Washington Capitals center Lars Eller shared his support for the LGBTQ+ community in video on Friday.
“Happy to stand with the LGBTQ+ community as an ally today and every day 🏳️🌈,” Eller wrote on Instagram.
Video
“I would like to join our team in support of the LBGTQ community and Pride 2020,” Eller said. “I think it is so important for us, especially now, to show support of acceptance, inclusion, and equal rights for all. Therefore, I am happy to stand with you as an ally. Happy Pride and stay safe.”
The video continues Eller’s support. In November 2019, Eller praised Jon Lee-Olson, a goalie for Rungsted Seier Capital, who has become the first professional player in the Danish Metal Ligaen to come out as gay. He also voiced support for gay players in general.
“I’ve played with a number of [gay hockey players]”, Eller said then. “I’m not surprised about it because I know [players] sometimes are [gay]. But to say it is another thing, and I’m sure it haven’t been easy on them. But they’re brave. It’s really needed – to get this taboo gone.”
Eller has also routinely contributed sticks taped in rainbow-colored Pride Tape to Capitals auctions that benefit the LBGTQ+ community.
The NHL, earlier in the day, posted a graphic featuring the logos of all 31 of its teams and the Seattle franchise in rainbow colors.
“United alongside our 32 clubs and the @NHLPA, we stand for inclusiveness and invite you to celebrate NHL Pride Day with us in support of LGBTQ+ members within our hockey community. #HockeyIsForEveryone,” the NHL wrote.
The league also tweeted a powerful video honoring the life of Brendan Burke, Brian Burke’s openly gay son, who died in a car crash on February 5, 2010. Burke, according to Wikipedia, is considered “the closest person to the NHL ever to come out publicly and say that he is gay.”
"In a house with a grumpy dad, a grumpy older brother, this kid was always happy." – Brian Burke
Brendan Burke came out to the hockey world in a very public manner, and today his story serves as a road map of inspiration and action. @youcanplayteam #HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/bEkbgHLhoP
— NHL (@NHL) June 26, 2020
