Caroline Ouellette lowers her eyes when it comes to the cancellation of an event by the Rangers and the New York Islanders to support the LGBTQ+ community. Pain, disappointment, anger and incomprehension mix on his face.
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“If you as an organization say loud and clear that you want to make hockey inclusive, you have to do it,” she said. I understand that there are all sorts of political, contractual or player association issues, but before you take that initiative you need to be sure everyone on your team is on board.
“It’s valuable because I think it’s safe to assume that most players know someone in the community and would support the idea that hockey should be for everyone,” Ouellette added.
The assistant coach of Canada’s women’s ice hockey team, who took on the Americans on the fringes of the Rivalry Series that concludes in Laval on Wednesday night, feels like he’s stepping back in time.
“Until you really know someone who comes from the LGBTQ+ community, people might not understand what we’re going through,” says Ouellette, sharing the ideas of some family members or loved ones before they come out. There are still many mentalities to change. It starts with having the courage to say who we are and having the courage to say to others that it’s okay. »
Black History Month
In addition to organizing events in support of the LBGTQ+ cause, NHL teams are doing the same for Black History Month. Last week, the Canadiens players wore a sweater designed by an artist of Haitian origin.
“No one would refuse to wear a sweater in honor of Black History Month and say it was against their religion [comme Ivan Provorov, des Flyers]. But we allow ourselves to do it for the LGBTQ+ community, it doesn’t make sense,” thunders Dominique Théberge of the JAG organization.
“It proves that we are at different stages of accepting difference,” Ouellette added. It was difficult for both communities a few years ago. We’ve made great strides, but leaders need to stand up. »