Gforce Gay Hockey Team Update: All’s Well!

Several months ago, I posted an article here on the Gay.com Sports Blog about Gforce, a gay amateur hockey team.  At the time of the posting, Gforce was caught up in the economic downturn, and was going to be unable to run it’s annual Friendship Cup hockey tournament.

Each year, the Friendship Cup, hosted by GForce, welcomes teams from around the country to Aspen, CO, to celebrate hockey, camaraderie, and being out and proud.    As a non-profit group, GForce depends on donations from corporations and individuals to support its efforts.  And, like I said, in this economic downturn, donations were drying up.

Well, Gay.com readers came to the rescue, and, along with other donors around the country, generously gave enough support for GForce to stage this year’s Friendship Cup.

I interviewed Glenn Witman, GForce president, about the tournament and about the future.  Glenn told me, with the help of Gay.com readers, they were able to raise over $10K!   The tournament attracted over 400 fans, and although GForce lost it’s game 5-4, the Friendship Cup was a huge success. 

“I think the most interesting aspects of the week were how our team bonded together.  We only get to see each other three-four times a year so when the opportunity for a 4 day event happens, we took advantage and got to spend lots of time with each other. Our intense schedule included team meals, two practices, team/organizational elections, sponsor party at the hockey house, a calendar shoot, events with gay ski week, and of course the game.  All of this in 4 days.   It was incredible and action packed.”

So hats off to Gay.com readers for their support, and hats off to GForce for perseverance in making this year’s Friendship Cup a great success! 

I look forward to covering the event next year, and to updating Gay.com readers on the progress of the team!