The Elite Ice Hockey League is thrilled to be launching it’s Pride events for the 2025/26 season.
Over the next fortnight, all 10 teams will host pride nights, underscoring what makes hockey fans great: creating a welcoming atmosphere for all and ensuring that hockey is for everyone!
For the second season running, we are delighting to be supporting Switchboard, the national LGBTQIA+ support line. Our game officials will be wearing special jerseys for pride games, and a number of these will be auctioned after use with all proceeds going directly to Switchboard.
“We can never forget that our pride events all started with an amazing, fan-led show of unity and inclusion at Playoff Finals Weekend 2019,” said Elite League Media & Communication Manager Luke Fisher. “Our fans showed us then that they believe hockey truly is for everyone, and we’ve been proud to honour that message at games across the league for the past six seasons.
“I’m delighted that we are able to support Switchboard once again, the work they do is vitally important. I hope that, by organising these events and sharing their messages, we are able to make sure anyone who needs it is able to find the support they need at a difficult moment of their life.”
Switchboard, founded 50 years ago and one of the UK’s longest-running charities serving the LGBTQIA+ communities, added: “Switchboard has been providing a non-judgmental, non-directive, and confidential space for the LGBTQIA+ community since 1974. We are delighted to work with the Elite Ice Hockey League for a second year. Our partnership helps ensure that LGBTQIA+ people across the ice hockey community and beyond know they’re not alone, and that support from our trained volunteers is on hand, 365 days a year.”
Pride games are taking place across the Elite League starting this weekend, all the way through until 1 February.
About Switchboard
Switchboard is the UK’s national LGBTQIA+ support line, providing confidential listening and information services to LGBTQIA+ people and those questioning their identity. Run by trained volunteers, Switchboard offers support via phone, email, and instant message, helping people navigate issues including mental health, coming out, relationships, discrimination, and wellbeing.
Switchboard is open every day of the year and plays a vital role in ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people across the UK have access to safe, non-judgemental support whenever they need it.
Photo: James Assinder
For more information or to access support, visit www.switchboard.lgbt.
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