Pride Exhibition Game a Success!
June 30, 2003
Members show their Pride On Ice
Ice hockey in the summer? You betcha! The men and women of the Twin Cities Gay Hockey Association (TCGHA) beat the heat at their first annual Pride Exhibition Hockey Game, held Thursday, June 26, at Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis.
"This event was more than just a hockey game," said Chuck Hagel, TCGHA President. "We brought together our diverse community and celebrated Pride Week in our own way. We enjoyed sharing the coolest game on earth with the area's many hockey fans, while also attracting some new ones. The game was an excellent opportunity to build awareness of our organization to the GBLT community at large."
With officials, a scorekeeper and music playing between the face-offs, the game had many aspects fans would find at a professional level game. An ensemble from One Voice Mixed Chorus led the National Anthem for the two exhibition teams (dubbed the Purple Pride and Red Rainbows). Over one hundred people attended this unique and historic event.
The event was deemed a success by TCGHA's event coordinator, Justin Bodie: "We offer something unique -- gays, lesbians and our straight allies celebrating their pride on hockey skates -- in a fun, inclusive, harassment-free environment. The GLBT community has welcomed our budding organization with open arms."
TCGHA even attracts members who enjoy watching hockey (or the men and women who play) in a group called the "Northern Lights". Northern Lights booster club members assist with team fundraisers, cheer on the players and enjoy all the benefits of hockey-playing members.
A summer team has been established in the Adult Hockey Association (AHA) for TCGHA members interested in playing non-checking league hockey. TCGHA plans to form teams in the AHA winter league as well. Members have participated in the AHA beginner hockey school, demonstrating the fact that beginner hockey players are welcome in the organization. According to Hagel, TCGHA's tournament team (Aurora) will take part in the Toronto gay hockey tournament in October, and ultimately the group will send teams to the Montreal Gay Games in 2006.
TCGHA meets on a regular basis for open skating, summer pick-up hockey and social events. Membership is free and new members are welcome. For more information, visit the TCGHA website (www.tcgayhockey.org), email: info@tcgayhockey.org or call 952-210-2504.
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