2021 iwd girls in the game

For the girls

No matter your age, no matter your skill level, no matter the role you want – there is a place for everyone in women’s hockey

Jason La Rose
|
March 5, 2021
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The goal for Hockey Canada and its 13 Members is simple – get more girls and women into Canada’s game. Whether they’re players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents or fans, everyone can get involved in their own way.

But the question for many is … how?

Hockey Canada and its Members offer a number of programs to ensure everyone – regardless of age or skill level – can find their role and be part of Canada’s Largest Team.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A PLAYER?

At the grassroots level, there are various options for girls to play. Depending on the community, there may be an option to play on girls-only teams or co-ed teams, and many local hockey associations offer introductory hockey programs for new players in a low-cost (or no-cost), low-commitment setting.

Esso Fun Days are free events to help introduce girls and women of any age to the game in a safe and fun environment. The program is held in either a one-day or six-week format, and participants need only basic equipment.

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift ensures a positive experience for new-to-hockey families. For $199, participants receive a full set of Bauer equipment, and six weeks of on-ice sessions, held at the same time every week.

For those who want to combine academics and athletics, the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program provides additional skill development to current players, and is an excellent late-entry option for new-to-hockey players.

Maybe your minor hockey days are done, or you’re getting into the game later in life? Whether you're a seasoned veteran or trying hockey for the first time, adult recreational programs are the answer.

Contact your local hockey association to find out how to register and discover more opportunities to play.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A COACH?

We Are Coaches is a program designed specifically to increase the number of women behind the bench at every level of the game. More women in coaching roles means a more positive influence on the recruitment and retention of girls. Several clinics are run by products of the Women Master Coach Developer program.

From coast to coast to coast, Hockey Canada and its Members educate and certify thousands of coaches every season through the National Coach Certification Program, which is the starting point for many coaching journeys.

SO YOU WANT TO BE AN OFFICIAL?

The road to refereeing (or being a linesperson) goes through the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, which certifies officials for everything from Timbits U7 to the IIHF Women’s World Championship and Olympic Winter Games. Officiating clinics are run through the local hockey association.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

The love of hockey is fostered in rinks across the nation by passionate volunteers looking to instill that same passion in the next generation of Canadians. There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer, so contact your local hockey association to find out how you can give your time to the game.

HOW CAN MY MEMBER HELP?

Members have women’s hockey programs that appeal to players at every level. Check out the links below to get more information for your area.

B.C. Hockey
Hockey Alberta
Saskatchewan Hockey Association
Hockey Manitoba
Ontario Women’s Hockey Association
Hockey Quebec
Hockey New Brunswick
Hockey Nova Scotia
Hockey P.E.I.
Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador
Hockey North

For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

emadziya@hockeycanada.ca 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

ssharkey@hockeycanada.ca

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

jknight@hockeycanada.ca

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