NHL, Maple Leafs Approve Use Of Marks In Gay-Themed Movie

The NHL and Maple Leafs have given filmmakers “their blessing to use their logos and uniforms” in the upcoming movie “Breakfast with Scot,” in which actor Tom Cavanaugh will play a gay former Maple Leaf, according to Randy Starkman of the TORONTO STAR. The club has even agreed to allow “filming with them at the end of a practice next month.” Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson said that it “wasn’t hard for them to give the project the go-ahead after it got the green light from the NHL.” Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation Board member Mark Tewksbury said, “It’s really great that [the Maple Leafs] are supporting it. I know it’s an iconic team, but I think it makes sense this is happening in Canada because we’ve been far ahead on these issues. The [Canadiens] would also probably have agreed. [The Flames], I’m not so sure about.” Hockey HOFer and former Maple Leafs C Darryl Sittler said, “I have no issues with it at all. To me, those things have come a long way and they should.” However, the CBC’s Don Cherry said, “I know that [NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman wanted a kinder and gentler league, but this is too much” (TORONTO STAR, 11/24).