WINNIPEG — The NHL and Winnipeg Jets have put $150,000 behind a new push to bring more girls and women into hockey in Manitoba, with the investment anchored by a girls-only introduction program and career-development opportunities within the game.
Key takeaways
- Jets Hockey Development launched Winnipeg’s first Learn to Play program designed specifically for girls ages 6 to 10 who are new to hockey.
- Forty players and their families attended the program’s Sept. 2 opening event at hockey for all centre.
- A $30,000 NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund grant will help support women coaches, player retention and local program resources.
- The Jets will host a Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee fellow for a full-time, year-long placement beginning with a student-athlete graduating in 2027.
- Each participant in the inaugural Learn to Play group received a completion certificate and tickets to the Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic.
A new entry point for young players
The investment was announced in connection with the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic, featuring the Jets and Montréal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium on Oct. 25. The funding includes $150,000 for the Jets’ girls-only Learn to Play initiative, aimed at giving first-time players a clear route into minor hockey and girls’ programs around Winnipeg.
The opening group was coached entirely by women and received equipment assistance along with on-ice instruction. Families were also introduced to local hockey associations, helping parents and guardians understand the next steps if their players want to stay in the game.
The Sept. 2 launch included Bauer Canada equipment fittings, a parent orientation and family activities. Olivia LaRoche of the Seattle Kraken, the first recipient of the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee fellowship, joined the event for a conversation with participants.
The initial session wrapped up with a graduation event for the 40 players. Spring registration is now open.
Kim Davis, the NHL’s senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs, said the Heritage Classic’s Canadian setting made the community investment a natural fit. She said the program is intended to make hockey more accessible, enjoyable and welcoming for girls and young women while building confidence and lasting connections through the sport.
Annie Chipman Stockl, vice president of marketing for True North Sports + Entertainment, said expanding the game for girls and women matters to both hockey’s future and Manitoba’s hockey community. She said the project will provide more starting points for new players while strengthening programs already serving girls and women.
Coaching support and a route to the front office
Beyond the Learn to Play program, the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund has committed a $30,000 grant with support from the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee. That money will be used to back women coaches, improve programming and help retain players after they take their first strides in the sport.
Participants will also have opportunities to meet women working throughout hockey in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, adding role models to the on-ice development work.
The Jets are extending the initiative into the business side of professional hockey through the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee Fellowship Program, operated with College Hockey Inc. A student-athlete set to graduate in 2027 will receive a full-time placement with the organization for one year.
The fellow will work through practical assignments, mentorship and a capstone project designed to help launch a professional hockey business career.
NHL Unites supports inclusive and healthy hockey communities throughout the year, while its Legacy Projects direct support toward host cities for major League events. Since 2003, the League, its clubs and partners have invested more than $9.2 million through those projects.
