A fortnight of Pride games is being held across all 10 teams across the UK in the celebration of diversity
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 23rd Jan 2026
As Heated Rivalry shines the spotlight on the sport at home and around the world, here in the UK the Elite Ice Hockey League is putting inclusivity on the centre stage again in 2026.
The stage is set, as over the next fortnight, all ten teams in the league – which is the only pro level of ice hockey in the UK, and the only league which consists of all four Home Nations, are to host special Pride nights, as part of a wider initiative to ensure the sport is welcoming to everyone.
The celebration sees the clubs partner with Switchboard, and has become an annual tradition, after being inspired by a fan-led celebration on playoffs weekend nearly a decade ago.
It’s the second consecutive season, the league is partnering with the LGBT+ charity, which has been providing support to the queer community for more than 50 years.
Luke Fisher, Elite League Media and Communication Manager, emphasised the importance of inclusion in the sport, recalling the beginnings of their Pride events.
He told Hits Radio Pride: “I think what we do around Pride is something our fans really value.
“And this week in particular or not, for those watching live, it really is a great experience being there in person.
“It’s hard to understate just how good these people are at skating, and what makes it even better in the UK is the inclusive environment the supporters have fostered.
“You have Rainbow Laces in football, and there are some rugby events too, but we are still the only league in the UK that has a Pride event which is league-wide… and that’s a big deal.
“I think it’s important to have this, arguably now more than ever, because we still see unacceptable behaviour in ice hockey, and in sport more widely – and we need to call it out, and celebrate our differences.”
Heated Rivalry: ‘the hockey part is almost secondary’
As the sport here in the UK celebrates Pride in all of its colours, one TV show has certainly been getting people talking.
The binge-worthy show – and all of its emotion, excitement and spice – has certainly become a bit of a cultural phenomenon.
Luke’s called the whole thing a little bit ‘mind-blowing’.
He said: “I’m going to be honest: Heated Rivalry has kind of taken over my life!
“And I can’t tell you how many people have reached out to me, after seeing the series, surprised at just how exciting our amazing sport is.
“For me, as someone who works in ice hockey, it’s mind-blowing, because there are so many things that happen in the show, or in the books, that either are an experience you’ve gone through, or it’s something you thought about.
“I’ve had that moment, where you see partners coming on to the ice, so to see something that I was thinking about as a 14-year-old, played out in a TV series is amazing.
“It’s very hard to describe, but the series, and the messaging behind it, is so nice.
“The hockey part is almost secondary to the emotional context, but to see it with the backdrop of our sport, is really something to make you smile.”
‘Delighted to work with the league’
Switchboard has been praising the partnership with the league, with a charity spokesperson adding: “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.”
Luke added: “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.
“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.
“Last year was the first year of having Switchboard on-board with us, and I’m delighted that we are able to support them once again, the work they do is vitally important.
“There will be someone – and if that message gets through to one person. then, for me, that’s a success.
“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.”
Pride games will continue across the league until 1st February 2026.
Switchboard is the UK’s national LGBTQIA+ support line, offering confidential listening and information services to LGBTQIA+ individuals and those questioning their identity – and you can find out more about their work on their website.
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