Former Team USA Captain Meghan Duggan Educates Toronto Maple Leafs on Importance of Inclusion for Pride Night Initiatives

As a powerful athlete and advocate for women’s hockey, Meghan Duggan has never shied away from speaking out for what she believes is right. When the Toronto Maple Leafs invited her to deliver a speech ahead of their Pride night, Duggan saw an opportunity to stand up for inclusivity and celebration of all identities. But how did she craft such a powerful message that resonated with so many fans and players alike? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ins and outs of Meghan Duggan’s famous speech, exploring everything from its origins to its impact on the world of sports and beyond.


In an effort to promote inclusion and diversity, Meghan Duggan, former captain of Team USA and the Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils, spoke to both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the AHL Marlies. The speaking engagement was a part of the team’s Pride night initiatives. Duggan’s talk with the team went viral and she was able to amplify the voice of not just an Olympic gold medalist, but a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Players were able to get to know her and understand that her path has been similar to theirs, representing her country and playing professionally. However, Duggan also wanted to highlight that their paths diverged and the exclusion that members of the LGBTQ+ community face. Duggan reminded players of the power that comes with their platform, not just as professional athletes but as members of the Leafs organization. Duggan’s message was well-received, and she felt she really got the team’s attention. Leafs players did not wear Pride jerseys before Tuesday night’s game, although they have celebrated Pride nights since 2017. They have also had a presence at Toronto’s annual Pride Parade in recent years. In addition to her work with the Devils, Duggan has been a member of the NHL’s player inclusion committee since its inception in 2020. The committee has worked on different initiatives with former Leaf Mark Fraser, who now works with the organization on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts. The belief within the Leafs organization has always been there in terms of including people and having their team be a place where everybody is welcome and safe.


In conclusion, Meghan Duggan’s powerful speech ahead of Maple Leafs Pride night was a testament to her leadership and dedication to promoting inclusivity in sports. Her words inspired hope and reminded us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means challenging the status quo. This moment serves as a watershed moment and reminds us that there is still much work to be done in the fight for equality. We applaud Meghan’s courage and commitment to making a difference, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sports.