The Melbourne Mustangs Ice Hockey team will once again wear rainbow jerseys this weekend, taking on Canberra Brave in the second annual Australian Pride Ice Hockey Game for LGBTQI+ rights.
The inclusive initiative is part of an ongoing partnership with Amnesty International, Proud 2 Play, and Team Melbourne.
Chloe Clark, Activism Support Coordinator for Amnesty International, told SBS Sexuality that last year's Pride event was "overwhelmingly positive".
"I’ve been with Amnesty for about five years now and it was the most positive thing I’ve been a part of," she said, adding that it sold out in Melbourne and spurred an additional match in Sydney.
Last year's game was a raging success. Source: Amnesty International
Still, Clark says there's a long way to go in ensuring sport is accessible and safe for everyone.
"There’s still a huge barrier and this is just the beginning," she said.
"It’s about educating sport, educating the teams, educating the players on their use of language."
For players, the initiative provided an opportunity to express themselves within their sporting community.
“Last year’s pride game encouraged me to come out in the ice hockey community, because of The Mustangs initiative. I felt safe and accepted,” said Liam Finning, Australian Ice Hockey Player.
"I'm proud to be part of a team that promotes equality for everyone," added Damian Bright, Melbourne Mustangs Pride Game Ambassador.
Source: Amnesty International
Maxime Langelier-Parent, the Melbourne Mustangs Head Coach, said that their team had a "responsibility to promote values that we believe will contribute to making this world a better place for all humans".
"I strongly believe in equal rights for all people in Australia and across the globe, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity," she said.
She continued: "The beauty of Ice Hockey and Sports in general is that if you have the skills, if you are ready to put in the work, and if you can skate, pass, and shoot, no matter your sexual orientation and gender identity, you can play."
The games follow the success of AFL Pride games, and in the tradition of Ice Hockey Pride rounds in Canada, the world leaders in Ice Hockey.
“Sport has a unique ability to unite people. I’m so proud that we have the opportunity to extend the power of this to a pride game in 2018," said Matt Harvey, Captain of The Canberra Brave.
The Mustangs Source: Amnesty International
He continued: "The AIHL is for all Australians and as Captain of the CBR Brave I am proud to take on the role of pride ambassador. Our playing group are looking forward to playing our part in sending a strong message about our genuine commitment to inclusiveness."
Game day activities will focus on educating punters, and eradicating LGBTIQ+ discrimination and homophobic language from the game.
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is also getting involved, shining rainbow for the occasion.
Amnesty International Australia National Director Claire Mallinson, said, “Sport is for everyone. It’s great to see The Melbourne Mustangs taking a leadership role in ensuring the ice hockey rink is a place of fun and inclusion for all through it’s annual pride game.”
Melbourne Mustangs take on Canberra Brave in the Pride Match at the O’Brien Group Arena, Melbourne, this Saturday July 7th.
