Andrew Sobotka, once at helm as president over at Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA), has snagged a finalist spot in line with an impressive National Hockey League honor—the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award. Born in Detroit, this 39-year-old has been making waves, using hockey as a tool, building a community that's welcoming and inclusive. It's a nod that celebrates his drive and passion towards creating a more inclusive sports environment.
Spotlighting hockey's role in community impact
The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, started back in 2018, pays tribute not just with a nod, but with a deeper meaning—honoring Willie O'Ree, who broke barriers as NHL's first Black player. By 2023, they've upped it, honoring two winners each year—one from U.S. soil and one from Canada. This year, Sobotka's shooting his shot, and folks all over can put their votes in until May 25th.
Sara Guderyahn, who's steering things at Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, nominated Sobotka. It's a shout-out, giving a spotlight on his firm stance on making hockey welcoming and inclusive.
Advocacy and inclusivity: making a lasting mark
The CGHA has been around since 2002 but really hit headlines in June 2010. They called on Chicago Blackhawks right after they snagged their first Stanley Cup in decades, inviting them out and loud at Pride Parade. They were honoring Brendan Burke, an LGBTQ+ champion and son from Toronto Maple Leafs' GM, who passed too soon in 2010.
Blackhawks' defenseman Brent Sopel took them up on it, waving proudly atop a CGHA float, Stanley Cup in tow, thrilling parade-goers. That moment stood tall—never had one from big four sports been spotted in a Pride parade, a landmark in promoting inclusivity.
Remembering those days, Sobotka noted, “Back then, it was a first among any major sports trophies in a Pride parade. Our tie with Blackhawks started there and it just blossomed.”
Sustainably pushing LGBTQ+ inclusivity forward
That parade was just a chapter—Sobotka's role with CGHA and Chicago's LGBTQ+ community has been substantial. As their leader, numbers surged, funds funneling towards local causes, with ranks swelling close on a hundred strong, including many straight allies. Jimmie Murphy-Aguilú from CGHA remarked, “A good number likely would've shelved hockey without Andrew. He's why it's got this vibe.”
Though he grew up around hockey in Detroit, his dad Al Sobotka linked with Detroit Red Wings as a Zamboni driver, teenage Andrew felt outcast in hockey realms as LGBTQ+. His move in 2007 brought a fresh wave when he joined CGHA, then just a dozen folks strong.
Nabbing a nomination like Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award isn't just a nod towards Sobotka's work—it seeks better, broader acceptance in sports. The baton passed on, but support? Always. Gina Malizio, taking over at CGHA as president, shared, “We're beyond proud—Andrew being nominated has us on cloud nine!”
June will lift curtains on who takes home a 2025 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award. Until May 25, folks can rally behind Sobotka in a daily voting spree.
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