A summer of opportunity on the ice
The Women of Color Hockey Collective (WCHC) gathered on a sunny July weekend in Etobicoke, Ontario, for its annual Summer Camp, a free program that welcomed more than 200 girls and young women from under‑represented communities. The camp’s mission is to increase access, representation, and a sense of belonging in ice hockey, turning the rink into a space where participants can both learn and enjoy the game.
Coaches Sophie Jaques and Jade Iginla, both veterans of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), used the camp to stress that hockey is as much about joy and problem‑solving as it is about competition. Their presence underscored the importance of visible role models for young athletes who rarely see themselves reflected in the sport’s mainstream narrative.
Adding to the coaching roster, Mikyla Grant‑Mentis, a PWHL player known for her defensive skill, shared insights on navigating the sport at the highest level, offering mentorship that blended technical instruction with personal experience.
The event was made possible through the backing of the PWHL and cosmetics brand e.l.f. Beauty, which together covered all costs for participants and highlighted a growing partnership between sport and beauty industries. Their support not only removed financial barriers but also amplified the camp’s message of inclusivity.
Beyond the camp, the PWHL announced that its fourth season will expand to twelve teams, adding franchises in Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose. This expansion promises broader visibility for women’s hockey across North America and creates new pathways for players to pursue professional careers.
Sophie Jaques, who has been a PWHL staple since the league’s inception, said the new markets will foster problem‑solving skills that extend beyond the rink, preparing athletes for challenges in everyday life. Her long‑standing involvement illustrates how early exposure can shape both skill and confidence.
Jade Iginla, one of three Black women selected in the 2026 PWHL Draft, follows in the footsteps of her father, Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, whose career helped pave the way for the next generation. Their family story reflects a broader narrative of representation breaking new ground in professional hockey.