Chicago, IL -
The
Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA), Chicago's official gay hockey organization, has put together a festive video that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
The video produced and directed by singer/songwriter Stephen Leonard is a cover of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas' performed by members of the team."The funny thing about this song is that our team is notorious for blasting it on repeat all year round; whether it be in the locker room or at the bar," Leonard, who also plays for the CGHA, told ChicagoPride.com. "So needless to say, it was a no-brainer when the idea came up to do our own video of it."The team recorded the vocals at Handwritten Recording in Chicago — yes the players sing — and video editor Jordan Lindley captured the team performing the song on ice. The video was posted to YouTube on Thanksgiving Day and has over 30,000 views as of Monday morning. "It truly captures the spirit of our team," Leonard added. "We're all about having fun and inviting others to do the same, both on and off the ice."The CGHA, which is the same organization that brought the Stanley Cup to the Chicago Pride Parade in 2010, is a non-profit organization that provides a non-discriminatory environment within the hockey community."From my perspective this video perfectly represents the CGHA," Andrew Sobotka, President of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association, told ChicagoPride.com. "It was spontaneous, fun and cheerful. As an organization we welcome all players of any skill level and any singers of any skill level."The CGHA is a registered 501c-3 organization. For more information visit chicagogayhockey.org.