PWHL helps subsequent era of hockey gamers in collaboration with Sturdy Women United

Simply hours earlier than picks began to be introduced on the 2025 PWHL Draft, a unique type of draft-day power stuffed the room. The Skilled Ladies’s Hockey League, in partnership with Sturdy Women United, hosted a strong youth mentorship occasion that introduced collectively 100 women from the Ottawa space for a two-hour, high-energy session stuffed with connection, confidence-building and unforgettable inspiration.This wasn’t only a pre-draft promotional cease—it was a motion. Aimed toward women in grades 8-11, the occasion was constructed round one purpose: to empower the following era of women in hockey and maintain them within the sport.

By age 14, women drop out of sports activities at almost twice the speed of boys. One of many greatest causes? An absence of seen, relatable position fashions. This mentorship activation was designed to vary that narrative. By way of the assist of the PWHL and the experience of SGU, the younger athletes had been launched to position fashions who’ve walked the trail earlier than them.

Three PWHL stars—Laura Stacey of the Montréal Victoire together with Brianne Jenner and Rebecca Leslie of the hometown Ottawa Cost—had been central figures on the occasion, partaking immediately with the women and providing their private tales. Different gamers who frolicked with the company in breakout classes and shared additional insights had been Jamie Lee Rattray, Allie Munroe, Emmy Fecteau and Claire DeGeorge. For lots of the contributors, listening to these professionals converse candidly about their challenges and successes was one of the impactful components of the day.

As one participant put it, “Listening to a number of the PWHL gamers discuss and reply questions on their journey… it made me consider I may do it too.” One other highlighted what it meant to attach one-on-one: “I liked speaking to the PWHL gamers earlier than the draft about their careers and what it was like.”

Past the joy generated by autographs and experiencing draft-day glamour, the occasion tackled one other essential matter for younger athletes: psychological well being. By way of structured workout routines and reflective journaling, the women explored instruments for self-regulation, confidence and resilience.

The message was clear: even the professionals really feel strain, nerves, and setbacks—however in addition they have the instruments to handle these emotions and bounce again. The worth of those messages was clear in a number of the reflections from contributors, together with “I realized new respiratory strategies” and “methods to settle down in nervous conditions—and that even execs expertise them.”

Between small group discussions, journal workout routines, and casual moments like taking part in “rock-paper-scissors with Rebecca Leslie,” as one participant relayed, the ambiance was enjoyable and pleasant.

Every participant left with a swag bag stuffed with keepsakes, a handbook on psychological health, and maybe most significantly, a renewed perception in their very own potential.

Whereas the women left impressed, dad and mom who attended might have been much more moved. In post-event suggestions, dad and mom known as the expertise, amongst different platitudes, “Extremely significant” and “Very highly effective… this was simply what she wanted.”

One other wrote, “We’re so very appreciative of this occasion you set collectively. This will probably be a reminiscence that lives on for her.”

From the PWHL facet of issues, the day was an enormous success. “Our Draft Mentorship occasion created area for younger athletes to attach immediately with execs, ask questions, and see themselves within the sport they love,” stated Erin Ostlund, the Director, Social Accountability for the league. “These aren’t simply feel-good moments, they’re game-changers. When women see what’s attainable and really feel really supported, they keep within the sport longer and dream even larger.”

Maybe essentially the most rewarding suggestions from the occasion was that each single attendee stated they’d be fascinated with becoming a member of a longer-term mentorship program with PWHL. So Draft Day 2025 must be simply the tip of the iceberg.