Game-changers Camden and Dani rally for LGBTQ+ rights defying NHL’s ban on Pride tape, stirring call for inclusivity on the rink

Camden and Dani, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the NHL. Will Pride tape make a comeback?

Game-changers Camden and Dani rally for LGBTQ+ rights defying NHL’s ban on Pride tape, stirring call for inclusivity on the rink

Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek ( Image via CBS News )

Recently, the National Hockey League (NHL) has made many choices that have caused controversy. The prohibition on the use of hockey sticks with special Pride-themed tape and activities that promote different causes was one issue that attracted a lot of attention.

Many people felt alienated and upset by this action, notably the LGBTQ+ community. Nevertheless, in the middle of this controversy, two people—Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek—took a stance and founded the Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association, putting a focus on inclusion and offering support to everyone. They think that football and ice hockey are two of the remaining sports where homophobia is still a problem.

YouTube video

The issue became worse when the NHL decided to prohibit things like Pride tape and Pride Night. However, other teams such as the Minnesota Wild will remain dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ community.

There is now a greater emphasis on Camden and Dani’s attempts to get the NHL to bring back the Pride video. Players can sponsor non-profit groups and inclusive initiatives, such as Pride, according to recent rule changes that the NHL seems to be exploring in response to public outcry.

Related: 36-year-old Sidney Crosby SHATTERS records, dominating Connor McDavid in an epic showdown of hockey titans

Championing inclusivity: Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association’s mission

Bennett, Dani, and Camden Danek-The Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association’s founding marked the start of Danek’s quest. Their goal was to provide an environment where LGBTQ+ people and their supporters could play ice hockey without worrying about facing prejudice. After bringing attention to the NHL’s decision to forbid players from wearing tape with Pride on their sticks and to prohibit special events that supported social issues, the group quickly gathered traction.

Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek
Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek ( Image via MPR News )

Camden Danek-Bennett underlined, “The only sports left where homophobia is an issue are football and hockey. Our goal is to make that transformation. We want the Pride video and activities that honor diversity and inclusiveness to be reinstated by the NHL and our hometown club, the Minnesota Wild.”

“This is about sending a message of support and acceptance; it’s not just about sports,” Dani Bennett-Danek said. “We want ice hockey to be a place where the LGBTQ+ community is accepted and respected.”

A campaign pushing for the return of Pride tape and events that promote diversity and inclusiveness was prompted by the NHL’s new guidelines and was spearheaded by Camden Danek-Bennett and Dani Bennett-Danek. It reflects the times clearly and the increasing need for diversity in sports, particularly ice hockey’s hitherto neglected homophobic problem.

In case you missed it: