Lucas Morneau: Queer Newfoundland Hockey League

Nov 13 - Jan 28

  • Admission: Free
  • Time: 12:00 AM to 4:00 PM

"Queer Newfoundland Hockey League" is a multi-media exhibition by artist Lucas Morneau. QNHL aims to deconstruct homophobia in sports and critique existing toxic masculinity in sports culture by creating a new, positive and accepting masculinity for sports enthusiasts.

Queer Newfoundland Hockey League is a fictional hockey league made up of 14 teams, all named with pejoratives used against 2SLGBTQUIA+ community members. QNHL uses these pejoratives to reclaim words often used against queer individuals both on and off the ice as well as against people who do not confirm to hegemonic masculine standards often assigned to sports.

Morneau employs traditional craft practices of rug hooking and crochet, associated with Newfoundland and often delegated as “women’s work”, to create hockey jerseys for each team. Some jerseys use pantyhose worn by drag performers, some reference historical teams from senior hockey leagues that existed in Newfoundland, and others use “queer” colours no longer found on current NHL jerseys. The jerseys are paired with crocheted goalie masks, signaling the introduction of masks to the game which was originally ridiculed by hockey players and fans alike. A series of hockey cards featuring fictional players, comprising men, women and gender-nonconforming characters, completes the exhibition. Open weekdays 12 - 4 pm. Closed Dec 22 to Jan 2.