RELEASE: Blackhawks Annual Pride Night Returns Sunday, March 26

The Chicago Blackhawks organization will host its annual Pride Night celebration, in partnership with BMO, on Sunday, March 26 when the team takes on the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. The evening will showcase many of the community partners, programs and entertainers that the Blackhawks work with year-round in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In a statement from the organization, the Blackhawks said they are "proud to continue our annual Pride Night celebration, an evening - alongside year-round efforts - fueled by partnership and LGBTQIA+ community engagement. Together, our activities will focus on fostering conversation and more equitable spaces in our pursuit to make hockey more inclusive. We do not condone anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, and we stand firmly with the community."
"While we know gameday celebrations like these are an important way we can use our platform to bring visibility, it is the work we do together 365 days a year that can create true impact in ensuring all of our colleagues, fans and communities feel welcomed and safe within our sport," the organization added.

Leading Up to the Game:

Earlier this week, the You Can Play Project provided front office staff with an educational overview of their work across the league and discussed the meaning and impact of teams hosting events like Pride Night. The organizations will continue to work together to learn about ways to create inclusive experiences for all Blackhawks staff, fans and community members 365 days a year.
Brock McGillis, a former professional goaltender in the OHL and the first openly gay men's professional hockey player, will join Blackhawks staff and partners for a compelling fireside chat about his playing experience, hosted by Blackhawks Assistant General Manager Meghan Hunter.
Members of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association will host a family and friends skate event at Fifth Third Arena before attending and participating in a special intermission performance during the game. The organization has partnered with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2010, including bringing the Stanley Cup to the Pride Parade for the first time and supporting the Market Days Classic at Fifth Third Arena.

Pregame Atrium Event:

Ticketed fans are encouraged to arrive early as celebrations begin in the United Center Atrium at 2:30 p.m., featuring entertainers and small businesses from the LGBTQIA+ community. Highlights include:
Live entertainment from DJ Vernimal and the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus;
Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie, an LGBTQIA+-owned bakery in the North Halsted neighborhood offering all types of delicious baked goods, will give out 500 Blackhawks-inspired cookies to fans as part of a small business spotlight program in partnership with BMO;
'The Glam-boni', which pays tribute to floats in Chicago's iconic Pride Parade, will be available for photos along with community flags, pride inspired decor and colorful wall backdrops.

In-Arena Entertainment:

Pride festivities will continue throughout the game, with the following special in-arena moments set to take place:
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus will return for a first intermission performance, followed by the Chicago Gay Hockey Association who will take the ice to showcase their talent in a skills-based competition;
In partnership with BMO, in-game video moments will put local LGBTQIA+ small businesses in the limelight. This year's features include Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie and the Chicago Male Salon, who in partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, will provide support to job seekers with the Center on Halsted later this month;
DJ Zel, who is well known for her throwback and high energy sets, will perform for fans during the second intermission.
Additionally, a Pride retail collection will be available at the Madhouse Team Store, Blackhawks Store on Michigan Avenue and CBHShop.com, where a portion of all proceeds will benefit the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation for its continued work with LGBTQIA+ organizations. One of the t-shirts - as well as other presentation elements of the evening - is inspired by the graphic designs of Andrew Rogers, founder and principal of Joslin Lake Design and a player with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association.
The puck drops at 5 p.m., and the game can be seen on NBC Sports Chicago, heard on WGN Radio and, in Spanish, on TUDN, Univision Sports Radio 1200 AM.