The Columbus Ohio Gay Lesbian Ally Hockey Assocation (COGLAHA) and Cincinnati Pride have partnered up with the Cincinnati Cyclones to host a Pride Night on Saturday, April 1 as the team takes on the Toledo Walleye at US Bank Arena. It's a great in-state match-up and is a first for the Cyclones and the first Pride Night event in the ECHL.
Pride Night with the Cyclones will consist of a COGLAHA scrimmage at 2 pm to kick-off the day. Joining the COGLAHA players on the ice are members of the The Brotherhood - The Miami University Hockey team. Additionally, the Cyclones will be joining the You Can Play Project as they unveil their video in-game during the Cyclones/Walleye game starting at 7:30 pm.
"As the COGLAHA organization continues to grow, it is important for us to host Pride Night events that embrace our athletes, players & supporters and the LGBTQA community. It's amazing when you see the community coming to a hockey Pride Night event, some who have never been to a hockey game before....and they have fun in a supportive sporting environment. Getting more people involved and spreading the message of inclusion is a win-win for everyone. This one with the Cyclones, having the Miami Hockey team involved with You Can Play, just brings everything full-circle with the mission that we are trying to accomplish." said Doug Massey, President of COGLAHA. "Hockey is a sport that brings everyone together. Just last week we had a marriage on the ice between two COGLAHA members".
The Columbus based LGBTQA hockey organization is no stranger to hosting Pride Nights and has hosted several with the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, the AHL Cleveland Monsters and the NCAA Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Hockey team. Last month COGLAHA was recognized at a Columbus Blue Jackets game during their Red Line Recognition ceremony that was held in conjunction with the NHL's #HockeyIsForEveryone month.
With the involvement and encouragement of COGLAHA, the Columbus Blue Jackets, The Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio University, Bowling Green State University, the Columbus Clippers and the Columbus Crew mascots have all been recently been involved in the annual Columbus Pride Parade that is now one of the largest in the Midwest. "It says a lot about our communities and how everyone can come together. We're proud of all of the support and in return, we support those same organizations in many ways" Massey said.
Massey said "Partnering with Cincinnati Pride for this first ever event was a no-brainer. Using the resources and contacts of each organization for promotion ensures a great event for our community...the Cyclones have been great to work with and we look forward to this relationship with both organizations". This Pride Night will mark Ohio becoming the first State in the Country to host Pride Nights with its NHL, AHL, NCAA and now ECHL team(s).
If you can't make it to Pride Night or if you can, start the party early with COGLAHA and Cincinnati Pride at Goodfella's OTR, located at 1211 Main Street from 3:30-6 pm, in the third floor mezzanine. Come have a drink with a pie with our organizations - Cincinnati Pride will be selling their Pride Dog Tags. It'll be a great time for everyone!
Cyclones Pride Night tickets are $14 and should be purchased here. Additional information about the event is available on the COGLAHA web site. If you are close to Columbus, COGLAHA is taking a chartered bus to Cincinnati and has a ticket & transportation package available. #CincyPride2017
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