Inclusive Hockey League

the first and only LGBTQ+ and ally-friendly hockey league in New England.

Fall 2026 is underway.

Full-season registration is now closed, but players can still sign up to join the IHL substitute list. Learn more about the league below.

ABOUT IHL

BPH launched the Inclusive Hockey League (IHL) in September 2021, creating the first LGBTQ+ hockey league of its kind in New England. What began with four teams has continued to grow alongside the BPH community, offering players an organized, competitive league experience centered on inclusion, respect, and a shared love of hockey.

The IHL brings together players across a range of skill and experience levels. Players register individually and are placed onto balanced teams, creating competitive matchups while giving members the opportunity to skate alongside—and get to know—people from across the BPH community. The IHL runs two separate seasons each year, in the fall and spring, with players registering independently for each season and teams rebalanced between them. This gives members the flexibility to play one or both seasons while regularly mixing up rosters and teammates across the league.

Games are played Sunday evenings at Cronin Skating Rink in Revere, with a regular season followed by playoffs and a league championship. At its core, the IHL reflects what BPH has stood for since 1989: creating space for LGBTQ+ players and allies to play the game we love, compete as themselves, and belong.

2026 Fall Season

Driven by continued player demand, the IHL expanded to six teams for the Fall 2026 season, its largest field yet. The expanded format adds a third game each Sunday evening, with games at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 PM at Cronin Skating Rink in Revere.

Full-season registration for Fall 2026 is now at capacity, but players can still sign up to join the substitute list and be contacted when teams need additional skaters throughout the season.

The regular season runs from September 6 through November 29, followed by playoffs in December.

Registration & Eligibility

Players register for the IHL individually, with registration opening ahead of each season. Space is limited and roster spots often fill quickly.

New to the IHL? First-time IHL players must participate in at least one BPH skate before registering for a full-season roster spot. This can include a BPH pick-up skate or an IHL game as a substitute and helps us appropriately place players onto balanced teams.

For the Spring 2027 season, first-time players must complete an eligible BPH skate by November 12, 2026. Registration is expected to open in late November or early December.

IHL Committee