NEAR WEST SIDE — Hockey players and burlesque performers will once again team up for a good cause Saturday — to raise awareness for the city's LBGTQ athletes.
Created by goalie — and burlesque performer — Ali Lawrence, Puck & Grind 2016 will kick off at noon Saturday with a 3-on-3 hockey tournament at Johnny's IceHouse West, 2550 W. Madison St. Later that night, Puck & Grind cup victors will celebrate their win at a burlesque show at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Tap Room, 3010 N. Lincoln Ave.
At Lincoln Tap Room, Chicago's finest burlesque performers, including headliners Lilly Rascal and Red Rum, recently featured on TV show "America's Got Talent," will grace the stage.
The event, a benefit for the You Can Play Project, aims to empower LGBTQ athletes and allies alike.
Tourney registration for hockey players is sold out, but both the tournament at Johnny's and the performances at Lincoln Tap Room are free to attend. Donations are welcome. Raffle tickets and drink wristbands sold at Lincoln Tap Room will benefit the project. After-party attendees must be 21 or older.
You Can Play is focused on making the world of sports a safer and more inclusive environment for the LGBT community. Specifically, the national project aims to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing not on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, but instead on an athlete's talent, desire and spirit, Lawrence said.
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