A camp that sparked a hockey renaissance
From July 24 to 26, 2026, the capital of Jamaica hosted a ball hockey camp organized by the Women of Colour Hockey Collective and the Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation. More than 60 boys and girls took part, with girls making up exactly half of the participants, reflecting the collective’s focus on empowering women and girls of colour in the sport.
Olympic veteran Sophie Jaques attended the sessions and praised the speed of learning among the campers. She described their progress as “truly incredible,” noting that many grasped the fundamentals of hockey in a matter of days.
Support from the NHL and a home‑grown equipment partner
The camp received backing from the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association through their Industry Growth Fund. In addition to financial support, the partnership supplied 75 sticks and apparel from Swift Hockey, a company that has positioned itself as a key player in expanding hockey’s footprint in non‑traditional markets.
Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey, traveled to Kingston to personally deliver the donated gear. He emphasized his commitment to growing the sport in Jamaica, a goal that has earned him recognition for both his business acumen and his philanthropic efforts on the field.
Building a pathway to ice hockey
The organizers used the camp as a stepping stone toward a longer‑term vision: establishing a permanent ice rink in Jamaica. The Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation has secured approval from the International Ice Hockey Federation for a grow‑the‑game project that will eventually host structured hockey programs for the 20 participants who showed the most promise.
Beyond equipment and facilities, the camp highlighted Jamaica’s broader cultural support for female athletes. National statues honoring female netball players signal a societal openness to women excelling in sports, a context that has helped create a receptive environment for initiatives like the Women of Colour Hockey Collective.
The event also served as a showcase for the region’s untapped talent. Jaxon Cover, an inline hockey player from the Cayman Islands, was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 2026 NHL Draft, underscoring how non‑traditional hockey markets can produce professional prospects when given the right exposure.