Cutting Edge

“An inspirational and unique perspective on a sport beloved by so many. This book demonstrates how, when hockey includes more diverse players and fans, the culture of the game itself will change, and hockey will become a better place for all.”
–Betty Baxter, author of Outspoken: A Journey from Olympic Athlete to Activist

“Love letter, reminiscence, and critique by a lifelong hockey fan, here’s a comprehensive and progressive account of what the sport is–and can become. Impressively, too, Gawthrop’s enthusiasm is infectious enough to keep me–a lifelong hockey nonfan–wholly engrossed.”
–Brett Josef Grubisic, author of The Age of Cities and My Two-Faced Luck

“Can anyone besides white straight bros truly love a game as rife with ugly fights, casual racism, and toxic masculinity as hockey? That screaming you hear from the stands is women, LGBTQ+, and racialized fans shouting ‘Of course!’ Still, in the National Hockey League’s 109-year history, no active player has ever come out as gay. In his exploration of the alternative game, Daniel Gawthrop shows us that it doesn’t have to be this way. Cutting Edge is a must-read for queer hockey lovers–in all senses of the phrase.”
–Carellin Brooks, author of One Hundred Days of Rain

“Cutting Edge is an incredibly timely and personal examination of hockey at its cultural crossroads. Daniel Gawthrop honours the beauty of the game while confronting the masculinity, gatekeeping, and institutional hesitation that have shaped it while seamlessly highlighting LGBTQ+ milestones in the sport’s history. Gawthrop argues persuasively that queerness is not outside hockey’s history and is certainly part of its future. This book is a treasure trove of information, 5 stars.”
–Ren Dawe, comedian, writer, and Education and Programs Director, You Can Play

Daniel Gawthrop (he/him) is the author of six non-fiction books, including The Trial of Pope Benedict and The Rice Queen Diaries, and one novel, Double Karma.

A co-founder of the Cutting Edges, Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ hockey association, he has written extensively about hockey for numerous publications. He lives in New Westminster, BC.

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