Gay rights group outraged by CBC's use of 'pansification'

A gay rights group has complained to the CBC about the use of the term "pansification" by Hockey Night in Canada commentators.

Hockey Night commentator Mike Milbury coined the expression to describe how the NHL would be softened should the league heed calls to ban fighting. He has used "pansification" at least twice on Hockey Night this season, in November and again on Jan. 17. His colleague, Don Cherry, has also made reference to it.

Egale Canada, a gay advocacy organization, protested last week. But Scott Moore, the head of CBC Sports, said through a network spokesman yesterday that commentators are free to make their own decisions whether to use the expression.