Edmonton Oilers support LGBT Youth with Pride Tape

The Edmonton Oilers are the first NHL team to team up with Pride Tape, the organization that encourages NHL players to wrap their hockey sticks in rainbow tape in support of young queer players.

On Sunday, the Oilers were the first to rock the rainbow tape during their annual Skills Competition at Rexall Place. Oilers defenseman Andrew Ference said that he and his teammates are all “proud to play for a team and city that supports diversity and human rights.”

Andrew, who quickly became the face of Pride Tape in the NHL, told Metro News that this cause hits home, as a childhood friend quit hockey because he was gay and didn’t feel comfortable in the locker room.

“It’s something that means a lot to me, knowing that you’ve had friends who were directly affected,” Andrew said. “This conversation wouldn’t have happened when I started playing hockey,” he added. “We know that trickle down effect will happen to the younger kids playing the same sport.”

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation donated $8,000 to become a founding partner of Pride Tape, which has surpassed its fundraising goal. Pride Tape will use the funds to create an initial run of 10,000 rolls of tape, with plans to expand to as many teams as possible, as well as to other sports.

Pride Tape describes itself as …

a badge of support from the teammates, coaches, parents and pros to young LGBTQ players. It shows every player that they belong on the ice. That we’re all on the same team. And we need your help to make it a reality.

When Pride Tape is up and running, proceeds will support LGBTQ youth outreach initiatives, such as You Can Play and the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services. That means every roll of tape will make an impact on and off the ice.

Check out the video of the partnership, and start supporting young queer athletes …