Cardiff’s successful ice hockey team is uniting with Pride Cymru to promote equality and inclusivity in the contact sport, as part of the Elite League’s Pride Weekend (25 – 26 January).
While this will be the third Cardiff Devils Pride game, this weekend marks a historic occasion. It is the first time all ten teams within the league come together to make a stand and emphasise that anyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, should feel welcome and safe at the Elite League’s Hockey games.
To celebrate this first-ever games weekend, the Devils and Pride Cymru are teaming up for the charity’s You Can Play project. The Welsh ice hockey team was the first professional Ice Hockey team from the UK to submit a You Can Play video. The project highlights that anyone can become part of the ice hockey community – regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender.
Gian Molinu, Chair of Pride Cymru said: “This marks a big moment for Pride Cymru as a charity. We are always delighted when businesses chose Pride as their Charity of the Year and partner with us. However, this is the first time we have teamed up with a sports team, which is crucial. Too often, people within the LGBT+ community feel excluded in joining a team or attending a game. So to have the whole Ice Hockey Elite League take a stand in support of inclusivity is truly fantastic.”
As part of the partnership, the Devils have re-elected players Evan Mosey and Sam Duggan as Pride ambassadors.
Sam Duggan, said “Hockey is for everyone and it’s important for us, as a team and organisation to make sure everyone feels welcome when they come to a Devils game at the Viola Arena. This is the second Pride game I’ll be a part of. Some of the people I met at last year’s Pride game told me that they’ve never felt welcome at sports games, but they come to the Devils game now because the Pride game has shown that they are welcome here. That really meant a lot to me and highlighted the importance of continuing to raise awareness of the great work that charities like Pride Cymru do.”
Cardiff Devils will face the Nottingham Panthers on Sunday 26 January at 6 pm in the Viola Arena. Tickets are still available online on the Cardiff Devils website or by calling 0800 0842 666.
