James van Riemsdyk says Leafs would support gay teammate - Sportsnet.ca

“I know if we had someone that were to come out on this team, that we’d obviously be supportive,” van Riemsdyk said Tuesday. “We only care if they’re a good teammate and a good player. That’s all we’re worried about.”

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“It’s about having accountability to your words and to your actions and stuff, and just being a good person.”

For the 27-year-old, it’s a no-brainer to help carry the flag for the “You Can Play” cause. He did it even as a young player in the league with the Philadelphia Flyers and his brother, Trevor, has signed on to be the Chicago Blackhawks’ ambassador as well.

What he looks forward to is the time when the NHL doesn’t need to organize a month like this one because universal acceptance will just be a given.

“I think that sort of stuff is important because we want to be inclusive to everyone, especially in this locker-room,” said van Riemsdyk. “I think we’ve got a great locker-room and I think we want it to be to the point where these sorts of things aren’t really a big story any more. It should just be normal.

“But obviously we’re not quite there yet, I think, as a society.”

LAK vs TOR | 10/15/18