2 Calgary Flames to march in Toronto pride parade
Mark Giordano, Sean Monahan agree to represent NHL team
Some bright red Calgary Flames jerseys will be found among the rainbow flags in Toronto's pride parade this weekend.
Flames captain Mark Giordano and Sean Monahan plan to march in one of the world's largest pride festivals this Sunday.
They were asked to take part by Patrick Burke, who heads the You Can Play Project which promotes acceptance of gay athletes. Burke is one of the sons of Brian Burke, the Calgary Flames' president of hockey operations.
In November 2009, Burke’s son Brendan made headlines when he announced he was gay and talked about the challenges of playing sports while growing up and coming to terms with his sexual identity.
At the time, he was the manager of the hockey team at Miami University in Ohio. Three months later, Brendan was killed in a car accident.
Patrick Burke says he appreciates the involvement of Giordano and Monahan.
"Two guys who really get it and know what it's like to be good people and good leaders and this was a no brainer for them," he said.
Both Giordano and Monahan are from the Toronto area.
Patrick Burke says plans are in the works for Flames players to also participate in Calgary's Pride event at the end of August.