In her personal account, Jennifer LoveGrove shares her journey from feeling alienated by the toxic environment of high school hockey culture to finding a sense of belonging and empowerment in an unconventional arts hockey league in Toronto. Growing up in Dunnville, Ontario, where hockey reigned supreme, she navigated through the degrading comments and objectification by teenage hockey players in the school cafeteria.
Years later, feeling disconnected and out of place in Toronto, LoveGrove stumbled upon the Good Times Hockey League of the Arts through a photographer friend. This gender-inclusive league, catering to artists and non-traditional hockey players, piqued her interest. Embracing the opportunity as a way to redefine her relationship with hockey and challenge societal norms, she dove into the world of hockey despite having no prior sports experience.
Learning to skate and play hockey proved to be a rewarding yet challenging experience for LoveGrove. Despite initially struggling on the ice, she persevered, fueled by the supportive environment of instructors and fellow players. Joining the league opened doors to a diverse and welcoming community of writers, musicians, and individuals outside the conventional hockey mold, contrasting starkly with her past encounters in the sport.
Participating in the league’s unique events, such as the annual summit, where creativity and camaraderie were celebrated, LoveGrove found a sense of fulfillment and acceptance. Through creative performances and bonding with teammates, she discovered a new side of hockey that emphasized inclusivity and collaboration over aggression and exclusivity.
Reflecting on her 20-year journey in recreational hockey, LoveGrove acknowledges the existence of toxic masculinity and gender biases within the sport. Despite encountering instances of microaggressions and unfair treatment, she highlights the importance of addressing and rectifying such behaviors to foster a more inclusive and respectful hockey culture.
As conversations around toxic hockey culture persist, LoveGrove advocates for professional leagues to prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and community building. By shifting away from glorifying violence and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against misogyny and discrimination, she believes that hockey can become a more welcoming and empowering space for all players, regardless of gender or identity.
Amidst the complexities of her relationship with hockey, LoveGrove cherishes the moments of joy and camaraderie she has experienced on the ice, underscoring the potential for the sport to inspire unity and mutual respect among players of diverse backgrounds.