Sidney Crosby had two assists and leads the NHL with 56 points.

The National Hockey League and its players association are teaming up with an advocacy group that promotes gay rights and strives to foster a welcoming environment for gay athletes, the league announced Thursday.

 The "historic partnership" makes the NHL the first of the four major U.S. pro sports leagues to form an official alliance with the You Can Play Project, an organization that aims to end homophobia in sports locker rooms.

 According to nhl.com, the official partnership with You Can Play includes a rookie symposium to educate players on LGBT issues as well as the broadcast of public service announcements.

 "Our motto is 'Hockey Is For Everyone,' and our partnership with You Can Play certifies that position in a clear and unequivocal way," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. Full story.

Do you think there's more homophobia in the sports world than other realms?

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