Last year’s Frozen Pride Classic hockey tournament was a big hit with teams from near and far.
14 hockey teams travel to valley this weekend
For the second year in a row, 14 LGBTQIA+ hockey teams from across the U.S. and Canada — including a Methow-based team imaginatively named the Methow Locals — will demonstrate what it looks like when Pride takes to the ice.
The 2026 Frozen Pride Classic LGBTQIA+ Hockey Tournament, presented by the Seattle Pride Hockey Association (SPHA), a nonprofit “dedicated to building inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQ people and allies in the sport of hockey,” will fill the Winthrop Rink with high-energy competition Friday through Sunday (Feb. 13-15).
“What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?” the SPHA event description asks. “Last year there was a proposal on the ice!”
The Frozen Pride Classic can’t guarantee another proposal this year, but what it can guarantee is a “friendly weekend of outdoor hockey as 14 teams come together in a reimagined relaxed style of play. No pressure, no championship — this is an opportunity to hit the ice in the elements, and have fun while skating at one of the most unique outdoor rinks in North America.”
And that’s just for the players. For the community and spectators, the Frozen Pride Classic offers color, collaboration, connection, and an opportunity to be welcoming allies.
SPHA held its first event in the Methow Valley in 2025 and fell in love with the Winthrop Rink for the same reason it is so beloved by the local community — it’s a remarkable outdoor venue with a spectacular backdrop. The rural location is a draw, not a deterrent for hockey teams; with the exception of the Methow Locals, all of the participating teams will drive a great distance to the tournament, and many of them have long flights preceding the drive.
An additional attraction is the activism of Methow Pride, which “fosters rural connection, belonging, and thriving for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) beings in the Methow Valley through free programming, community education, and celebratory events,” according to its website.
“Organizations like Methow Pride, both regionally and nationally, are dedicated to our commitment to fostering community and belonging,” said Celia Gottlieb, Programs Director for Methow Pride. Supporting the efforts of the Frozen Pride Classic is part of that commitment.
Gottlieb added, “In an administration that wants to deny the existence of queer folks, we are standing strong in leading with love and with our other values — celebration, community, belonging, and thoughtful creativity. We are standing strong in finding and creating joy.”
Tourney details
The Methow Locals team takes the ice each day of the tournament for a match-up in the Avalanche Division. Spectators are encouraged to come cheer for the local team on Friday (Feb. 13) from noon-1pm when they play Team Trans International, and/or on Saturday (Feb. 14) when they face IHB Double Rainbow from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and/or from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in their match against the Spotted Cows. The Methow Locals play their final match on Sunday (Feb. 15) from 1-2 p.m., challenging IHB Double Rainbow for a second time. A full tournament schedule can be found at seattlepridehockey.org/frozen.
Two additional Pride events complement the hockey tournament. On Thursday (Feb. 12), Three Fingered Jack’s welcomes Frozen Pride Classic players and anyone who wants to mingle with them to a social gathering from 8-10 p.m. Those who want to skate with the players are encouraged to put on a fun costume and join the open skate at the rink on Friday from 3:45-5:45 p.m. All community members are welcome. Food for purchase will be provided by Mountain Meals. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for youth; $5 skate rental.
Those who show up for the Frozen Pride Classic tournament and its related social events may be interested in a Methow at Home workshop and dialog presented in collaboration with Methow Pride. Held on Feb. 27 from 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., “Pronouns and LGBTQIA+ Allyship” will explore pronouns, LGBTQIA+ experiences, and allyship practices. It includes “small group discussions and dedicated time for questions, allowing participants to engage more deeply with the material and learn from each other’s perspectives,” the event description says.
Gottlieb said that the workshop is an opportunity to ask questions and learn. “It’s important to have a good runway into learning new things, to make space for wonderings and questions,” Gottlieb said.
Registration is required for the free workshop (which includes soup and cookies) and can be found at methowathome.org/events.
Finally, mark your calendar for the annual Snowball, to be held on Friday, March 13, at the Methow Valley Community Center. Visit methowpride.org/upcoming-events for more information.
