Coachella Valley Pride Hockey’s inaugural season begins

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - A local hockey organization hit the ice in a big way tonight. The Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association is launching its first-ever independent Pride hockey league.

The first game kicked off Friday night at the Burger Foundation Iceplex.

Nearly 70 players across 4 teams will compete every Friday night through April. Organizers say the league brings together players of all skill levels, from newcomers to veterans with decades of experience, and everyone in the community is invited to watch and have some fun.

"We hope to have lots of fans in the stands. We'll have music playing between stops in the play, we'll have lots of fun before and after. It's totally free, of course. No one has to pay for admission to the games or for parking at the ice plex. You can park there for free," said Paul O'Kane, president and founder of the Coachella Valley Pride Hockey Association.

The four teams will play each other every Friday night.

There will be two games,  one at 9:10 p.m. and one at 10:40 p.m.

Organizers say creating their own league allows them to foster community, promote inclusion, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all players.