Inclusivity top of mind as player returns to home ice 20 years later

After a two-decade hiatus from the sport, former Kingston, Ontario, hockey player Matt Kenny is returning to the ice for a special event focused on inclusivity and community pride. Kenny, who had put his hockey gear away for 20 years, will skate alongside former teammates at the "Matt's Hockey Homecoming & Community Pride Skate."

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When I left the sport, I put my bag in my parents’ basement and never put hockey equipment on again.

The event, part of Kingston Pride celebrations, is designed to make hockey more welcoming for everyone, regardless of background. It features a reunion game, a youth hockey skills workshop, an inclusive coaching seminar, and a community skate. For Kenny, the day signifies more than just a return to the game; it's about coming home and celebrating progress.

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This event is about coming home.

Kenny has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports through his work with the You Can Play Project. He shared his story of being a closeted athlete in a hyper-masculine environment, highlighting the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in competitive sports during his youth. He emphasizes that while he loved hockey and the city that raised him, the sport at the time did not readily accommodate athletes like him.

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I loved hockey. The city is what raised me, the sport is what raised me and these guys were my brothers. But in my situation, I was hiding a huge chunk of who I was because hyper-masculine competitive sport didn’t really make space for LGBTQ+ athletes, especially at that time.

Adding another layer to his personal journey, Kenny was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021. His resilience has inspired former teammate Ryan Ambrose, who hopes such events will encourage young athletes to be their authentic selves. Kenny's overarching message is one of belonging: "everyone belongs on the ice." He also extends a message of support to those who may feel isolated, assuring them that community and support exist, even if unseen.

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We all have our own struggles, but seeing how far he’s come has been incredible.