Annual Team Trans Friendship Series Hockey in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Five days a week, seven hours a day, security analyst Mason Lefebvre is stuck at home behind a computer.

It may sound boring, but it won’t take long to find his true passion: hockey.

His love for hockey only started when he was 10 years old. Lefebvre grew up playing hockey for the girls, but he never fit in. Lefebvre was defined as a “woman” at birth, but as early as she remembers, Lefebvre has identified as a man.

Team Trans offers a space where he finally feels accepted.

Team Trans is a hockey collective for people who identify themselves as transgender or gender different. It was started in 2019 by Boston Pride Hockey and is the first of its kind in the world.

“I’ve never played any sports with trans people before I’ve played with these guys. So it means a lot that I get to play with a lot of people who are like-minded and similar to me.” Kayden Maclay said.

After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 Madison Gay Hockey Association hosts the 2021 Team Trans Friendship Series. Dozens of hockey players from all over the country and even Japan were at the annual event in Madison, Wisconsin. It’s only the second year and it’s more about building community than winning.

“It’s special. It’s an opportunity to play a game I love and where everyone feels like a member of the family,” Lefebvre said.