Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League

Coachella Valley Pride Hockey League

CVPHA is excited to take the next step in our growth. We are creating our on Pride Hockey League. Something we create truly our own—a league that we own, control, and shape according to our values. 

The first reason to build our own league is community. Many of our players have never had the opportunity to play alongside some of our more advanced players. Some of our members may have never even met each other. A Pride Hockey league gives us the chance to play together as one community rather than as separate teams scattered throughout another organization.

It strengthens relationships. It allows players to get to know teammates from across our organization. It creates an environment where people compete hard while still remembering that they are part of the same community. The friendships formed on the ice become the foundation of something much bigger off the ice.

The second reason is rooted in the realities of our world today.

Sadly, homophobia is once again becoming more visible in many places. While we have strong support from many individuals within the local hockey community, we have also witnessed an increase in incidents that negatively impact LGBTQ+ players and their enjoyment of the game.

When others do not share our lived experiences, they may not always recognize the impact that certain comments, actions, or policies can have on members of our community.

A league of our own allows us to set the culture.

It allows us to create an environment where respect is non-negotiable, where sportsmanship matters, where player safety comes first, and where everyone understands and supports our mission of providing a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people to play hockey.

It allows us to establish expectations around conduct, accountability, and inclusion. It allows us to ensure that allies who join us understand and respect the purpose of our organization. Most importantly, it allows us to build a league where every player knows they belong.

Our mission has always been to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people to learn and play hockey. Every decision we make should reflect and support that mission.

2026-2027 The Inaugural Season

During the Summer of 2026 over 50 CVPHA members signed up to play in the inaugural season of the CVPHL. Our four team Captains met in mid-September to draft players onto our four teams: the Bighorns, the Coyotes, the Eagles, and the Roadrunners. 

Games will be held on Friday nights at the Berger Foundation IcePlex.