The English Ice Hockey Association has confirmed it will host its third annual Pride Week, continuing the organisation’s commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and visibility within ice hockey. The week-long celebration will see clubs, teams, and participants across England come together to demonstrate that ice hockey is a sport for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pride Week has become an established fixture in the EIHA calendar since its inaugural event, with growing participation and support from clubs at all levels. During the week, teams are encouraged to show their support through rainbow tape on sticks, special jerseys, and inclusive messaging at their venues. The initiative aims to create visible representation and send a clear message that LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed and valued in the ice hockey community.
The EIHA continues its partnership with Hockey is Diversity, an organisation dedicated to promoting inclusion in ice hockey. This collaboration has helped provide resources, guidance, and support to clubs looking to create more inclusive environments. Together, they work to ensure that ice hockey in England reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and that all participants feel safe and supported.
Feedback from previous Pride Week events has been overwhelmingly positive, with players, coaches, and officials expressing appreciation for the visibility and representation. Many have noted that the initiative helps create conversations about inclusion and encourages LGBTQ+ individuals who may have felt uncertain about participating in ice hockey to get involved. The week serves not only as a celebration but also as an educational opportunity to promote understanding and acceptance.
Clubs across all EIHA leagues and divisions are invited to participate in Pride Week activities. Whether through social media campaigns, special game-day events, or simply displaying rainbow colours at their rinks, every contribution helps demonstrate the ice hockey community’s commitment to inclusion. The EIHA encourages creativity and authenticity in how clubs choose to mark the occasion, recognising that meaningful participation can take many forms.
Beyond Pride Week itself, the EIHA remains committed to ongoing work around diversity and inclusion throughout the year. This includes education for coaches and officials, support for clubs developing inclusive policies, and efforts to remove barriers that might prevent people from participating in ice hockey. Pride Week serves as a focal point for these efforts, bringing together the community to celebrate progress while acknowledging the work that remains.
The announcement of the third annual Pride Week reflects the EIHA’s understanding that inclusion requires sustained effort and regular visibility. By making this an annual event and growing its reach each year, the organisation demonstrates that promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion is not a one-time gesture but an ongoing priority. Ice hockey in England continues to evolve as a more welcoming and diverse sport, with Pride Week playing an important role in that transformation.