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Chelsea Challenge

NOTE: Those who have signed up to be captains will be informed if they are assigned to a team by May 2. Teams will be drafted by the CC Organizing Committee the weekend of May 3/4. Teams will be announced on May 9. Note that it is pretty common to have last minute drops and additions.

The Chelsea Challenge is an adult LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly ice hockey tournament hosted by the New York City Pride Hockey Alliance. The tournament welcomes players from everywhere and attracts players from across the US, Canada and Europe.

Chelsea Challenge 2025 will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 – 26, 2025

Chelsea Challenge 2025

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Gold Sponsors

Sponsored by SwimCity Swim

SwimCity Swim

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SwimCity is a learner-centered NYC swim school, with a focus on growing confidence and empowering our swimmers to be exactly who they are, as they are. All of our coaches are teachers first, swimmers second, and we believe that everyone can swim. Join us. You'll be a swimmer, for life. See you at the pool!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Note that prices below are quoted for corporate sponsors. Discounts are available for small-business and non-profit soponsorships.

Chelsea Challenge 2025 Information


Dates and Location

Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, 2025
All games at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
 

Festivities begin Friday night with our welcome party. Round-robin games will take place Saturday morning through Sunday mid-day. Single-elimination playoff games will be Sunday afternoon followed by the Tournament Banquet on Sunday night for all players and registered guests. Division Championships will be held Monday morning with a rink-side champagne brunch. Games are anticipated to be scheduled between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM and Monday games will likely end by 2:30 PM. Other social events will be planned before and after games and will be announced.


Pricing

$250 - Early Registration by April 1st at 9:00 AM EDT
$275 - Regular Registration between April 1 at 9:01 AM EDT and May 1 at 9:00 AM EDT
$300 - Late Registration after May 1 at 9:01 AM EDT
$75 - Guest Entry to Tournament Banquet before May 22 at 11:59 PM EDT ($85 at check-in)

Player registration includes at least FOUR round-robin games and potential for two more (playoff and championship) games, tournament jersey and t-shirt, entry into all social events including Tournament Banquet, and gift bag.

Pricing above will carry an additional 3% + $1.00 SportsEngine transaction fee.

Full refunds, excluding SportsEngine transaction fees, will be granted during early and regular registration periods as long as we are able to find a player to fill the spot. We may consider exceptions for injuries and unforeseen circumstances.


Divisions

  • Division D (Drop-In): This division is drop-in only. Beginner to Intermediate level players are welcome in this division. The planning committee will form balanced teams based on your self-evaluation to keep things fun and competitive.
  • Division C (Drop-In): This division is drop-in only. Intermediate to Advanced level players are welcome in this division. The planning committee will form balanced teams based on your self-evaluation to keep things fun and competitive. Note that an exception has been made for the Trans Wave team.
  • Division B (Advanced Team): This division allows organized teams only. A team is formed when you have 10 registered skaters (not including goalie). Groups that do not hit this number may be dispersed to other teams. A team is considered full with 14 skaters and a goalie (though you may roster more). Teams that do not reach 14 skaters and a goalie may be assigned drop-ins.

 

Guests

Guest registration is required for non-players who wish to attend our Tournament Banquet on Sunday night. The guest fee is $75 if purchased in advance. There may be limited availability to purchase at tournament check-in for $85. Banquet entry is included for all players participating in the tournament.
 

Volunteers

Chelsea Challenge is organized by a team of volunteers of the NYCPHA, but we can always use extra hands to help run the tournament. Tasks include organizing gift bags and jerseys, checking-in players, scorekeeping, restocking drink bins and bananas, setting up the championship brunch, and much more. If you’re interested in helping out, please fill out any available spots on this form or email cc@nycpha.org if you have any questions or specific things you want to help out with!

 

Questions/Concerns

If you need any additional information about the Chelsea Challenge, please reach out to us at cc@nycpha.org.

 

Silver Sponsors

Sponsored by Pride Tape

Pride Tape

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Our sole purpose is to promote diversity, equality and inclusion through sport. We make tape, you make it powerful!

Bronze Sponsors

Sponsored by Christ Lutheran Church

Christ Lutheran Church

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Christ Lutheran Church encounters the unchanging love of God in the midst of a changing world.  That's what faith in the city is all about!  Valuing the best of our Lutheran heritage, we are traditional in our worship, open and inclusive in our welcome.

Sponsored by Allison Spitz-Perry, Esq.

Allison Spitz-Perry, Esq.

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Allison Spitz-Perry began her law career in 1984, earning a B.A. in political science from Syracuse University. She received her J.D. from St. John’s Law School in 1987 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1988. Since then, Attorney Spitz-Perry has specialized in immigration law, providing high-level, personalized, and responsive representation for both corporations and individuals. 

Other Contributors

Sponsored by Aspire Psychotherapy

Aspire Psychotherapy

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Aspire Psychotherapy NYC is a queer-owned mental health practice run by Brie Scolaro, LCSW (yes—the goalie!) and Dr. Anya Scolaro. We offer affirming therapy for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. As longtime players and proud supporters of the Chelsea Challenge, we’re here to support your wellbeing—on and off the ice.

Sponsored by William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons

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Thank you to William Grant & Sons for generously donating the liquor for our Tournament Banquet. Liquor choices will feature Reyka Vodka, Milagro Tequila, Hendrick's Gin, and Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey.

Sponsored by Caposaldo

Caposaldo

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Thanks to Caposaldo for donating Prosecco for our traditional Monday morning rink-side brunch. Mimosas will be served!

Sponsored by Bauer

Bauer

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Thank you to Bauer for donating a backpack to be part of our annual raffle. In addition, Bauer has generously donated goalie gear to keep our stock fresh and ready for those wanting to try out the position!

The Standard Grill

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Since 2009, The Standard Grill has boldly anchored the Meatpacking District’s food scene. Serving New American fare with a rebellious streak, it’s where NYC’s most interesting clientele goes for boozy brunches, power lunches and decadent late nights.
Sponsored by Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company

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The tournament banquet will feature a selection of beers from Allagash Brewing Company. Thank you for your second year of partnership with us!

Sponsored by Piers Pizza Company

Piers Pizza Company

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Thanks to Piers Pizza Company for providing discounted catering and supplying bananas for our tournament participants!

Sponsored by Spindrift Spiked

Spindrift Spiked

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New for 2025, we would like to welcome Spindrift Spiked hard seltzer as a choice of beverage for our Tournament Banquet. If you love Spindrift, you will be sure to love Spindrift Spiked!

Sponsored by J&D Galaxy Sports

J&D Galaxy Sports

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Thank You To Our Generous 2024 Sponsors!