TORONTO (Feb. 15, 2026) \u2013 The National Hockey League in partnership with Pride Tape will host the 2026 NHL Unites Pride Cup for the third consecutive season, featuring members of Vancouver\u2019s The Cutting Edges and the Seattle Pride Hockey Association competing for the Pride Cup trophy on Sat. Feb. 28 and Sun. Mar. 1, in Surrey, British Columbia.<\/p>\n
Now in its third year, the expanded two-day event at the North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex will showcase two LGBTQ+ hockey associations leading the way in the Pacific Northwest. The three-game series will see each organization receive a $25,000 donation in support of their continued community impact.<\/p>\n
“The Cutting Edges are honored to be part of the NHL Unites Pride Cup alongside great partners like Seattle Pride Hockey Association, the NHL and Pride Tape,\u201d said Kyle McCarthy, president of The Cutting Edges. \u201cThis is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate what hockey is all about, community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NHL Unites Pride Cup is about more than hockey \u2014 it\u2019s about visibility, belonging, and showing LGBTQ+ players and fans that this sport is for them,\u201d said Steven Thompson, president of the Seattle Pride Hockey Association. \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly proud to share the ice with the Vancouver Cutting Edges and grateful to the NHL for continuing to invest in community-driven inclusion. Moments like this help shape the future of hockey into one that truly welcomes everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 40 players will participate alongside special guests. League partner, the You Can Play Project will conduct an education session for local coaches to help support an arena environment where LGBTQ+ athletes can play as their authentic selves. While Pride Tape\u2019s Jeff McLean and Dean Petruk, who just celebrated the venture\u2019s 10th anniversary, will be on hand to continue their mission of promoting diversity, equality and inclusion through sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the inaugural Pride Cup, we\u2019ve seen hockey communities across the League come together to create a welcoming, respectful experience for everyone who loves the game,\u201d said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs. \u201cAt its best, hockey brings people together — fostering inclusive environments for all who play and love the sport. Our Pride initiatives are one of the many ways we continue to live out that commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2026 NHL Unites Pride Cup is part of a longstanding commitment from the NHL to support LGBTQ+ hockey organizations and to host celebrations of authenticity, including the inaugural NHL All-Star Pride Cup<\/a> during the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto and the 2025 NHL Pride Cup at 4 Nations Face-Off<\/a> in Boston.<\/p>\n 2026 NHL Unites Pride Cup Schedule<\/p>\n All games are free and located at the North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex (10950 126a St, Surrey, BC V3V 0E5) as well as open to the media and public. Capacity is limited.<\/p>\n Saturday, February 28<\/p>\n 11:45 A.M. PT: Game 1<\/p>\n Vancouver Cutting Edges vs. Seattle Pride Hockey Association<\/p>\n 4:30 P.M. PT: Game 2<\/p>\n Vancouver Cutting Edges vs. Seattle Pride Hockey Association<\/p>\n Sunday, March 1<\/p>\n 1:30 P.M. PT: Coaches Training with You Can Play Project<\/p>\n