Queer Hockey Nova Scotia is proud to present: The QHNS Rainbow League

League Statement:

Queer Hockey Nova Scotia (QHNS) is an organization by and for queer adult ice hockey players in Nova Scotia. QHNS seeks to create a community where all folks – especially those who have been marginalized from traditional hockey spaces – are able to come together to play, learn, celebrate, and connect. We aspire to the highest standards of inclusive sportsmanship and promote integration within the 2SLGBTQAIP+ and wider Nova Scotia Communities.

The QHNS Rainbow League seeks to put these goals into practice. By rethinking hockey culture from the ground up, we hope to create a hockey community that denies toxic, patriarchal and aggressive standards that are the foundation of many traditional sports. Our membership structure gives every player a voice in how the league is run. We strive to not only be a place where players of all skill levels can come together to grow and play, but where queer worldbuilding benefits all.

League information

Registration opens August 26th

Season: October to March
Rink: Cole Harbour Place
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $350 Regular Player (Full Time)| $175 Regular Goalie(Full time) | $25 Spare Goalie or Player(plus a fee for each game played.)
***Note $25 of the fees is a membership fee
Games: 16 regular season games plus playoff weekend in April
Teams:This year we are starting with 3 teams with space for 15 players and a goalie. There will be a spare list which teams can use to fill spots if their teams are low on players for a game

There will be a skills assessment on September 15th at 7pm at Cole Harbour place.

FAQs

What is a “member structure?”
When registering for the season, folks will be asked to become a member. Members will be invited to attend our Annual General Meeting and will be able to vote and run for all league/board positions. Membership is NOT limited to skaters: we welcome community members who want to be involved in other ways which could include volunteering, sitting on committees, holding board positions, etc. On-ice members will be charged $25 to cover all of your insurance for the year. Non-on-ice members will not be charged this fee.

Is the league really for beginners?
The league welcomes all skill levels and teams will be formed with the goal of creating matching skill levels. So, while the Rainbow League isn’t exclusively for beginners, it is our goal to welcome skaters at every level of comfort on the ice. We will also be offering skills & drills events aimed toward increasing folks’ abilities and confidence.

Is the league queer-only?
QHNS strongly believes that queer worldbuilding should benefit everyone, not just those who identify as queer. However, we are equally aware that the queer hockey community in Nova Scotia needs a safe place to exist and thrive. Therefore, we are entering this first season with the goal of maintaining a large majority of queer-identifying members. This requires us to be sensitive, flexible and to approach every applicant individually. We cannot guarantee that straight-identifying applicants will be accepted into the league. We encourage allies to reflect on their desire to enter this space and consider whether other forms of support are more appropriate. There will be an opportunity in the registration form for applicants to share details about their desire to join the league and we look forward to working with folks to create the best, most welcoming league possible.

I see there is an assessment skate on September 15th. If I’m not able to attend, will I still be eligible for the league?
The goal is to eventually have every skater evaluated every year. This allows the league to assess skills in an egalitarian fashion that also accurately reflects skaters’ growth. However, we realize that it’s not possible to get everyone in one place at one time, especially at the short notice given for this inaugural season. We will communicate with skaters unable to make the assessment individually to ascertain accurate skill levels for team formation.

Can I request to play with my friend?
Yes! There will be an opportunity to indicate one play-with request when you register. Unfortunately, we’re not able to logistically accommodate more than one play-with request per player at this time