Zach Sullivan's Pride Weekend post unites hockey

Manchester Storm defenceman shares on Twitter and Instagram that he is bisexual, helping to reinforce the Elite League’s ‘You Can Play’ message…

By Jon Holmes

The British ice hockey community is showing its support for Zach Sullivan after the Manchester Storm player came out via social media on the Sunday morning of Pride Weekend in the Elite League.

Sullivan, 25, shared his truth in a powerful, personal message which he posted on Twitter and Instagram accompanied by a picture of himself flanked by friends and Storm team-mates Cam Critchlow and Jared Aulin, wearing the new Storm rainbow jerseys.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7x3fUSnXM0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The defenceman describes his pride in getting the opportunity to wear the jersey in a match, explaining that he is bisexual and has received both “understanding and acceptance” from friends, family and his fellow Storm players.

Cam Critchlow, Zach Sullivan and Jared Aulin, wearing the new Storm rainbow jerseys

Congrats Zach from all of us at Sports Media LGBT+, and thanks for being your authentic self!

The EIHL is holding its first-ever Pride Weekend to raise awareness of LGBT+ inclusion and communicate to all associated with the sport in the UK that ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’.

Sullivan, born in Redhill, joined the Storm in April 2019 after a five-year spell at Glasgow Clan. He has won five international caps for Great Britain to date.

He’s due to be back in action on Sunday night – wearing his Pride jersey – when the Storm host Dundee Stars at Planet Ice Altrincham (starts 5.30pm). Tickets here!

Here are some of the reactions on social media to Zach’s post, from his club, team-mates past and present, coach Ryan Finnerty, and more…

We are all extremely proud of you, Zach! You're a role model for so many people, young and old, in the sporting world. Someone knowing they can be themselves is a true testament to everything our club and sport stand for.#WeAreStorm | #Manchester | #Pride https://t.co/x4UuWXzo7M
— Manchester Storm (@Mcr_Storm) January 26, 2020

Proud of you sully ?@ZachSully11 https://t.co/wuHGZryg4V
— Cam Critchlow (@Critchlow11) January 26, 2020

Im so proud of @ZachSully11 for opening up about his sexuality. Its never been done by a Pro Hockey Player before & him leading the way allows our future hockey generations in the #LGBTQ community to feel confident in who they are. Continue being you Sully, you’re an amazing guy! https://t.co/2FSng2DHvV
— Jared Aulin (@JaredAulin) January 26, 2020

Proud of you mate, good for you. Really goes to show hockey is for everyone ?️‍? #PrideWeekend https://t.co/lTA2KCi4p1
— Craig Peacock (@peaks71) January 26, 2020

As a Coach and Organisation we could not be more proud of @ZachSully11 today. His strength & courage will inspire the youth of tomorrow. #ifyoucanplayyoucanplay https://t.co/BDqnTtH9gD
— Ryan Finnerty (@Finner16) January 26, 2020

Proud of you mate! Wish you nothing but the best Sully!
— Scott Tanski (@scott_tanski) January 26, 2020

Read more about the Elite League’s Pride Weekend in these articles…

‘Elite League’s Pride Weekend means so much to me’ – goaltender Jay Forster, who plays for Flintshire Phantoms, talks to Sky Sports about his experiences as a hockey player who’s trans

Comment: Why Pride Weekend matters in the EIHL – BritishIceHockey.co.uk’s Craig Anderson discusses the initiative and how the sport in the UK has moved forwards on tackling homophobia in recent years

Thanks to network member and EIHL media manager Luke Fisher for all his hard work around Pride Weekend. Follow him at @eurovision_luke!