Ice Hockey: Pride weekend leads to acceptance, support and understanding

Did I really see tweets huffily asking “why do we need a Pride weekend in ice hockey?”

I hope those who posted the tired, wholly predictable, cliched responses stopped, read and absorbed the message from Zach Sullivan.

The Manchester Storm player took the opportunity afforded by the league’s first ever Pride weekend to make the most personal of statements.

Sullivan said he was “finally ready” to speak publicly about his sexuality.

He is bisexual.

If the EIHL’s Pride weekend achieves nothing else, it gave him a platform to address who he is, to open his soul, and to know that, in going public,  he will be loved and supported.

Sullivan wrote: “I now feel it is the best time to speak about  what I have known for many years. I have battled with mental health  problems over this issue, and, with the support , understanding and acceptance,  from my family, friends and team-mates, I finally feel ready to say: I am bisexual.

“I have never been more proud to wear a jersey before, especially one that celebrates all genders,

identities and sexualities.”

There are a host of key words in that statement.

Acceptance. Support. Understanding.

Identity is of huge importance to people in 2020 - perhaps more so than ever before.

Who we are, what makes us what we are, underpin our sense of place in society.

It sits at the core of our mental health too.

To those who scoff “why do we need a Pride weekend” Zach Sullivan’s statement stands as the perfect answer.

I’d like to think those who tried to be smart or funny and try to mock the initiative will now acknowledge they were wrong, but, this is Twitter - folk who mock, sneer and hurl abuse rarely acknowledge such shortcomings in their make-up.

The toxicity of social media means you can say what you want about anyone, forgetting that words matter - and words can wound deeper than any knife.

Thankfully they were in a minority.

The overwhelming response was one of support and applause.

Team-mates publicly spoke of their pride, fans reached out with hugely welcoming, positive  statements.

Would any of that have happened head the league not staged its Pride weekend? Probably not.

The fact all ten teams took part and embraced the initiative was hugely important.

That in itself is something of a landmark for a sport hockey renowned for putting self interest first. 

This time, they all got on board - from wearing specially designed tops to working with local Pride and LGBT+ organisations, giving them a platform to raise awareness and open similar discussions.

It now needs to be an annual day of celebration - and one which clubs can also develop locally as they immerse themselves in their own communities over and above the official day.

The pledge that “hockey is for all” cannot be stated too often.

Making people welcome, being open and accepting are hugely positive attributes that we all should embrace as individuals, and as a collective.

We often talk about the ‘hockey family’ - shorthand for the immense support which rises to the surface in times of tragedy and loss, as well as offering support to individuals facing incredibly tough times.

Social media - the same platform which mocks, abuses and sneers - has been instrumental in forging those bonds across clubs. 

At its very best, it creates communities of like minded people who can then become a force of technological nature.

And sometimes, when you are in a dark place, just knowing there are people out there thinking of you, sending their best wishes, can make a hell of a difference.

So, we should reflect on the EIHL’s first Pride weekend with a sense of pride. 

It delivered hugely positive media coverage for our sport, put our clubs in front of the TV cameras, and it sowed the seeds of new relationships with local organisations whose members we want to see rinkside knowing they will not only be made welcome, but can be themselves.

And for Zach Sullivan, it was the safe place he needed to make the boldest, bravest statement any sportsman can make.

He deserves our respect.

And our love.