‘Show people that they’re still welcome’: Calgary Inclusive hockey tournament gets underway

The 2SLGBTQ+ friendly Western Cup Tournament is underway at Calgary's Flames Foundation Arenas on April 18, 2025. (Tyler Barrow/CTV News Calgary)

The 2SLGBTQ+ friendly Western Cup Tournament is underway in Calgary.

“This inclusive tournament brings those people together that may not have felt safe or accepted in regular hockey settings,” said one of the Tournament’s organizers, Jason Finnnan. “Traditionally, hockey can be homophobic, and people do not feel like they can be themselves.”

The tournament features 8 teams, with 130 players travelling from as far away as Chicago and California for the event. Players are split among the different teams.

“We celebrate them for being themselves.”

The tournament is played out of the Flames Foundation Arenas.

Finnan and the other tournament organizers have also set up other social events for people to go to in the evenings.

“We’re just trying to change that perspective that hockey is for everyone,” said Finnan.

Scott Nesbitt, a member of the queer community, flew in from Vancouver for the tournament.

“Just a great way to get together with a bunch of people and play the sport you love and have some fun,” said Nesbitt.

He got into the game during the Flames’ playoff run in 2004.

“I guess I would have been about grade nine when I got interested in hockey… I’ve heard stories from other people who played growing up, and they stopped in their early teens because of some of the language and words used in the locker room.”

“Having these tournaments is a great way to show 2SLGBTQ+ people they’re still welcome.”

The hockey tournament is part of North America’s largest-running multi-sport festival. 8 other sports tournaments are also taking place over the weekend in Calgary.