Believe it or not, the National Hockey League, which churns through hundreds of players regularly, has yet to be graced by an openly gay player. To change that dreadful situation, attitudes must improve. No matter how brave, the first player to come out needs to know he’ll find a semblance of acceptance so he can compete in an emotionally and physically challenging sport without distraction and fighting for acceptance.
A survey conducted by USA Today Sports at the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Media tour in Toronto earlier this month found that 34 out of 35 (97.1 percent) of NHL players would be accepting of an openly gay teammate. Yes, it’s a small sample. But that’s still a dramatic result.
Related: Jason Collins Is Standing On The Shoulders Of 8 Out Pro Team Sports Athletes
Calgary Flamespresident Brian Burke said he’s “not surprised” by that figure, although he admits, “I’m disappointed by the one player.”
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“I don’t think our players have an issue with gay players,” he added. “I think the first player to come out is going to find an unbelievably welcome reception.”
Over the past few years, more and more professional athletes have been opening up. Jason Collins became the first openly gay active NBA player in 2014. Later the year, Michael Sam became the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL.
“The [USA Today survey] says a lot about our players,” Burke said. “It says a lot about how far society has come.”
Related: College Athletes Are Leading The Way For The First Pro Star To Come Out
David Harlem
Why not? Gay Hockey Players have sex doggy style so they can both watch the game. =8-)
Daveliam
I’m happy to hear it since hockey is a very macho sport, so one would expect hockey players to be less open.
It’s also nice to see that it’s probably a fairly representative view since the NHLPA media tour is comprised of 40 of the ‘biggest names’ in the sport (meaning that they aren’t all from one really open-minded team, for example). Of course, small sample bias is probably having an effect here.
I DO wonder why only 35 out of 40 answered, though. Did the other 5 just not get asked? Did they decline to answer? Even if the others WERE all against, it, it would still be shockingly high number from this pool (85%).
Brian JC Kneeland
We’ll see when one comes out – that will be the real sign!
Thad
All 30 NHL teams backed the “You Can Play” program, dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in sports. Brian Burke’s son, Brendan, was openly gay and known and well-liked in the NHL while a college hockey player and manager. Unfortunately, Brendan died in an auto accident on an icy Indiana road in February 2010.
At least one player from each team has publicly endorsed “You Can Play.” The program has also been endorsed by minor league, junior, and college hockey teams, and has spread to other sports.
I think hockey players are tough by definition; they don’t have to prove it, so they aren’t so threatened by gay men.
tardis
@Thad: I was just wondering that. I remember hearing about Brenden Burke. The name Burke sounded familiar. I thought this might be realted, but I wasn’t sure.