Natalie Mlynkova, a former University of Vermont women’s hockey standout and the latest PWHL Walter Cup champion, returned to the ice in South Burlington to run a skills clinic for Girls 4 Hockey at Cairns Arena.
A Champion’s Return to the Ice
The clinic gathered dozens of young female players who skated through drills focused on skating technique, puck handling, and game sense. Mlynkova moved among the participants, offering individualized feedback and sharing anecdotes from her own development in the sport.
Just a month earlier, she had celebrated a Walter Cup victory with Montreal, a triumph that underscored her rapid rise in the professional ranks. In a brief interview, she spoke about the significance of giving back to the next generation of players in Vermont, a state where she first honed her craft.
Mlynkova’s recent signing with San Jose, the newest expansion franchise in the PWHL, was a natural next step. She described the move as an opportunity to bring a fresh competitive spirit to the league while remaining connected to the grassroots community that shaped her.
The event was organized in partnership with Girls 4 Hockey, a program dedicated to expanding access to hockey for girls across the region, and benefited from the facilities and support of Saint Michael’s College, which shares a commitment to developing student‑athletes.
Local organizers highlighted the broader impact of such clinics, noting that they not only improve technical skills but also foster confidence and camaraderie among young athletes. Mlynkova’s presence served as a powerful role model, illustrating the possibilities that await aspiring players.