Matt Kenny returns to hockey after 20 years with a Pride skate for inclusion

Former Kingston hockey player Matt Kenny will return to the ice this weekend for the first time in over 20 years. He will take part in the Matt’s Hockey Homecoming & Community Pride Skate. The event aims to make the sport more welcoming for everyone. Matt Kenny grew up in Kingston and played competitive hockey in the region for more than a decade. After stepping away from the game, he did not return until now. In 2021, he received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

As an ambassador for You Can Play, Kenny works to promote inclusion in sports. During his career, he remained closeted, which made it hard for him to feel accepted. The upcoming event will include a reunion game, a free youth skills workshop, an inclusive coaching seminar, and a community Pride skate.

Kenny hopes the day will show that everyone belongs on the ice. He also wants to send a message of support to those who may feel isolated or unsupported. The event will bring together former players, young athletes, and community members. It seeks to create a more inclusive environment in hockey. Kenny’s return to the ice marks both a personal milestone and a step toward broader change in the sport.