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You Can Play Project ‘reaching out to the NHL’ after Shaw incident

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The Blues pushed the Blackhawks to the brink of elimination on Tuesday as St. Louis pulled out a Game 4 win at the United Center.

The You Can Play Project has stated its intention to reach out to the National Hockey League after Chicago forward Andrew Shaw appeared to use a homophobic slur during Game 4 versus St. Louis.

The You Can Play Project launched in 2012 with the purpose of ensuring equality and respect for all athletes and that they should be judged on talent and work ethic, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, according to its website.

One of its founding members, Patrick Burke, now works in the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

The alleged incident occurred late in the third period of Chicago’s loss to St. Louis, as Shaw was in the penalty box.

The league is looking into it, and Shaw could face discipline, reports the Chicago Tribune.

“I mean, emotions are high, I really don’t know what’s said,” Shaw also told the Chicago Tribune. “I was obviously upset with the call being that late in the game (as) it doesn’t give us a chance to tie it up.”

There have been numerous incidents of obscene comments or gestures made by NHL players in the past.

Former NHLer Sean Avery, while playing for the New York Rangers, said in 2011 that Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds called him a homophobic slur during a pre-season game, as per ESPN.

In 2010, James Wisniewski was suspended two games after making an obscene gesture toward Avery.