A Pioneering Clinic in Kingston
Over three days in early August, the Women of Colour Hockey Collective (WCHC) hosted its inaugural international hockey clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, welcoming roughly 150 children who had never laced up skates before. The program, backed by the Professional Women’s Hockey League, focused on teaching stick handling, ball running and shooting, while also emphasizing the joy of participation. Organizers left behind 75 sticks, goalie gear, balls and branded T‑shirts, creating a tangible legacy for the community.
Mentors Connecting Generations
Saroya Tinker, a former professional player and co‑founder of WCHC, described the experience as a full‑circle moment, reconnecting with the roots of her Jamaican heritage. Canadian national team forward Sophie Jaques, who traveled from abroad to mentor the youngsters, spoke of the importance of showing children of Jamaican descent that hockey can be part of their future. Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey and a former minor‑league player who also represented Jamaica in ice hockey, shared his own journey from Oshawa, Ontario, to the island, underscoring how personal history can inspire broader change.
Equipment and Legacy
Swift Hockey, a Canadian company specializing in affordable equipment, supplied the gear used during the clinic and pledged to continue supporting grassroots initiatives. Thomas, who grew up in Oshawa, explained that accessibility is a core value, recalling how limited resources shaped his own path. By donating equipment and leaving behind a set of goalie pads, the clinic not only taught skills but also planted seeds for sustained participation.
Looking Forward
The Kingston clinic reflects WCHC’s broader mission to dismantle barriers and expand hockey’s reach among women and girls of colour worldwide. With backing from the Professional Women’s Hockey League and a growing network of mentors, the collective plans to replicate this model in other regions, ensuring that talent and passion, rather than privilege, determine who steps onto the ice.