The Star-Mangled Banner: VIDEO

Canadian jazz singer Alexis Normand had a bit of a flop-sweat moment over the weekend when she failed to recall the words to America's national anthem at the Memorial Cup (Canada's National Junior Hockey Tournament). Hope your weekend was better than hers.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

(via deadspin)

Jon Snow Went to a Hockey Game

For you Game of Thrones fans. Kit Harington attended a Toronto Maple Leafs game last week, and the captioners had quite a good time with it.

Crowd Takes Over Emotional National Anthem at Boston Bruins Game: VIDEO

At last night's Bruins game (the first post-bombing sporting event), Rene Rancourt, who has been singing the National Anthem there for more than 40 years, began to sing. He quickly let the crowd take over

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Provocative NHL Lick of the Week: VIDEO

Buffalo Sabre player Steve Ott grabbed some attention this week when he tried to win a faceoff this week by extending a provocative tongue toward Jeff Halpern of the Montreal Canadiens, Yahoo Sports reports.

Watch the clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

Meanwhile, when a YouTube commenter took the obvious route, responders scored one for the tagline of the You Can Play project:

NHL Announces Groundbreaking Anti-Homophobia 'Partnership: 'Our Policy is One of Inclusion'

The National Hockey League has partnered with the anti-homophobia You Can Play Project, the Hockey News reports:

“I’m very proud that the National Hockey League and NHL Players Association are the ones taking this step and breaking new ground,” Philadelphia Flyers scout and YCP co-founder Patrick Burke told THN late Thursday morning. “The big shift is that this is a professional sports league saying not that, ‘We tolerate you,’ not that, ‘We’ll deal with it if we need to,’ but that they’re inviting us in. It’s exciting.”

“Our motto is ‘Hockey Is For Everyone,’ and our partnership with You Can Play certifies that position in a clear and unequivocal way,” added NHL commissioner Gary Bettman (pictured). “While we believe that our actions in the past have shown our support for the LGBT community, we are delighted to reaffirm through this joint venture with the NHL Players’ Association that the official policy of the NHL is one of inclusion on the ice, in our locker rooms and in the stands.”

The partnership, which was signed as a legally binding document by the three parties this week, will see You Can Play (a) conduct seminars at the NHL’s annual rookie symposium to educate players on gay equality issues; and (b) integrate YCP’s message of respect for all into the league’s Behavioral Health Program by allowing players to confidentially seek counseling or education. As well, YCP will work with the league to create and broadcast public service announcements promoting equality for all.

More at THN...

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1305

THRIFT SHOP: A vintage "Grandpa style" cover of the Macklemore hit.

OHIO STATE MEN'S HOCKEY: You can play.

ICE CUBES CYLINDERS: Add a garden hose and freezing water and what do you get?

OWL STOWAWAY: A gorgeous owl got trapped in the grille of an SUV at Yeehaw Junction.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.