Kyle McCarthy, president of the Cutting Edges Hockey Association, returned to hockey after years away due to homophobic culture in the sport. The Cutting Edges, the first LGBTQ+ hockey league in Western Canada, has over 100 players aged 19-65 and has seen a surge in interest following the TV show “Heated Rivalry.” Founded in 1993, the league promotes inclusivity and offers a supportive environment for queer players. McCarthy advocates for greater acceptance in hockey, emphasizing that players shouldn’t have to choose between their identity and their passion for the sport.
