Out gay athletes and their allies have been playing sports and doing great community work for decades. One of the largest and most active of those groups, the men and women of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association, joins You Can Play in recognizing that talent, heart and skill matter.
Since 2002 the Chicago Gay Hockey Association has been fostering a safe place for hockey players of all backgrounds to enjoy the sport, providing a welcoming environment for anyone who has a passion for the game and the dedication to play hard every time they take the ice. From the start the CGHA has strived to play competitive hockey, promote social justice and serve the communities in which we belong.
In 2010, the CGHA hosted Chicago Blackhawk Brent Sopel and the Stanley Cup for an historic Pride Parade that honored Brendan Burke and displayed the NHL’s message that “hockey is for everyone.” In 2011, You Can Play advisory board member and San Jose Sharks member Tommy Wingels marched with the team. Currently, the CGHA has three teams that play in separate “straight” hockey leagues in Chicagoland, with each team proudly representing the Red Liners name.
Appearing in this video are You Can Play friends and allies Tony Tiet, Anthony Alfano, Andrew Sobotka, Scott Mix, Stephanie Stock, Paul Lilek, Yazeed AbouSaleh and Lee Kohler.