Playing with PRIDE

For the past two years, Vanessa Vargas has driven the roughly 300 miles from her home in Spokane to captain a team in the Seattle Pride Classic, organized by the Seattle Pride Hockey Organization. But even as a life-long hockey fan who grew up watching Mighty Ducks and playing for the past 23 years, it's not really about the games on ice for her.

"The people (at the tournament) are doing more than just playing hockey," Vargas said. "You feel like you get to be your complete self. The authenticity is there. You're not hiding behind closed curtains. You get to share and see the authentic emotions people have. In sports behind closed doors, (as a member of the LGBTQ+ community) you kind of keep yourself reserved. When you get to be your (full self) and you get to share that safe space with others who are there for support, who are there to feel the same way…it feels freeing."

Vargas, who identifies as gay, led Team Pride - one of 18 participating teams - this past weekend. But at this tournament, the role of captain means something a little different than what one might traditionally think. There aren't players to recruit - tournament organizers assemble team rosters to ensure as balanced a talent level as possible in each of the three divisions) - and there aren't necessarily strategies or lineups to assemble.

Instead, Vargas takes on the role of an ambassador of positivity and inclusivity.

Vargas loves the game of hockey. She describes it as her "vacation" and credits the sport as being part of her coming out process. And while she's had a good experience with her local hockey community, she also knows the feeling of being an outsider simply because of your sexual orientation.

Erasing that barrier of judgement and creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community are what fuel Vargas.

"You can always learn from different perspectives and appreciate different individuals who come from different backgrounds and have the same love for the game just as much as you," Vargas said. "(That is what) motivates me to continue being the best version of myself and be a positive influence in any way I can. To always be kind, helpful to teach and to be open minded."

With her parents in the stands and her sister as a teammate (they even had matching t-shirts made), Vargas soaked in every minute of the weekend spent mostly at Kraken Community Iceplex. She says she felt every possible emotion as she watched players of all skill levels start to feel comfortable and that comfort led to vulnerability and incredible moments.

You can hear the emotion in her voice as Vargas reflects on a game versus Team Trans - the first time the tournament welcomed two rosters of hockey players who, as their team description says "happen to identify as trans and non-binary."

After the usual post-game banter of praising skill and teasing about matchups, a member of Team Trans shared what really mattered about the game.

"They said 'in this tournament, I felt everything. I got to finally be myself,'" Vargas shared. "Then they were overcome with emotions. They said 'I haven't been able to play for 25 years because of my circumstance. And I got to finally feel happy once again.' Tears were streaming down their face, and I felt (that emotion) too. I know they had such a good time and I think they just had a wonderful experience. Seeing that makes a whole difference."

Vargas says ultimately this special weekend is what it is due to the tireless efforts of its leaders,

Steven Thompson and Joey Gale. The Team Pride captain credits them with creating a safe space for all participants, and she hopes that with the tournament growing by leaps and bounds every year, it can serve as an inspiration and model for other hockey communities.

"Seattle Pride Hockey Association really set the bar and I'm so proud to be a part of this organization," Vargas said. "Hockey has saved my life in a lot of ways that are so complex, and I appreciate everything that hockey has done for me. I wanted to be that positive influence for others and keep that going."

All photos via Andy Glass Photography