To get to know Kyle, read below the cut! The interview is posted in its entirety below the cut for accessibility. Thank you for participating @readyfreddy
Masterlist & more information - get to know more fans & find out why their experience is important to hockey and how to be featured yourself! (this project is currently closed for new submissions)
Introduction: Tell us who you are
Hi, my name is Kyle, my pronouns are he/him, and I'm a gay person of colour. I'm from Canada and I'm currently studying sciences in hopes of being accepted into pharmacy school. This past season, I had the privilege of working for a local junior hockey team, I've brought many ideas to the table that will hopefully be used this upcoming season and more to come. When I'm not at school or the rink, I can be found riding horses.
What's your hockey story? How'd you get into it, why did you stick with it?
My dad played hockey as a child until I was born. Instead of playing hockey, I decided to ride horses. I would occasionally watch games with him, but more out of courtesy than enjoyment. Back in 2018, I read "The Sound of Ice" on Wattpad, which is about a closeted gay junior player who is expected to be a top draft pick. I didn't think about it until I saw a recommendation for the graphic novel OMG, Check Please online from my library around 2020. I read both graphic novels and engaged with OMG Check Please fans and blogs on Tumblr. Around this time, I was talking to someone who is a really big Pens fan, so I started talking about hockey and sports to impress him. I then started watching hockey with my dad again, partially out of courtesy, but mainly out of curiosity. While watching games with my dad I was able to get along with him after many years of being absent (physically and emotionally). In short, because I read a few pieces of gay hockey literature and tried to impress a boy, my relationship with my dad has drastically improved and now I'm working at a hockey team. (I hope that he doesn't find this lol).
Who's your favorite hockey team?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Any others?
I follow a few CHL teams quite closely.
Favorite Player? Why?
Mitch Marner. He's such a fun player to watch who makes it look effortless. He's matured as a player over the years, and has adapted to being able to play with a variety of players.
Any other favorites?
Arber Xhekaj, Luke Prokop, and John Tavares. There are quite a few junior players that I have followed their junior careers.
What was the first pairing that got you into hockey and/or HRPF?
The first pairing that I remember reading was Cole Caulfield and Nick Suzuki.
Favorite Pairing now? Why?
I haven't read a ton recently, but I read a Mitch Marner/John Tavares and a Mitch Marner/Jack Campbell fics that were quite nice. I have no current favourite pairings.
If you started off as a hockey (sports) fan first, how did you find out about HRPF and what did you think when you first found out about it?
I found HRPF through Wattpad and Tumblr. I have mixed feelings about it I appreciate the hard work and creativity in these works, while some make me feel a little uncomfortable. For me personally, as long as the works are depicting consensual actions between adults and not putting real people at risk of being outed or other situations that may compromise their safety and privacy. I have issues with fics that invade the privacy and safety of others.
Have you been to a game? Tell us about it.
I've been to quite a few junior games over the past two years mostly with my dad. For the most part, I really enjoy the atmosphere of the rink on game day, and cheering on my local team. I've enjoyed watching the team develop over the course of the season and the players during their junior careers and onwards into bigger leagues.
Your dream game/match up? (can be real team v real team, or fantasy teams/players)
I would enjoy seeing a junior Gretzky with the current advances in equipment, nutrition, training and conditioning practices. I would also like to see a pre-drafted Gretzky play a current Connor Bedard.
What do you love about Hockey? The community?
I love the sport, the physically, and how this sport is truly like no other. I've made quite a few really good friends online and IRL through hockey.
What's something you'd love to change about hockey?
SO MUCH to say the least. The sport itself needs to be more accessible to so many people and communities. There are many would-be stars that simply don't have the chance due to accessibility issues. Para and blind hockey athletes are rarely recognized within the sport or in non-hockey sports discussions. Women and girls at the highest levels of the sport NEVER get the recognition or the screen time that their male peers get. People will watch if it is easily accessible. The lack of out, queer players in North American men's leagues suggests there's a long way to go regarding addressing homophobia and general inclusivity in men's sports from the youngest levels all the way to the top. Addressing and educating about harmful actions and language from a young age may help.
How is your existence in the hockey community essential for the change of hockey culture?
I'm unsure if my existence in the hockey community is necessarily "essential." However, because of my experiences, I can offer unique points of view that are either overlooked or simply not commonly heard. I hope that I can continue to bring my experiences to the hockey community, either online or in actuality to help make the hockey community accessible and inclusive to others that are often forgotten about.
Favorite fanfic author and/or fic (or piece of art/content) (please provide a link if possible)
"Stick Season" by rodandhermy on Ao3 Although this fic doesn't involve any hrpf, it's a combination of two works depicting gay hockey players. Fandoms: Breakfast with Scot (2007 film) and OMG, Check Please (2013-2020 webcomic).
Why do you think Hockey is so impactful to the lives of so many different kinds of people?
Hockey is an escape for many people for both fans and players. It is a great way to make friends and find a community.
Why do you think HRPF is so impactful to the lives of so many different kinds of people?
Although I don't really interact or engage with the HRPF community, but I appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into creating them.
What is your favorite hockey memory?
One of my favourite memories was going to a game with my dad for our local team winning in a sudden-death shoot-out against one of the best teams in juniors. Another good memory was going to an away game with my friend (who cheered for the opposing team) against the team that I work for.
How do you handle adversity? Either within Tumblr or the hockey/sports community at large?
Up until recently, I used to internalize everything negative in my life but pretend that everything was fine to my friends, family, and coworkers. I've started to address my issues by talking to others going through similar things, and stepping back from involvement. I've surrounded myself with a great group of friends that support me.
What’s something you’re proud of contributing to the community?
This past February, I released a massive survey discussing pride nights in hockey across a variety of social media platforms. I have created a presentation for my team with the information provided to me in hopes of creating a meaningful pride night that goes beyond corporate "pink-washing" and actions beyond that night. Unfortunately, it is currently in limbo and I am unsure of the future of it. Regardless of the outcome, I'm proud of all the work I've put into this, and that I have created a conversation within my organization.
How do you feel sports fandoms differ from other fandoms?
I definitely think that sports fandoms are very different from other fandoms. Sports are so unpredictable and fans have gone through the highs and lows together with their team.
Favorite hockeyblr moment?
Although we've suffered through many years of not escaping the first round of playoffs, I always find the memes hilarious. Even though the Leafs didn't do great in the second round this year, they actually made it.
Final thoughts about hockey, hrpf, you, the community, etc
I'm beyond grateful for everything that hockey has given me: employment, friends, and fixing my relationship with my dad. Hockey culture still has a long way to go, and it needs to improve quickly.
Where can people find you? Social Media, Tumblr, Website, etc. PROMOTE YOURSELF!
twitter: @readyfreddy2012 tumblr: @readyfreddy
