PWHL Ottawa doesn't just want their arena to be a welcoming space, they want fans to feel celebrated and supported for who they are.

“Diversity is our strength” has been a theme PWHL Ottawa players and coaches have prided themselves on all season. The PWHL Ottawa fan base is diverse as well, and the organization wanted to give back to their LGBTQ2+ fans and community with a Pride Night game on Wednesday April 24th when PWHL Ottawa faces off with PWHL Boston.

"I think it just goes to show the values of this league,” said Emily Clark of PWHL Ottawa. “We want our rinks to be a super welcoming space for everyone. And not just welcoming, but everyone celebrated. So tonight, we're celebrating that, and I think it's amazing."

Within the league there are so many players, coaches, staff and fans that are part of the LGBTQ2+ community.

“Everyone's welcome and I think that's so important. And we want every community to be a part of it,” said Carla MacLeod head coach of PWHL Ottawa.

PWHL Ottawa has the top attendance in the league, bringing in more than 8000 fans almost every night. Another sellout is on the way on Wednesday night for fans to celebrate Pride Night.

"It's definitely really special and we're happy that we're able to support everyone and make everyone feel welcomed in our arena,” said Ashton Bell of PWHL Ottawa.

A Pride Night does not solve homophobia and transphobia, nor the bigotry that members of the LGBTQ2+ community face; however it makes a difference in the sport of hockey and society.

“We've been lacking that in sport for so long and have been lacking a little bit in society for a long time,” said Carla MacLeod. “It's a bit of a starting point here. But if we can continue to grow the game and grow different groups and be a way to celebrate together, whether it be over a sporting event, it's invaluable.”