San Jose Sharks Host Annual Pride Scrimmage

Celebration of inclusion and community through hockey at SAP Center

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:22pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Jose Sharks hosted their fourth annual Pride Scrimmage at SAP Center, bringing together the Sharks staff team, the San Francisco Earthquakes LGBTQ+ adult ice hockey team, and Team Trans for a round-robin of friendly matches celebrating diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey.

Why it matters

The Pride Scrimmage has become an important annual tradition for the Sharks, showcasing their commitment to creating welcoming and accessible spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes and hockey fans. The event also highlights the longstanding partnership between the Sharks and the San Francisco Earthquakes, two organizations working together to grow the game and promote belonging.

The details

The evening featured a series of spirited but lighthearted matchups between the three participating teams, with players, staff, friends, and family cheering them on. As part of the celebration, the Sharks Foundation presented a $5,000 Community Assist Grant to the San Francisco Earthquakes to support their efforts to expand opportunities for LGBTQ+ athletes.

  • The Pride Scrimmage is an annual event, now in its fourth year.
  • This year's scrimmage took place on April 2, 2026 at SAP Center.

The players

Stephanie Dubin Combo

Sharks Community Relations Manager, who oversees the organization of the Pride Scrimmage.

Kevin Brown

Executive Director of the Sharks Foundation and Head of Community Impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment.

San Francisco Earthquakes

The LGBTQ+ adult ice hockey team that has participated in the Pride Scrimmage since its inception.

Team Trans

A team that joined the Pride Scrimmage for the second year, further expanding the celebration of inclusion and diversity.

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What they’re saying

“The idea behind this event is simple: SAP Center is a safe place to play. This has become a fun annual tradition of inviting the SF Earthquakes and now Team Trans into our NHL facility to play the sport we all love in an inclusive environment.”

— Stephanie Dubin Combo, Sharks Community Relations Manager

“Powerful events like the Pride Scrimmage, along with our year-round community engagement, reflect our belief that hockey belongs to everyone. We're proud to support organizations like the San Francisco Earthquakes and others helping create spaces where LGBTQ+ athletes feel welcomed, valued, and able to fully be themselves through the game.”

— Kevin Brown, Executive Director of the Sharks Foundation and Head of Community Impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment

What’s next

The San Jose Sharks have committed to hosting the Pride Scrimmage annually, continuing to grow the event and expand participation from LGBTQ+ hockey teams and organizations.

The takeaway

The Pride Scrimmage demonstrates the Sharks' ongoing efforts to make hockey a more inclusive and welcoming sport, fostering a sense of community and belonging for LGBTQ+ athletes and fans. By partnering with groups like the San Francisco Earthquakes, the Sharks are leading the way in creating safe and affirming spaces where everyone can enjoy the game.