How Kao Lawrie Created an Inclusive Hockey Tournament | This Tournament Has Everything
About this episode
Kao Lawrie discusses their journey in creating an inclusive hockey tournament for marginalized players.
Five years ago, Kao Lawrie asked a simple question. Were there others like them in hockey? As a trans non-binary player, Kao rarely saw people who shared their experience in the sport. That realization led them to create This Tournament Has Everything, an inclusive hockey weekend on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia for women, trans, two-spirit, and non-binary players. What began as a small, community-driven tournament has since grown into an event that now brings together more than 120 players from across North America and beyond. In this episode of Rinkside Rundown, Kao shares their hockey journey, the experiences that shaped their perspective, and how one idea helped create a space where players can feel seen, safe, and welcomed in the sport. With this year’s tournament taking place March 6–8, 2026, this conversation highlights the impact of grassroots efforts and the importance of community in hockey. Subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for more conversations with players and leaders shaping the future of hockey. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod This Tournament Has Everything Instagram…
People in this episode
Host: Chris Sinclair
Guest: Kao Lawrie
Topics covered
- inclusive hockey
- trans representation
- community events
- grassroots efforts
- hockey tournaments
Keywords
- inclusive hockey
- trans non-binary
- hockey tournament
- community
- grassroots
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: This Tournament Has Everything
Places: Sunshine Coast of British Columbia
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