The eight concepts outlined yesterday as part of hockey's "Declaration of Principles" are the result of more than two years' worth of discussions between 17 groups involved in the sport, led by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and VP/Hockey Development Pat LaFontaine, among others. Focused primarily on the grassroots level of the sport, the overall tenor of the document stresses that the sport is welcoming to all, while also being a source of valuable life lessons. NHLPA Special Assistant to the Exec Dir Mathieu Schneider said, "This is about the sport and the future of our kids. It transcends hockey, and is about what the sport is able to give to you." While no new youth initiatives were launched specifically alongside of these principles, many of the execs who spoke at an event in N.Y. yesterday stressed that this framework would be applied to their existing efforts, as well as passed down to their thousands of constituents in the cases of organizations like Hockey Canada and USA Hockey. Alongside the announcement, the stakeholders launched a website for the initiative at ThisIsHockey.org. A spot was also released online, and will be aired during NHL broadcasts this season on NBCSN in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada. Produced and written by The Vault, N.Y., the 90-second spot is titled "Thank You, Hockey" and features players of all ages sharing what the sport does for them on and off the ice (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: The AP's Stephen Whyno noted the effort has already "earned praise from Pope Francis and garnered optimism from top players about the impact it could make." In a letter written to the Archbishop of N.Y., Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Pope was pleased by the initiative and “trusts that this significant gesture will inspire greater appreciation of the pivotal role played by sports and sportsmanship." Senators D Erik Karlsson said, "Hockey these days is a much cheaper sport than what it used to be. I think that that’s something that’s important to get out there -- that it doesn’t actually cost you that much if you just want to play for fun." The NHL and its teams have "already taken stands on topics of inclusion," including the Hurricanes and Stars "coming out against what they called 'discriminatory' state legislation aimed at restricting restrooms for transgender people." Rangers D Kevin Shattenkirk said, "To be able to hammer these principles -- not into the kids, but into the coaches and into the organizations so they bleed it into the kids, that’s what’s going to draw more people into hockey" (AP, 9/6). The Vatican last October hosted the first Sports at the Service of Humanity conference (THE DAILY). In Chicago, Chris Hine writes the declaration "looks good on paper, and it appears the NHL is serious when it says it wants to make hockey more inclusive for everyone." But it "must back up these flowery words with its actions." That means "promoting an atmosphere of inclusion at the highest level, not just at youth levels." Young players "take their cues from the pros, and the NHL made an unfortunate misstep last season when it did not suspend" Ducks C Ryan Getzlaf for "using an anti-gay slur during the postseason" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/7).
