San Jose Sharks host annual Pride Scrimmage at SAP Center, celebrating inclusion through hockey

The San Jose Sharks welcomed players, staff, and community members to SAP Center for their fourth annual Pride Scrimmage, bringing together teams for an evening that celebrated inclusion, community, and a shared love of the game.

The friendly round-robin featured Team Teal staff taking on the San Francisco Earthquakes LGBTQ+ adult ice hockey team alongside Team Trans. Now in its fourth year, and the second year welcoming Team Trans to the ice, the scrimmage continues to grow as a meaningful celebration of representation and belonging within the hockey community.

“The idea behind this event is simple: SAP Center is a safe place to play. This has become a fun annual tradition of inviting the SF Earthquakes and now Team Trans into our NHL facility to play the sport we all love in an inclusive environment,” said Sharks Community Relations Manager Stephanie Dubin Combo. “The camaraderie amongst the teams that has evolved year over year is special to see. Friendships have been made and all three teams really look forward to this event every year!”

The event also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the San Jose Sharks and the San Francisco Earthquakes, a partnership that has been built over years of collaboration and a mutual commitment to creating inclusive spaces in sports.

Throughout the evening, players from all three teams took to the ice for a series of spirited but lighthearted matchups, cheered on by friends, family, and supporters. While the games delivered plenty of competitive moments, the focus of the night remained on connection, visibility, and celebrating the diverse communities that continue to grow the game of hockey.

As part of the celebration, the Sharks Foundation presented a $5,000 Community Assist Grant to the San Francisco Earthquakes. The grant will support the organization’s efforts to continue expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes and ensuring the sport remains welcoming and accessible for all.

“Powerful events like the Pride Scrimmage, along with our year-round community engagement, reflect our belief that hockey belongs to everyone,” said Kevin Brown, Executive Director of the Sharks Foundation and Head of Community Impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment. “We’re proud to support organizations like the San Francisco Earthquakes and others helping create spaces where LGBTQ+ athletes feel welcomed, valued, and able to fully be themselves through the game.”

As sticks tapped the ice and players gathered at center rink at the end of the night, the Pride Scrimmage served as another reminder that hockey is at its best when it brings people together, creating a space where everyone can feel like they belong in the game.