Josh Pauls Enjoyed Competing at the Chelsea Challenge
In March, Josh Pauls led the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team to its fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal.
While Pauls relished the achievement of securing his fifth Paralympic gold, he noted that the most enjoyable experience on the ice in 2026 occurred at the Chelsea Challenge in late May in New York.
This memorable occasion took place during the 24th annual adult hockey tournament for LGBTQ+ players and allies, organized by the New York City Pride Hockey Alliance over Memorial Day weekend at Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. The tournament featured a round-robin format along with single-elimination playoff matches, attracting hockey players from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
For the first time, the tournament included two teams comprising approximately 20 sled hockey players, who played a total of four games. Pauls participated with both the Double Sticking and Stonewall Sledders, the two sled teams present at the event.
Pauls mentioned that he was uncertain about what to anticipate before attending his inaugural Pride hockey event, but he was eager to connect with new teammates and individuals within the community.
“In my own words, it was just a great weekend of queer hockey,” Pauls stated. “So much fun. It was a blast.”
“It was truly inspiring to witness so many individuals unite for hockey because… we all start playing hockey for the same reasons — it’s enjoyable, engaging, challenging, and a wonderful way to meet new people, and I believe that’s what that weekend represented.”
A 33-year-old from Green Brook, New Jersey, Pauls has secured seven World Championship gold medals with Team USA alongside his five Paralympic titles.
He uses Pride tape on his stick and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, although he had not previously attended an event like the Chelsea Challenge. The NHL’s invitation for him to participate this year was significant for Pauls.
“I think it’s a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community,” he remarked. “Creating an inclusive environment for everyone is something that holds great importance for me.”
Being an ally may involve making mistakes, and that is acceptable. Pauls acknowledged that he misgendered some individuals at the Chelsea Challenge, overlooking the they/them pronouns displayed on player helmets. However, they corrected him without hostility, and Pauls recognized the error and moved on.
According to Pauls, being an ally is straightforward in that it involves wanting to support others.
“For me, I understand that I will make mistakes, but hockey has also taught me that you can still advocate for a cause and achieve success,” Pauls explained. “You don’t need to be flawless to be an ally.”
“What I’ve learned over the past few years is that perfection isn’t necessary, but taking action is essential.”
Pauls added that the more individuals engage in allyship, the more it will contribute to creating an environment where everyone feels safe and welcomed.
He noted that it has taken time for him to grasp how to foster a welcoming hockey environment, having experienced numerous locker rooms where acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals is not always prevalent.
Pauls emphasized that particularly within the sled hockey community, where everyone has unique physical challenges, he believes players are generally more receptive to “accepting those who simply want to play hockey.”
“People need to know that they are supported,” Pauls stated.
This supportive and welcoming atmosphere is crucial to Pauls, as he recognizes the significant opportunities hockey has provided him, including traveling the globe, representing the national team, and winning gold medals. He aspires for those same opportunities to be available to anyone who enjoys playing hockey.
“I just want to be that advocate for them, as I have been involved in the sport for a considerable time,” Pauls remarked. “People seem to believe that my voice carries some influence. Therefore, I want to use that influence when it is necessary.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
