What started as a post on social media, turned into more than 80 hockey players wanting to play for London’s first queer hockey league.
The first post on the Queer Hockey London Instagram page is a concept logo posted on January 3rd, 2026.
Queer Hockey London’s, Courtney Pitre told XFM, that there was a noticeable demand for an inclusive hockey league. “I think there’s a lot of good queer communities within the London area and it took someone to just push it forward. I’m happy to do that.”
Pitre said that she posted a logo for the league in January, and by March, they we’re ready to launch. “We’ve got over 400 followers. We’ve got, I think 88 players last time I checked, 7 goalies- so we know that there’s a need and the reason people are playing is really profound. It’s really powerful and moving.”
The launch served double duty, with Queer Hockey London using their reach to help the Queer Food Bank.
“I am shocked,” said Queer Food Bank founder Christa Duvall. “I walked in the door and there was already a table full, and then a lot of that has been put away, and more food has continued to show up. It’s fantastic.”
Duvall says that demand at the Queer Food Bank is “incredibly high”, so the fundraiser was a “massive” help.
The audience at the Western Fair Sports Centre during Queer Hockey London’s first official game.
The league’s skaters were greeted with an audience of friends and supporters at the rink.
A part of that crowd is Carly Gibson, who says she’s there to support her mom. “I play hockey, myself, but it’s really fun to see my mom play as well because she’s always been one of my biggest supporters.”
Pitre said Queer Hockey London is working to do a full league launch in the fall when teams and ice times can be finalized.
