While most sports are struggling to accept LGBT athletes, hockey is taking extreme steps toward welcoming athletes of all sexual orientations.
In June 2010, the Stanley Cup appeared at Chicago’s annual LGBT Pride Parade. Former Blackhawks defenseman Brent Sopel marched with the Cup in the parade and noted the support of Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke, who made headlines with his support of his openly gay son Brendan in 2009.
Nearly a year after the 21-year-old died following a automobile accident, more hockey players and enthusiasts are stepping forward to ensure tolerance is the norm for the hockey rink.
“When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should,” said Andrew Sopel, president of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association. “We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from.”
The younger Burke, who was an athlete and student manager at Miami University, inspired the new open-mindedness of local and national hockey leagues, according to Sopel.
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