A recent report by Hockey Canada has highlighted the need for more support for women and girls in the sport of hockey. Currently, only 20 percent of the total enrollment in Hockey Canada-sanctioned programs consists of women and girls, with a total of 108,313 participants. The report pointed out issues such as persistent negative stereotypes, inconsistencies with governance and program delivery, and resource allocation as barriers to the growth of female participation in hockey. Despite these challenges, players like Elizabeth Ballinger, who has been playing for 13 years, are excited about the growth of women’s hockey and the opportunities it provides.
One of the challenges faced by female hockey players is the lack of proper facilities and resources. Ballinger recalls her experience of playing on a boys’ team where they were often relegated to inadequate spaces like broom closets or referees’ rooms without proper lighting. However, she is enthusiastic about playing with other girls who share her passion for the sport. Krista Pell from Girls Hockey Calgary emphasizes the importance of increased representation in the sport, citing the impact of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League and the involvement of Canadian Jessica Campbell as a coach for the Seattle Kraken. These initiatives show young players that they can dream big in hockey and have real opportunities for scholarships and career development.
To address the challenges faced by women and girls in hockey, Hockey Canada is planning to conduct public consultations to gather feedback from athletes, coaching staff, and fans. These consultations aim to identify areas for improvement in the sport and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female players. The findings from these consultations are expected to be made public by mid-2025, and it is hoped that they will lead to concrete actions to address the issues highlighted in the report. By involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process, Hockey Canada aims to bring about positive changes that will benefit women and girls in the sport.
The growth of women’s hockey in Canada is seen as an exciting opportunity to promote diversity and inclusivity in the sport. Despite facing challenges such as negative stereotypes and resource allocation issues, female players like Elizabeth Ballinger are enthusiastic about the progress being made. Increased representation, such as the establishment of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the presence of female coaches like Jessica Campbell, are seen as positive steps towards encouraging young players to pursue their dreams in the sport. By highlighting real opportunities for scholarships and career development, women and girls in hockey are being empowered to aim for a bright future in the sport.
In order to support the continued growth of women’s hockey, Hockey Canada is taking proactive measures to address the barriers faced by female players. By conducting public consultations and seeking feedback from athletes, coaching staff, and fans, the organization is working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls in hockey. The findings from these consultations will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to promote gender equality and diversity in the sport. Through collective efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, Hockey Canada aims to create a more accessible and welcoming space for female players to thrive and excel in the sport.
Overall, the need for increased support and inclusivity for women and girls in hockey is evident, and steps are being taken to address the challenges highlighted in the recent report by Hockey Canada. By promoting representation, creating opportunities for scholarships and career development, and engaging in public consultations, efforts are being made to empower female players and provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed in the sport. With a focus on addressing persistent issues such as negative stereotypes and inadequate facilities, the future of women’s hockey in Canada looks promising, with the potential to inspire a new generation of players to pursue their passion for the game.
