Gritty, Holtby set to march in pride parades

What do Braden Holtby and Gritty have in common besides epic facial hair? They both like to march for a worthy cause.

The Washington Capitals goalie and Philadelphia Flyers mascot each will participate in his home city's Pride parade Saturday and Sunday, respectively, in support of the LGBTQ community.
Holtby will march in his third Capital Pride Parade, which draws more than 150,000 spectators along the 1 1/2-mile route in Washington. He is the Capitals' Hockey is for Everyone ambassador, and his advocacy for equal rights has inspired many, including painter Lisa Marie, who created a Capitals-themed mural in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of the city.

Gritty will be marching in his first Philly Pride Parade along with members of the You Can Play Project, an advocacy group dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes without regard to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. He held up a Flyers Pride shirt to make his announcement for the march, which is in its 31st year.