Tonight, Feb. 1, the Boston Bruins are hosting their 2022 “Hockey Is for Everyone” night during their home game against the Seattle Kraken starting at 7 p.m. at TD Garden.
“We couldn’t be prouder to partner with the Boston Bruins, TD Bank and You Can Play for Hockey is for Everyone Night,” said Greg Sargent, President of Boston Pride Hockey. “Thanks to their continued support, the funds raised through the stick auction will directly enable our organization to bring dynamic and inclusive hockey programming to more LGBTQ+ players and allies throughout the region — like our recently-launched Inclusive Hockey League and Youth Hockey Initiative, both of which are some of the first of their kind in New England.”
Tuesday’s anthem will be sung by Human Rights Campaign National Youth Ambassador Nicole Talbot. Talbot was assigned a male at birth and has since transitioned into living authentically as a female in 2015 with the support of her mother, family members, friends, and her communities. She is a passionate advocate for transgender youth and has played a major role in passing and protecting anti-discrimination legislation in Massachusetts.
Gavin Ford, a 14-year-old sled hockey player from North Reading, will be the Kids Captain for Tuesday’s game. Ford endures Spina Bifida, a birth defect that impacts the formation of the spinal cord, making it nearly impossible to walk. Ford has not let that stop him from playing sports and is currently a center for the Boston ICE Storm, while also participating in wheelchair hockey and wheelchair lacrosse.
Staff Sergeant Merrill Wilson and Sergeant Amber Wilson will be the recipients of the 8-Spoked Salute for Tuesday’s game. Merrill and Amber were married in October of 2019, and both women have over 25 years of combined service with the Army National Guard. Both are currently stationed in Massachusetts as part of the state’s COVID response unit.
Bruins players will use rainbow tape during warm-ups, and all sticks will be auctioned off through the Boston Bruins Foundation. Proceeds from the stick auction will benefit Boston Pride Hockey (BPH), New England’s first LGBTQ+ hockey club. The auction runs through Feb. 9 and is available at BruinsAuctions.org.
The ProShop, powered by ’47, will have exclusive Hockey is for Everyone merchandise available for fans to show their support, including rainbow hats and pucks. Fans can shop at the store on the Hub on Causeway or online at BostonProShop.com.
Hockey is for Everyone is an NHL initiative, in partnership with the You Can Play program, that uses the game of hockey and the National Hockey League’s global influence to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.
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