NHL’s Nora Corthren Leads Charge Toward Inclusive Hockey
Nora Corthren, the NHL’s Manager of Content, Audience Development, and Social Impact, spends her days shaping a hockey culture that welcomes every fan and player.
Her agenda centers on making the sport more accessible, from curating Pride programming to spotlighting the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award and supporting Hockey Fights Cancer.
Grassroots Momentum Fuels Change
Over the past four years, Corthren has watched LGBTQ+ hockey organizations multiply across North America, giving marginalized players a place to belong and allies a platform to act.
The league’s visible involvement — marching in the New York City Pride Parade and partnering with teams such as the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Sirens and New York Rangers — signals a broader commitment to visibility and allyship.
For many who once felt unwelcome on the ice, the shift has been transformative, opening doors for a new generation that now sees itself reflected in the game.
Corthren’s own journey from a backyard rink to a leadership role informs her advocacy, as she stresses that representation is not just symbolic but essential for the sport’s future.