It was a great pleasure to be part of the first regionally played Pride game in Newcastle at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Sunday 22nd October.

I didn’t just play, but I was given the honour to captain and lead my team to our 5-3 victory in this incredibly fun game.

Harbour Lights Ice Hockey Club, based in Sydney, is the city’s inaugural LGBTQIA+ ice hockey team, and was formed in 2021 as part of Australian LGBT Ice Hockey.

Specialising in inclusive, mixed-gender, non-contact hockey, Harbour Lights has allowed all individuals to play together in a safe and skill-appropriate environment. Bringing the game to my local rink in Newcastle was so great to see the teams from the two cities together, having a great time.

Being an ally of this community is more than just saying I am. It’s the ability to help create an environment where everyone enjoys the sport and walks away with a smile. It is my strong belief that anyone who wants to play hockey should have the opportunity to feel happy and safe.

I am not a fan of labelling anyone. I see the person. I see their heart, their character, their personality. That is what everyone should care about. Not what anyone else thinks they should be.

Pride games are significant as they showcase the talent of everyone, no matter their background, and endorse the very simple fact that ice hockey – and all sports – is for everyone. In this way, our game on Sunday night had a wonderful blend of people, end we all had a great night, it truly emphasises how humanity needs to remember to love people for who they are and not who they think they should be.

Long-term I would love to see our great sport grow, filled with people of all backgrounds that aren’t even a factor or thought about when playing. These games are a significant stepping stone towards this, and I cannot wait to participate again in the future.