NHL goes purple to support Spirit Day

The NHL has joined the You Can Play Project, GLAAD and millions of Americans by wearing purple to support Spirit Day.

Spirit Day supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and supports them against bullying. Supporters wear purple or go purple online to help create a world where LGBT youth are celebrated and accepted. The League also is joining the social campaign to promote awareness of the challenges faced in the LGBT community.

The You Can Play Project is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes without regard to sexual orientation. It works to guarantee that athletes are provided a fair chance to compete, and are judged by other athletes and fans only by what they contribute to the sport or their team's success. Its mission is to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete's skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.

Below is a collection of NHL and team tweets in support of Spirit Day:

The NHL is proud to support #SpiritDay today. To learn more about how to support LGBT inclusion in sports check our friends @YouCanPlayTeam.

— NHL (@NHL) October 16, 2014

We've gone purple for #SpiritDay! Support @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad to take a stand for respect today & every day. http://t.co/zpMQ4wx5rO

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 16, 2014

We've gone purple for #SpiritDay! Take a stand against bullying & support @YouCanPlayTeam http://t.co/0PxvVQdgIC

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 16, 2014

Today is #SpiritDay! #NHLJets support @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad to take a stand against bullying today & every day >> http://t.co/rvIUUWG05Q

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) October 16, 2014

Join the #Canes in going purple for #SpiritDay to take a stand against bullying & support @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad: http://t.co/mE01fOPQtD

— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) October 16, 2014

Nous changeons nos couleurs pour le #SpiritDay! Montrez votre soutien à @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad. DÉTAILS -> http://t.co/9a450yNIQc

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 16, 2014

We've gone purple for #SpiritDay! Show your support towards @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad. Take a stand against bullying-> http://t.co/9a450yNIQc

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 16, 2014

The #FlaPanthers are turning purple to take a stand against bullying for #SpiritDay. More Info: http://t.co/SnellCm6Kh

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) October 16, 2014

We've gone purple for #SpiritDay! Join us and be sure to check out @YouCanPlayTeam: http://t.co/PN65G3jUvf

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) October 16, 2014

The Bruins are proud to join the NHL in going purple today to support #SpiritDay and take a stand against bullying ^CS

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 16, 2014

We've updated our avatar in support of #spiritday! Change yours & stand up to bullying --> http://t.co/6OR890kaIH #CBJ

— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 16, 2014

We're going purple for #SpiritDay! Show your support for the @YouCanPlayTeam & @glaad, and stand against bullying: http://t.co/m7T7Hu9Tqr.

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 16, 2014

We've turned our icon purple today to support @YouCanPlayTeam and @GLAAD for #SpiritDay!

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) October 16, 2014