Hannah Daubenmire, an 11‑year‑old from Gahanna, Ohio, was thrust into a battle with osteosarcoma in August 2024. While undergoing treatment, the young girl discovered a lifeline through a program that pairs pediatric patients with collegiate sports teams.
Through that connection she was linked to the Ohio State University women’s hockey squad, a partnership that gave her a sense of belonging and a front‑row seat to the fast‑paced world of collegiate play.
The Power of Representation
The partnership culminated in a weekend visit by Olympic veteran Kendall Coyne Schofield, a four‑time medalist and star of the Professional Women’s Hockey Federation’s Minnesota Frost. Schofield arrived in Columbus for a meet‑and‑greet and a Learn to Play clinic, drawing dozens of young girls who gathered to skate, ask questions, and share their own stories.
Schofield, who has become a visible advocate for gender equity in hockey, used the occasion to emphasize how increased representation can reshape perceptions of women in the sport. Her presence on the ice and in the community underscores a broader movement toward accessibility and visibility for female athletes.
For Hannah, the experience was more than a fleeting encounter; she left wearing a Minnesota Frost jersey emblazoned with Grace Zumwinkle’s name, a tangible reminder of the role models who now walk beside her. The event illustrated how a single appearance can galvanize a generational shift, encouraging countless girls to envision careers on the rink.
Organizers from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Blue Jackets highlighted the growing appetite for women’s hockey in the region, noting that events like the Learn to Play clinic are becoming catalysts for community engagement and youth participation.