Now that the season is over and we’re all a little sad to not be seeing our teams and friends on the regular, it’s time to reflect on what hockey has meant to us as individuals. We all are changed in some way by being a part of this league and community. Writing and sharing our experiences helps others learn and grow and new players see a potential path for themselves into hockey and the LGBTQIA* community. Our Lives Magazine runs an essay contest on this subject each season and the winner gets published in the magazine as well as their dues waived for next season.
All are encouraged to write an essay. All 2022-2023 league participants are eligible for this contest (except previous winners). Essay length is not set, take as many or few words as you need to speak from the heart.
More explanation of this as well as previous essays can be found here https://www.madisongayhockey.org/about/what-gay-hockey-means-to-me/
If you only read one essay, I recommend Geoffrey’s essay from 2008 https://www.madisongayhockey.org/geoffrey-gyrisco-2008-essay/
Last year’s winner, Dexter Lane, in Our Lives Magazine https://ourliveswisconsin.com/article/what-gay-hockey-means-to-me-5/
Fun factoid: these essays are what someone at the NHL found and fell in love with and got them here to make a video about us. Oh, didn’t know the NHL made a video about us? https://www.nhl.com/news/madison-gay-hockey-association-stresses-inclusivity-fun/c-307952508
Please send your essay submission to Amanda Thornton. Essays will be read and voted on by members of the current board and captains who do not enter this year’s contest.
Deadline is April 16th!