Seattle Hockey Leader Named Finalist for NHL Hero Award

When Steven Thompson learned he was a finalist for the NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, he screamed. Then he remembered why the honor really matters.

"It's not all about me, it's about the community that's behind it," said Thompson, co-founder and president of the Seattle Pride Hockey Association. The recognition celebrates his work creating a place where LGBTQ+ players can step onto the ice without hiding who they are.

Thompson and co-director Joey Gale started the SPHA after noticing a troubling pattern. As Thompson got deeper into Seattle's hockey scene, he kept meeting LGBTQ+ players who stayed quiet about their identities or avoided the sport's social side entirely.

"A lot of them hid in the background or weren't comfortable coming out," Thompson said. "That's where Joey and I were like, we need to create an organization that creates a space where people can feel safe, seen, and celebrated."

The impact has been remarkable. The association now hosts two Pride hockey tournaments each year, including a June event that draws more than 300 participants from around the world. What started as filling a local gap has become an international gathering point for players seeking community.

Thompson knows the work remains urgent. Homophobia and transphobia still show up regularly in professional hockey and online spaces. Any social media post about diversity in the sport attracts hostile comments, he notes, reminding players why safe spaces matter.

Why This Inspires

The SPHA proves that sometimes the most powerful activism happens through simple inclusion. Thompson didn't lobby for policy changes or launch awareness campaigns. He just created a place where people could play the sport they love as their full selves.

That straightforward approach has built something bigger than hockey games. It's given hundreds of players access to community when they need it most, whether they're struggling to come out or simply want to play without worrying about judgment.

The Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award winner will be announced in June. All three finalists receive a trip to New York City and funding for their organizations, ensuring Thompson's work can reach even more players seeking a home on the ice.