A rise in the registration of female players, coaches, and officials has been noted, but it still accounts for less than 20% of the total participation in the program, according to recent reports. The push for growth and improvement for women and girls in sports was emphasized by Gillian Apps, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and chair of a subcommittee dedicated to this cause.
Female hockey registration in Canada has been steadily increasing, reaching 115,000 last season, with Hockey Canada aiming for 170,000 registrations by 2030. To accommodate this growth, Hockey Canada’s board chair, Jonathan Goldbloom, highlighted the necessity of proactive measures.
At a recent event at Rogers Place, Apps, Goldbloom, and Hockey Canada’s VP for women and girls, Marin Hickox, unveiled 14 recommendations to enhance female hockey participation. One key recommendation was to have each provincial and territorial association appoint a dedicated salaried employee for women and girls’ hockey, aiming to reach full coverage within three years.
The blueprint, titled “Rise As One,” also focuses on providing more equitable access to ice and facilities, encouraging women and girls of all ages and abilities to start playing hockey. The Canadian players even sported stickers bearing the slogan during a recent game against the United States.
Apps, who is actively involved in management consulting in Toronto, expressed her commitment to driving meaningful change within Hockey Canada. She stressed the importance of taking concrete actions to elevate the status of women and girls in hockey, aiming for tangible improvements rather than symbolic gestures.
Hockey Canada’s strategic plan includes initiatives to enhance leadership and coaching roles for women, boost the visibility of women’s hockey, and generate revenue from events like the upcoming 2027 women’s world championship in Quebec City to support expanded programming for women and girls.
Despite initial challenges with attendance, Hockey Canada remains optimistic about the future of women’s hockey and is dedicated to working closely with communities and partners to drive growth and revenue. The organization’s recent survey gathered an overwhelming response, exceeding expectations and demonstrating strong support for the development of women’s hockey.
