Representing Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ inclusive hockey organization, the Cutting Edges, he shared how the club has grown from a small group formed in the early ’90s—originally just trying to get a team together for the Gay Games—into one of North America’s longest-running inclusive hockey communities.
Today, they’re about much more than just playing hockey. Their mission is simple but powerful: create a safe, welcoming space where anyone—LGBTQ+ players, allies, beginners, and lifelong skaters alike—can lace up, have fun, and feel like they belong.
Their impact goes well beyond the rink. They host monthly community skates that draw up to 100 people, partner with Pride events, support youth and women’s tournaments, and even help run a trans and non-binary tournament on the Sunshine Coast. One of their proudest initiatives is a “learn-to-play” development team for adults who never had the chance to try hockey growing up. The team didn’t win a single game last season—but had the most fun of anyone, celebrating every pass and every small victory.
The speaker also shared his own heartfelt journey. Growing up playing hockey, he felt he had to hide who he was and eventually quit the sport when he came out. Years later, discovering the Cutting Edges helped him rediscover both the game and a sense of family. Now he plays on two teams and serves as club president—proof of how powerful an inclusive space can be.
The organization has even gained international attention, with players sharing their stories in the media and inspiring others across North America to feel safe being themselves in sports.
His message to us was clear: hockey—and really any sport—should be for everyone. And when you create a welcoming community, amazing things happen both on and off the ice.
A big thank-you to our speaker for reminding us what belonging really looks like—and for showing how sport can bring people together in the best possible way.
