Simply hours earlier than picks began to be introduced on the 2025 PWHL Draft, a unique form of draft-day vitality crammed the room. The Skilled Ladies’s Hockey League, in partnership with Strong Girls United, hosted a robust youth mentorship occasion that introduced collectively 100 women from the Ottawa space for a two-hour, high-energy session crammed with connection, confidence-building and unforgettable inspiration.This wasn’t only a pre-draft promotional cease—it was a motion. Aimed toward women in grades 8-11, the occasion was constructed round one purpose: to empower the subsequent technology of ladies in hockey and preserve them within the recreation.
By age 14, women drop out of sports activities at practically twice the speed of boys. One of many greatest causes? An absence of seen, relatable function fashions. This mentorship activation was designed to vary that narrative. Via the help of the PWHL and the experience of SGU, the younger athletes have been launched to function fashions who’ve walked the trail earlier than them.
Three PWHL stars—Laura Stacey of the Montréal Victoire together with Brianne Jenner and Rebecca Leslie of the hometown Ottawa Cost—have been central figures on the occasion, participating instantly with the women and providing their private tales. Different gamers who frolicked with the company in breakout periods and shared additional insights have been Jamie Lee Rattray, Allie Munroe, Emmy Fecteau and Claire DeGeorge. For lots of the individuals, listening to these professionals converse candidly about their challenges and successes was one of the crucial impactful components of the day.
As one participant put it, “Listening to a few of the PWHL gamers discuss and reply questions on their journey… it made me consider I might do it too.” One other highlighted what it meant to attach one-on-one: “I beloved speaking to the PWHL gamers earlier than the draft about their careers and what it was like.”
Past the thrill generated by autographs and experiencing draft-day glamour, the occasion tackled one other important subject for younger athletes: psychological well being. Via structured workout routines and reflective journaling, the women explored instruments for self-regulation, confidence and resilience.
The message was clear: even the professionals really feel strain, nerves, and setbacks—however in addition they have the instruments to handle these emotions and bounce again. The worth of those messages was clear in a few of the reflections from individuals, together with “I discovered new respiratory methods” and “methods to settle down in nervous conditions—and that even professionals expertise them.”
Between small group discussions, journal workout routines, and casual moments like enjoying “rock-paper-scissors with Rebecca Leslie,” as one participant relayed, the ambiance was enjoyable and pleasant.
Every participant left with a swag bag stuffed with keepsakes, a handbook on psychological health, and maybe most significantly, a renewed perception in their very own potential.
Whereas the women left impressed, mother and father who attended might have been much more moved. In post-event suggestions, mother and father known as the expertise, amongst different platitudes, “Extremely significant” and “Very highly effective… this was simply what she wanted.”
One other wrote, “We’re so very appreciative of this occasion you set collectively. This will probably be a reminiscence that lives on for her.” 
From the PWHL aspect of issues, the day was an enormous success. “Our Draft Mentorship occasion created house for younger athletes to attach instantly with professionals, ask questions, and see themselves within the sport they love,” stated Erin Ostlund, the Director, Social Accountability for the league. “These aren’t simply feel-good moments, they’re game-changers. When women see what’s potential and really feel really supported, they keep within the recreation longer and dream even greater.”
Maybe probably the most rewarding suggestions from the occasion was that each single attendee stated they’d be focused on becoming a member of a longer-term mentorship program with PWHL. So Draft Day 2025 needs to be simply the tip of the iceberg.
