Overview
- On Dec. 15, McGillis told PinkNews he disagrees with Sean Avery’s claim the series could encourage an NHL coming-out, saying a negative effect is more likely.
- He described hockey culture as steeped in homophobic language from a young age, which he says discourages disclosure and blunts any influence the show might have inside locker rooms.
- The Canadian series, adapted from Rachel Reid’s novels, began streaming on HBO Max on Nov. 28 and was renewed for a second season on Dec. 12.
- He praised the show’s intimate portrayal but said such scenes will not prompt closeted athletes to come out.
- Citing his Shiftmakers tour of roughly 150 junior and youth teams, he reported hundreds of disclosures of self-harm or suicidal ideation, 15–20 reports of sexual assault, and widespread anxiety and depression.