oAKLAND HOCKEY PROJECT

The Skates were founded by an Oakland Based non-profit: Oakland Hockey Project.

The mission of The Oakland Hockey Project is to unite the community by bringing competitive professional and semi-professional hockey teams to Oakland.

We’re building this movement in three phases over the next four years:

• 2025/26, Proof of Concept Phase: Build community support and grassroots momentum. Invite MHL teams to play exhibition games in Oakland (Spring & Fall 2026).

• 2027, Momentum Phase: Join the MHL as an expansion MHL team, playing out of the Oakland Ice Center (Fall 2027).

• 2029: Expansion Phase: Launch an expansion PWHL or ECHL team, playing out of the Oakland Coliseum.

At its core, Oakland Hockey Project comes from one belief: Oakland deserves a place to celebrate hockey — and a team that reflects the grit, creativity, and heart of The Town.