The You Can Play Project was created to ensure equality, respect and safety for all athletes without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. It was co-founded by NHL director of player safety Patrick Burke, who also serves as YCP president.
A blog posted on the Wild website reads:
"If You Can Play, You Can Play.
"Stand up. Stand. Respect. The Minnesota Wild is hosting a You Can Play Awareness Night this season, with a date to be announced.
"Hockey Is For Everyone and this partnership with You Can Play Project exemplifies this commitment. The State of Hockey is proud to be an inclusive home for players, coaches and fans from all communities."
The Philadelphia Flyers hosted the first You Can Play Night of the season Monday when they faced the Boston Bruins at Wells Fargo Center, In addition to You Can Play, a number of Philadelphia-area LGBT organizations were in attendance and among those highlighted during the game.
You Can Play has partnered with all 30 NHL teams, and NHL players have volunteered their time to appear in public-service announcements broadcast in arenas and on local sports networks.
