Leafs winger James van Riemsdyk says there’s been a noticeable improvement when it comes to curtailing offensive language in hockey since the You Can Play project was introduced to the NHL five years ago.
“That shows where the awareness part has come in now,” van Riemsdyk, the team’s You Can Play ambassador, said at Friday’s practice. “I don’t think (offensive language) in this case was ever maliciously intended. It’s just that guys didn’t realize they were saying something that is harmful. In my experience now, you don’t hear that anymore and that’s what awareness is all about.”
On Saturday, van Riemsdyk and the Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres on You Can Play Night at the Air Canada Centre, part of a month-long celebration dubbed Hockey is For Everyone.
Every NHL team has a representative who promotes the program aimed at combating homophobia.
You Can Play was created five years ago in part by Patrick Burke, seeking greater acceptance for the LGBTQ community in all sports.
Burke said the NHL was the first professional league to have a rep from every team. Van Riemsdyk says players should take pride in that.
“When I was in Philadelphia (with the Flyers three seasons ago), Patrick Burke reached out to guys across the league to get involved,” van Riemsdyk said. “It got moving pretty quickly, not only in hockey but all sports. I was back at (the University of New Hampshire, his alma mater) a couple of weeks ago and they had an awareness night there, too. It’s a great cause to be part of.”
Montreal Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw — who was with Chicago last year, when he was suspended for using a gay slur — is also a You Can Play ambassador.
Burke approached the NHL and players’ union about the initiative with the support of his father — former Leafs boss Brian Burke, now with the Calgary Flames and still a strong advocate — and after the death of brother Brendan, who died in a car accident three years after coming out to his family.
The Leafs have invited more than 20 players from the Toronto Gay Hockey Association to Saturday’s morning skate, including a meet and greet with Leafs legend Darryl Sittler. You Can Play information will be available in the Air Canada Centre concourse during the Leafs-Sabres game. Leafs Morgan Rielly, Matt Hunwick and van Riemsdyk also appear in a public service announcement that will be shown during the contest.
Zach Hyman said it is important for all pro athletes to embrace the program, for their own awareness and to set an example for youth.
Van Riemsdyk recalled an environment that was less inclusive when he broke into the league as a 19-year-old. Today, 19-year-old Leafs rookie sensation Auston Matthews says he has attended several You Can Play initiatives.
“Yes, for sure. We were in talks with the U.S. national development program,” Matthews said. “There was an internship offered by (Patrick Burke) and meetings. We all felt it was important to be aware of the cause and what it means.”
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