project will support media training so reporters and broadcasts can handle LGBT questions with accuracy and sensitivity, while also shaping public understanding with credible, compassionate coverage. Public service announcements will appear on arena signage, game broadcasts, and digital channels, reinforcing the core message that hockey welcomes everyone who loves the game. The joint effort will also include policy guidance, locker room climate surveys, and leadership seminars that empower coaches and captains to model inclusive behavior. Taken together, these activities create a consistent, long-term framework for inclusion, reduce incidents of harassment, and help retain a broader pool of players, volunteers, and fans.
Across Canada and the United States, the partnership acts as a leadership signal for the sports community. Communities will see connections to youth programs, school outreach, and partnerships with local LGBT organizations, enabling fans and families to participate with confidence. By providing resources that teams can deploy within their local contexts, the initiative supports policy development, mentor-style programs, and peer support networks that address real-world challenges faced by LGBT athletes. It also aligns with wider trends in North American sport, where leagues increasingly recognize the value of inclusive cultures for performance, fan engagement, and social impact. The NHL and You Can Play expect to track progress with concrete metrics and annual reviews, ensuring accountability and ongoing improvement. In short, the collaboration represents a shared belief that sport can be a catalyst for equality, community pride, and healthier lives for players, staff, and fans.