For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the hockey rink has historically been a place of conflict, where the love of the game clashes with the fear of being oneself. In Vancouver, a pioneering league is changing that narrative, creating a vibrant community where players no longer have to choose between their identity and their passion for Canada's favourite sport.
From Heartbreak to Homecoming on the Ice
Kyle McCarthy's story is a familiar one for many who found the traditional hockey environment unwelcoming. Growing up in a hockey family in Abbotsford where his father coached and his siblings played, McCarthy was a dedicated goalie. Yet, by his late teens, the sport he loved became a source of pain. "In the Valley, locker room talk was dominated by homophobic comments, which were the norm," recalls McCarthy, now 32. He knew he was gay by age 12 but felt compelled to stay closeted to continue playing. The emotional toll eventually forced him to leave the game entirely.
That changed in the summer of 2022. While watching Vancouver's Pride Parade, McCarthy saw members of the Cutting Edges Hockey Association marching in their light blue jerseys, adorned with rainbow athletic tape. It was a sight that reignited a long-dormant spark. "My husband saw the look in my eyes and said, 'Contact them,'" he said. Today, McCarthy is not only back playing hockey but serves as the president of the very association that inspired his return.
A League of Firsts: Building Community Since 1993
The Cutting Edges association boasts a rich and resilient history. It was founded in 1993 by Daniel Gawthrop and a small group who formed a team for the Gay Games III. At a time when being openly gay in hockey was exceptionally rare, recruitment involved posting notices around Vancouver's West End to find eight players willing to "come out" both as athletes and as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Remarkably, Gawthrop still plays with the league three decades later.
From those humble beginnings, the non-profit has grown into the first-of-its-kind league in Western Canada. It now comprises more than 100 players ranging in age from 19 to 65. The association fields three teams that compete in a mainstream recreational league out of the Scotia Barn rink in Burnaby. This includes a competitive team that travels to Pride tournaments across North America, from Palm Springs and Montreal to Toronto. For beginners, the league also runs a dedicated Learn to Play program.
'Heated Rivalry' Fuels a New Wave of Inclusion
A significant and recent catalyst for the league's growth has been the popularity of the television series 'Heated Rivalry.' The show, which dramatizes a romantic relationship between two closeted professional hockey players, has resonated deeply, inspiring a new wave of players to lace up their skates.
"We've seen a massive surge in interest from people who want to return to playing since the show aired," McCarthy explains. The league's social media following alone has grown by 44 percent. This influx isn't limited to former players making a comeback. The association is also welcoming complete newcomers to the sport—individuals who never before felt hockey was a space for them.
"It's a progression of acceptance we didn't have 10 years ago, and things like Heated Rivalry are making a world of difference," McCarthy added. The league has become more than just a place to play; it's a community that fosters fierce on-ice rivalries, lasting friendships, and even love stories. For some members, it has also become a crucial support system, especially for those who faced rejection from their families after coming out.
The story of the Cutting Edges is a powerful testament to the changing landscape of sports in Canada. It proves that with dedicated space and community support, the hockey rink can be transformed from a place of exclusion into a home where everyone belongs, exactly as they are.
