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News June 23, 2023

More than just a night: REDBLACKS, 67’s making Pride and inclusion a priority year-round

In a world where hate, bigotry, and division still exist on a large scale, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, along with both the Ottawa REDBLACKS and 67’s, have taken a lead in the fight for inclusion and Pride.

Through the years, both clubs have partaken in many initiatives designed to show their allyship, including Pride theme games, where the 67’s, in particular, have taken the ice in special jerseys to mark the occasion, as well as being in the community along with the REDBLACKS, showing their support for various groups.

“For us, celebrating Pride Night is a big part of our broader strategy to ensure that TD Place is a place for everyone to feel a sense of belonging,” said Janice Barresi, OSEG’s Vice President of Brand and Social Impact. “It has a long history of being Ottawa’s central gathering place for the community, and we have something for everyone, whether it’s sports, music, art, etcetera.”

The 67’s held their Pride Night in January, when they hosted the London Knights in front of a passionate crowd of nearly 5,500, and the REDBLACKS host their “All In” night on August 19th, against the Montreal Alouettes.

Both nights are critical for the organization’s voice, and ability to spread love, but only serve as the foundation of their efforts.

“We want to celebrate Pride not only on special nights or during Pride month, but all year round,” Barresi said. “This past winter, we held a Pride Night with the 67’s where we partnered with Ottawa Pride, we decorated the facility to show an inclusive event, and we had representatives from the community singing the anthem and doing entertainment.”

“We also do that during Ottawa Pride in August. We pick a game during the month, making the night about highlighting the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and people in that community who may be fans. We have decals on our helmets, and we’re honouring a few people who are championing 2SLGBTQ+ rights with a wood cookie. It’s just a great chance to come together and celebrate Pride.”

Whether they’re on the ice or the field, these nights are also of great importance for the players, according to 67’s NHL Draft-eligible defenceman, Matthew Mayich.

“It’s imperative,” he said. “That slogan of ‘hockey is for everyone’ is something we have taken pride in, here in Ottawa. The Pride night we had was a lot of fun to be a part of with the jerseys and the crowd.”

For REDBLACKS defensive back Alonzo Addae, the message is clear, no matter your sexual orientation, race, or gender, you’re welcome at TD Place.

Furthermore, later this summer, you can expect to see players from both teams in the community, doing what they can to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights during Ottawa Pride.

“We’re marching in the Pride Parade this year,” Barresi said. “Employees, and players, so throughout the year, we’re trying to do our part.”

Barresi acknowledged the “vocal minority” that has become a staple under any post regarding Pride for many sports teams in North America, and admits that it can be frustrating, but uses the encouragement given by the majority of the fan base as a reminder that the right thing is being done.

“We look at our values, and a feeling of inclusion for everyone in the region is fundamental to who we are, and what we want to deliver,” Barresi said. “We’re committed to doing the right thing, and we have been encouraged and supported by the vast majority of the fan base, and our guests.”

Whether it’s Pride, or other initiatives in the community, the REDBLACKS and 67’s have built a model in which working in the community is an expectation.

“Both teams are deeply committed to giving back to the community that supports them,” Barresi said. “It’s a part of their DNA, and it’s something they take great pride in. Last year, the teams collectively contributed 1,500 hours of community work, and we donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities.”

Barresi says it has never been a challenge to tap a player on the shoulder and ask if they can spare some time, the answer is virtually always yes, and they’ll do it with a good attitude.

“We’re always doing community events, and just helping out whenever we can,” Mayich said. “We want to show that anyone is welcome, and I think we did a good job of that last season.”

With so many different initiatives on the go, both clubs have made an effort to collectively hit as many of the big parts of the community as possible.

“It’s a range,” Barresi said. “We work with the 10 Oaks Project, we launched the 67’s blind hockey program, the first in Ottawa, to provide children who are visually impaired to play adaptive sports so they can be just like their peers. The REDBLACKS have launched a mentorship program where they work with youth to help them reach their full potential. We visit hospitals, and the players embrace it. We are so lucky to have players who are deeply committed to community work.”