English Ice Hockey Association PARTNERS WITH 'HOCKEY IS DIVERSITY' FOR PRIDE WEEK
On the eve of our first ‘Pride Week’, the English Ice Hockey Association is delighted to announce its partnership with Hockey Is Diversity to strengthen our campaign to show that hockey is a safe space for all.Hockey Is Diversity was founded in Germany 2010 by Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) player Dr. Martin Hyun. The organisation campaigns against racism and discrimination, stands for diversity and fights bullying, homophobia and sexism. They have worked together with NHL, NHLPA, NHL Coaches’ Association and the DEL and have recently joined with the Elite Ice Hockey League Pride Week here in the UK.
“Our game has always been about inclusion. And it is all of our responsibility to use our voice and platform to push for diversity, inclusivity and gender equality in our game that we love,” said CEO Dr. Martin Hyun.
“Together we have to keep on working to make our game welcoming for all and bring it to the level where the world is today.“
Their UK Regional Officer, Wez Spurrett added: “After being involved in British hockey now for a number of years, it’s so great to see the sport take these great steps towards diversity and inclusion within British Ice Hockey. I really look forward to working closely with the EIHA and continuing these steps further going forward.”
EIHA director and lead for the NIHL, Andrew Miller, said: “We are pleased to welcome Hockey is Diversity and look forward to working with them through our first Pride event and beyond, combating discrimination in all its forms and showing that ice hockey matches are safe spaces for everyone to be themselves.
“The NIHL has had inclusivity written into its player eligibility for over five years with Rule 8.1.4 stating that the NIHL is open to all players regardless of sex or gender expression. It’s great that our clubs can show that inclusiveness publicly at their Pride game.”
The EIHA’s first Pride Week runs from 7-16 January and features all clubs in the NIHL and WNIHL.