GALLERY: Chiefs promote inclusivity through Pride initiatives

If you asked the Spokane Chiefs organization what they wanted to achieve off the ice for the 2023-24 season, a common response would be promoting inclusivity across their hockey community.

And, did they ever.

On January 19, 2024, the Club hosted their annual Pride Night in support of the local 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Chiefs invited several organizations – Spokane Pride, Spokane Aids Network, North Idaho Pride Alliance, Odyssey Youth Movement, Free Mom Hugs, and the Gonzaga Lincoln Resource Centre – to fundraise money through ticket sales, with a portion of every purchase going to each organization. As a further incentive, the group with the most ticket sales got the opportunity to high-five the Chiefs players as they took to the ice for their game against the Everett Silvertips.

A staple in the team’s yearly promotional schedule, Pride Night has proven to be a fan-favourite among the Chiefs faithful.

“The Pride Game we have every year allows fans the comfort of enjoying our game with their community and highlights that hockey is for everyone,” said the Chiefs’ Director of Ticket Services, Brandon Holloway.

The Chiefs and Silvertips also got the chance to collaborate via a co-branded, specialty puck. Featuring Pride-themed logos of each team and a special design, the pucks were an instant hit with the event attendees. Available at the Chiefs’ store in a limited quantity, the commemorative puck sold out in only 15 minutes.

Take a look at the biscuit the boys will be playing with tonight 😍

A very limited quantity of these special Pride Night Official Game Pucks are available for sale at the Team Store tonight only! While supplies last.#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/XYFGcWtKBk

— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) January 20, 2024

A total of 6,323 spectators cruised through the SVMA for the event, making it the Club’s third-highest Friday night total over the course of the entire season. The Chiefs also saw an uptick in merchandise sales – which more than doubled their original projection.

This year, the Chiefs’ Pride initiatives extended past the confines of their arena too.

On June 9, as a part of the city’s Pride Month activities, the organization opened a booth at the Spokane Pride Festival, where they handed out items like bobbleheads, posters, and bracelets. Speciality Pride merchandise was also available for purchase.

For many members of the organization, ventures like the Spokane Pride Festival are important for the Club as it offers outlets to show support and spread love to its neighbours and community.

“Taking part in the Spokane Pride Parade on behalf of the Spokane Chiefs was a great way to get the organization out there in front of an audience that might not have originally considered supporting the team,” shared Chiefs Ticket Office Coordinator, Julian Ancheta.

“It was also a great way to show that hockey is truly for everyone.”