Founded in 1999, what started out as a single team has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ+ hockey communities in the country. Today, NYCPHA provides opportunities to play, compete, volunteer, celebrate Pride, and build meaningful connections throughout New York City and beyond.
Founded in 1999 by Jeff Kagan and Jeff Minck, the New York City Gay Hockey Association (now NYCPHA) began with a simple goal: creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ hockey players in New York City. Inspired by the Toronto Gay Hockey Association, the organization held its first meeting on July 29, 1999. By that fall, more than two dozen players had joined, and the association’s first official team entered league play at Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink, marking the beginning of organized LGBTQ+ hockey in New York City.
The organization grew rapidly in its early years. In 2000, NYCPHA began what would become a longstanding tradition of participating in New York City’s Pride March, proudly representing LGBTQ+ athletes and promoting visibility in sports. The following year, the association hosted the inaugural Chelsea Challenge tournament, welcoming teams from across North America and establishing what would become one of the premier LGBTQ+ hockey tournaments in the world.
As membership expanded, so did the organization’s impact. Throughout the early 2000s, NYCPHA added new teams across multiple skill levels, earned league championships, achieved nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2002, and participated in international competitions including the Gay Games and World OutGames. The association also gained national attention through appearances in major media outlets, including Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, NY1, and the New York Times, helping bring greater visibility to LGBTQ+ athletes and hockey players.
More than two decades after its founding, the organization continues to evolve while remaining true to its mission of building community through hockey. In 2025, the New York City Gay Hockey Association rebranded as the New York City Pride Hockey Association (NYCPHA), reflecting its commitment to creating an even more welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ players, allies, and supporters. Today, NYCPHA brings people together through competitive hockey, the annual Chelsea Challenge tournament, social events, community outreach, and participation in the NYC Pride March, ensuring that everyone has a place to belong both on and off the ice.
The NYCPHA Scholarship Fund was established to assist those in need of financial support to participate in NYCPHA activities. New York City has the highest ice hockey related costs in the United States. The typical cost to field a team is upwards of $10,000 resulting in significant costs to our players. We realize that playing ice hockey is not just a sport, but an important part of our member’s lives.
Since its inception in 2021, the Scholarship Fund has given $64,000(as of February 2025) to those in need to help offset the cost of all NYCPHA hockey related activities. The transgender community has benefited the most from this fund whom statistically receive far lower average salaries than cis-gender white counterparts.
Funds to offset or waive your hockey costs can be applied as discount codes to all hockey related registrations. Please use the following discount codes based on your needs:
The New York City Pride Hockey Alliance provides a safe-space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies that celebrates inclusivity, fosters connection, and champions pride both on and off the ice.
We achieve these goals when the spaces in which we play are safe. If you have a concern involving yourself or another player, please fill out the form below.
We are most concerned with making sure all our players are comfortable and have opportunities for growth. We hope to facilitate such conversations and opportunities.
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