The Chicago Gay Hockey Association ( CGHA ) scored one of its most high-profile wins in club history March 13, defeating the Columbus Mayhem 8-0 in front of more than 200 fans.
The game was played at Nationwide Arena in Ohio immediately after the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) lost to the St. Louis Blues.
"The weekend in Columbus was certainly one to remember," said CGHA President Stephen Leonard. "The CGHA brought four teammates from the Madison Gay Hockey Association to take on the Columbus Mayhem, and this was the first time [ players from all three ] teams had shared the ice."
Added CGHA's Austin Baidas: "The opportunity to play in an NHL arena was a lot of fun. The Columbus Blue Jackets warmly welcomed us and the whole event was great exposure for the CGHA."
Joseph Head, Tony Tiet, Matt Massich and Columbus native Benji Michalek led the CGHA's offense.
"The game was well played by both teams, and it was a big [ win ] for Chicago," Leonard said. "Our players really come together when we were on the road. We worked extremely well with the added Madison players and all had a great game and experience."
Nick Lang and John Adams shared the goal-tending chores for the CGHA Blackwolves.
"For most of the players, this was the first time playing on NHL ice," Leonard said. "It was a great feeling to be welcomed onto professional ground. It really gave us all a heightened sense of connectedness to the game. We were all very honored to have been asked to participate by the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Mayhem.
"It certainly was an experience we hold close. To be in the center of a huge and respected arena, definitely gets the blood pumping. It was a blast."
The CGHA brought 13 players from the Chicago area.
Leonard confirmed that the CGHA is considering its options for the Gay Games this summer in Cologne.
"There are a few players who are very interested in playing in the Gay Games. Hopefully, we will have more a definite answer in the next few weeks," he said. " [ The Columbus trip ] really brought us all together and allowed us all to enjoy ourselves and the experience. As competitive as we can be, it was also very important to take it all in and enjoy the weekend."
The CGHA is holding its inaugural "PUCK-er Up!—A Night OUT with the Chicago Gay Hockey Association" Saturday, March 27. The CGHA is teaming with Mary's Attic and Wild Pug to have a bus bring fans to and from the team's game that night in Northbrook from Chicago. See www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=109305815753695&view=user#!/event.php?eid=350725513197&ref=t.
In addition, the CGHA has teamed with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association to offer a five-week floor-hockey season; visit www.chicagomsa.org .
