The Pac-8 Hockey Conference has thrown its support behind the You Can Play project. The conference (which actually has nine members) consists of teams from the Pac-12 conference.

“It’s unfortunate that this sort of declaration is still necessary,” said Johnny Nguyen, Executive Director for the PAC-8, “but the teams of the PAC-8, and the conference itself, have pledged their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes in the locker room, in the stands, and on the ice.”

The Pac-8 Hockey Conference has thrown its support behind the You Can Play project. The conference (which actually has nine members) consists of teams from the Pac-12 conference.

“It’s unfortunate that this sort of declaration is still necessary,” said Johnny Nguyen, Executive Director for the PAC-8, “but the teams of the PAC-8, and the conference itself, have pledged their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes in the locker room, in the stands, and on the ice.”

"I'm pumped about it because there's a growing number of hockey players from the Southwest," said You Can Play founder Patrick Burke. "A lot of them won't be good enough for major D1 schools, and some of them will be gay. Those players now have a safe home to continue their careers. Everyone always get tied up working on pro sports and that level, but we have to make sure that the solid but not elite players have safe spaces too.I'm pumped about it because there's a growing number of hockey players from the Southwest. A lot of them won't be good enough for major D1 schools, and some of them will be gay. Those players now have a safe home to continue their careers. Everyone always get tied up working on pro sports and that level, but we have to make sure that the solid but not elite players have safe spaces too."

Far more shocking than the Pac-8's support of the You Can Play project is the fact that the Pac-8 exists. I went to Stanford and had no idea they had a team. The group seems to be comprised of club and D-3 teams that, as Burke said, far too often get overlooked. Great for them for taking a stand against discrimination!

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