Today is the start of the second “EIHA pride week”.
The GalaxC Cooling Services Basingstoke Bison are proud to join clubs across the EIHA portfolio of competitions to show our support for all in the LGTBQ+ community within our sport especially as it continues to grow and evolve.
The EIHA and the teams, players and staff of the NIHL and WNIHL are committed to making ice hockey a safe and inclusive sport for everyone involved – for athletes, coaches, officials, staff and fans alike. “Pride week” provides everyone within the sport the chance to demonstrate their support and inclusion of people from all walks of life, no matter their gender or sexual orientation.
Its important to acknowledge the fact that some LGBTQ+ individuals may have a hard time in the hockey community and they need support and to make sure that they feel welcome and comfortable. Many notable players and coaches have come out as LGBTQ+ in recent years, however there is still a long way to go in terms of creating a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all players and fans.
During the “Pride Week” period your GalxC Cooling Services Basingstoke Bison will be wearing a special one-off design jersey curtesy of our jersey suppliers Dunamis Sports at our home games on Saturday 21st January & Saturday 28th January 2023.
These jerseys will be worn to show our support for all in the LGTBQ+ community within our sport and to make a statement that Bison games are an inclusive environment where all fans have a right to be treated with respect.
Adjourned on the rear of the jerseys are two statements “Everyone is equal” which outlines our club’s commitment that we believe that ice hockey is for everyone and will continue to share this message of equality.
Our club motto #wearefamily – who you love and however you identify, #WeAreFamily is more than a hashtag in Basingstoke. You are welcome. This space is your space and we’re proud to do our bit to show that hockey is for all.
All player jerseys have been owned and loaned and once again we thank our fans for their tremendous support.
There are four “Pride blood jerseys” available to win over the period and here’s how you can win them:
Two will be available in Raffall draws and the first one of these draws is live now at the following link: https://raffall.com/330009/enter-raffle-to-win-bison-pride-jersey-hosted-by-basingstoke-bison-ihc this will close at 9pm on Tuesday 24th January 2023 and then a further draw will opened on Wednesday 25th January which will close at 9pm on Sunday 29th January 2023.
And
One “Pride” jersey per game will be available to win in the Shirt of their Back competitions at our two Pride games.
At both games our merchandise table will also be selling “Pride Week” specific merchandise, we will have limited stocks on the night but orders will be taken.
Replica “Pride” jerseys and merchandise will be available to order until the start of the second period of the game on Saturday 28th January 2023 versus the Hull Seahawks.
Order forms to purchase a Pride replica jersey can be downloaded here: PRIDE BISON SHIRT ORDER 2022_23
