New York City Gay Hockey Association
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The New York City Gay Hockey Association (NYCGHA) is New York City's first official gay ice hockey association. The NYCGHA has a number of teams in various divisions of Chelsea Piers'[1] Sky Rink.[2] The NYCGHA is a member of Gay Hockey International[3] and is tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Mission statement
The New York City Gay Hockey Association (NYCGHA) provides an environment free of harassment and discrimination for members and friends of the LGBT community to play ice hockey and fulfill their athletic aspirations.[4]
History
The NYCGHA was founded on July 29, 1999 by Jeff Kagan and Jeff Minck. After competing together in the 1998 Friendship Tournament, Jeff Kagan was encouraged to start a gay hockey association in New York by Paul O'Kane, tournament organizer of the Toronto Gay Hockey Association[5] from 1996 to 1998.[6]
Teams
The number of teams of the NYCGHA and divisions in which they play varies with the number of available members each hockey season. The NYCGHA has had upwards of 7 teams playing in 3 divisions at Chelsea Piers.[7]
Events
The NYCGHA hosts and co-sponsors a number of events every year. These events are to increase awareness of ice hockey in New York, gay sports in New York, and gay health issues. An annual event is the Chelsea Challenge which invites LGBT and LGBT-friendly players from all over the world to compete in a friendly ice hockey tournament.[8]
