OTTAWA, ONTARIO – August 3, 2022 – CARHA Hockey is pleased to announce the winners of the first
Game Changers campaign. Fierce Female Hockey, Golden Minor Hockey, and Whitecourt Minor Hockey
have each been awarded $1,000 in support of their programming for female-focused initiatives.
“The positive response and conversations we’ve had as a result of the Game Changers campaign prove a
shift is occurring,” says Lori Lopez, Executive Director, CARHA Hockey. “Representation matters, and we
must commit to lifting up organizations and initiatives, like those which participated in the campaign, to
remove old barriers and build welcoming sports environments. Females remain under-represented in
participation and leadership positions, and it’s time to change that!”
Game Changers champions women and girls in sport and recreation by supporting individuals and
programs making strides towards advancing gender equity through personal or program development.
By amplifying the voices of past, present and future game changers in our communities we can inspire
others. The nationwide initiative received submissions from coast to coast detailing how the funding can
impact current or future endeavours. Winners were randomly drawn from all entries. CARHA Hockey
has committed to an additional $1,000 to be divided amongst ten campaign entrants in support of five
pre-selected charitable organizations whose work is progressing opportunities for females.
“The goal of Fierce Female Hockey is reinvesting any profits into developing more accessible and
inclusive programming,” says Amy Doerksen, creator of FFH. “The funding from CARHA Hockey is
amazing and will help us expand our reach and grow our impact! We are so thankful for support like
this!”
“This $1000 will kick start our first season with a bang! Our plans for the first season are many things, we
are shooting for the stars,” says Mandy Horsman, Coach of the Golden Rockets, Golden Minor Hockey.
“This money will be used for getting new jerseys for the girl’s team. We would like to bring in a mentor,
a female hockey player to share her experiences with the players and coaches. These are some ideas we
hope to fulfil, that will make an impact on our new and returning girls. We are hockey players too!”
“Receiving this money to help grow Female Hockey in our area is exactly what we need!” says Reilly
Hogberg, Female Director, Whitecourt Minor Hockey. “Momentum is in full swing and this will only help
continue that. I cannot wait to encourage more girls to lace up and get out there!”
Game Changers is part of CARHA Hockey’s dedicated community outreach initiative in support of sport
and community recreation programs. The Next Stride launched in the summer of 2021 and has
expanded as a dedicated platform to get one stride closer to achieving our goals together.
The active portion of the Game Changers campaign is complete with announcing the inaugural winners.
Still, CARHA Hockey will continue to amplify the work of individuals and programs in our communities
and participate in conversations to elevate the participation of girls and women in sport and recreation.
Awardees
Fierce Female Hockey (Manitoba): Fierce Female Hockey (FFH) brings out the fierce in every female by
creating safe and engaging hockey development experiences for grassroots players. FFH is a social
enterprise offering 100% female focused player development with all female instruction. Females need
to see themselves reflected in the sport and FFH shows them just what’s possible! View submission.
Golden Minor Hockey (British Columbia): The idea of girl’s hockey in Golden began in the change room
of our ladies’ team. With a lot of brainstorming and a handful of gals we were ready to make this
happen. Our first move was to approach our board and get our fearless leader Jessica Chagnon as our
local Female Development rep for Golden Minor Hockey. Once that happened, we have been putting
our ideas into motion. Our Vision with girl’s hockey is to give the opportunity to learn and play the
game in our community alongside their female peers. View submission.
Whitecourt Minor Hockey (Alberta): Whitecourt Minor Hockey is an all-inclusive program that focuses
on providing and delivering opportunities for all community members to participate in a quality hockey
program that promotes community values and develops life skills in an enjoyable, safe and positive
environment. Our focus over the past few years, which came to fruition this past season, is to have
monthly sessions that focus on engaging females in our region of all ages, provide them with an
opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun program where they can show up, learn and continue to participate in
hockey and to do it at minimal or no cost to the players. View submission.
All submissions can be viewed here: www.thenextstride.ca/category/submissions/game-changerssubmission.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Becky Kolberg at BKolberg@carhahockey.ca or
613-608-3753.

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About CARHA Hockey
CARHA Hockey is a national, not-for-profit hockey organization that is dedicated to providing programs,

resources and benefits to the adult recreational and old-timers hockey market in Canada. For more
information, please visit www.carhahockey.ca.