Editor’s Note: Filling out the roster one squad at a time, Kyle introduces himself below and promises more to come. Give him a follow @KyleBrookings. We insist!
I’m the writer for the Calgary Flames. The team is now represented here – better late than later. The team is a little… OK, a lot older than I am. Growing up I always had two favorite teams the Flames and the Leafs. I’d never miss a game. I became a Flames fan during the ’07 season after developing a bit of a crush on Mikael Backlund. After seeing him on TV I decided to start watching more Flames games and grew to like the team. See what I mean?
Into my teen years I began to realize I was gay and the misconception was that gay kids didn’t play hockey. So I didn’t tell anyone until I was 19 and in college. I didn’t want anyone to know I was somehow different from everyone else.
I knew there had to be gay hockey players or some form of community I could relate to, luckily I found PuckBuddys. After reading the first entry I knew this was the site for me.
Right now, I’m on Iggy watch: according to sports news services, the 35-year-old Iginla has submitted a list of four teams he is willing to waive his no-movement clause for a trade: the Boston Bruins, L.A. Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Blackhawks. Coincidentally, that list happens to include the last four Stanley Cup champions. Iginla had been with the team for 16 years and it could be tough to say goodbye.
I hope to contribute for a long time. See how long you can put up with me…