You Can Play + NHL

The You Can Play Project’s partnership with the National Hockey League is built on a shared commitment to making hockey safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. Founded in 2012 in memory of Brendan Burke, who championed equality in sports before his passing.

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Brian and Patrick continued to combat homophobia in the NHL after Brendan's death; Patrick, along with Brian Kitts and Glenn Witman, founded You Can Play as a tribute to his brother.[5] The name You Can Play originates from a piece Patrick Burke wrote for outsports.com. In the piece, Patrick talks about the overwhelmingly positive experience surrounding Brendan's coming out: "I waited to get a negative email, or to read a damning article, or to hear a snide comment at a game. I waited, and I waited, and I waited ... and I got what I should have expected the entire time: love, support, and admiration." He talks of letters and emails that poured in to his family, and he also talks of fellow scouts and hockey personnel pulling him aside and giving their support. He summarizes his feelings in the revelation that across the hockey world, what matters is whether or not you can play. "If you can play, we welcome you."

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You Can Play has worked hand-in-hand with the NHL since its early days to challenge homophobia and transphobia in the game. Together, we’ve launched league-wide education initiatives, Pride Nights, visibility campaigns, and resources for players, coaches, and fans. Because if you can play, you can play.