How Montreal Victoire’s Erin Ambrose is using fashion to stand up for the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Erin Ambrose, the Montreal Victoire defender, recently turned heads in a photo shoot sporting a bucket hat and a grey t-shirt featuring a fist in the air, covered in a hockey glove and draped in a rainbow flag. The shirt reads “Be you” on the glove, making it a powerful statement piece. This design is part of Ambrose’s collaboration with CCM Hockey for her Pride apparel line, now in its second year.

In an interview with CBC Sports, Ambrose expressed the significance of the shirt, emphasizing the symbol of the raised fist as a sign of protest and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As an openly gay woman and a successful hockey player, Ambrose sees the shirt as a merging of her two identities – the athlete and the advocate.

The Pride apparel line created by Ambrose includes graphic t-shirts, hats, and sweat suits that reflect her personal journey and commitment to making the community safer and more inclusive. The designs subtly incorporate rainbow elements, symbolizing pride and acceptance. One of the standout pieces is the rainbow CCM logo, a bold statement from a longstanding hockey company.

CCM Hockey approached Ambrose to create the line, recognizing her as a transformative figure in the sport. The collaboration aims to bring hockey into a space of inclusivity and belonging, beyond the traditional confines of the rink. Year 2 of the collection pushes boundaries and celebrates authenticity and style.

The impact of Ambrose’s Pride line goes beyond fashion. Seeing fans wearing her jerseys and Pride apparel at games has been a life-changing experience for Ambrose. The support and visibility of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the PWHL have created a welcoming atmosphere, where fans feel empowered to express themselves freely.

Ambrose’s journey from a young hockey player struggling with her sexuality to a proud advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community is a testament to the progress and acceptance in the sport. She recognizes the importance of representation and hopes to inspire others to embrace their identity with pride.

As Ambrose continues to make a difference on and off the ice, her Pride apparel line serves as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. By wearing her heart on her sleeve and standing up for what she believes in, Ambrose is paving the way for a more diverse and accepting hockey community.