NHL, Jets make $150,000 donation to create girls-only Learn to Play program

WINNIPEG, Man. -- The National Hockey League and Winnipeg Jets today announced a $150,000 NHL Unites Legacy Project investment to expand opportunities for girls and women to play, coach and build careers in hockey across Winnipeg and Manitoba.

In celebration of the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ between the Winnipeg Jets and Montréal Canadiens at Princess Auto Stadium on Oct. 25, 2026, the announcement includes $150,000 to establish and support a girls-only Learn to Play program with the Winnipeg Jets, as well as a $30,000 grant from the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund and support for the second annual Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee Fellowship Program.

Jets Hockey Development (JHD) Girls Learn to Play is the first program of its kind in Winnipeg specifically for girls aged 6 to 10 who are new to hockey. Participants received on-ice instruction by an all-woman coaching staff, equipment support and connections to local minor hockey associations and girls’ hockey programs, creating a pathway to continued participation in the sport.

The program officially launched Sept. 2 at hockey for all centre with a welcome event for 40 girls and their families. The event featured equipment fittings provided by Bauer Canada, a practical orientation for parents and guardians, family activities including hair braiding and bracelet making, and a fun, interactive discussion with Olivia LaRoche of the Seattle Kraken, the inaugural recipient of the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee fellowship.

The inaugural program concluded today with a special graduation ceremony, where participants received LTP certificates, commemorative tickets to the upcoming Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic – all while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Building on the success of the program, registration for the spring session is now open.”

“The 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic celebrates hockey’s roots in Canada, and this Legacy Project brings that spirit directly into the community,” said Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs. “Through NHL Unites and alongside the Winnipeg Jets, we are proud to support grassroots programs that make hockey more welcoming, accessible and fun for girls and young women in Winnipeg — helping them build confidence, connection and a lifelong love of the game.”

“Growing hockey for girls and women is essential to the future of our sport and the strength of our community,” said Annie Chipman Stockl, Vice President, Marketing, True North Sports + Entertainment. “This Legacy Project will create new entry points for first-time players, strengthen local programming and build lasting momentum for girls’ and women’s hockey across Manitoba.”

With support from the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee (WHAC), the $30,000 NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund grant will support women coaches, enhance program resources and strengthen player retention. Participants will also connect with women serving as role models across hockey in Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Extending that pathway from first participation to professional careers, the Jets will also host the Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee Fellowship Program, run in partnership with College Hockey Inc. The program will provide a student-athlete graduating in 2027 with a full-time, year-long placement in the Jets organization. Through hands-on experience, mentorship and a capstone project, the selected fellow will prepare to pursue a business career in professional hockey.

NHL Unites is the League’s year-round commitment to building healthy, vibrant and more inclusive hockey communities. Through NHL Unites Legacy Projects, the NHL and its Clubs support community organizations in NHL event host cities and create lasting opportunities beyond the event. Since 2003, the NHL, its Clubs and partners have invested more than $9.2 million in Legacy Projects.