Hockey Careers & Development – Your Path to Pro Hockey GIRLS
Learn to Skate
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When to Start: Age 3 or 4
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Focus: Balance, coordination, basic skating skills
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Programs: Learn to Skate, local arena programs, shinny hockey, YouTube videos
Foundational Skill Development
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When to Start: Age 6​-8
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What to Begin: Start hockey-specific training
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How:
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Private sessions
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Hockey schools and academies
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Small group skills and skating classes
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Girls may join co-ed teams or play in female-only programs
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OWHA (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association) – offers U7, U9, U11, etc.
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Local associations across Ontario (Toronto Leaside, Etobicoke Dolphins, Durham West, etc.)
Competitive Development
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When to Start: Age 9-12
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Goal: Refine key skills (skating, puck control, shooting, hockey IQ)
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Aim to play for A and AA
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Join tournaments and spring/summer programs for extra exposure
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Support:
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Off-ice training
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Video review
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Mentorship from experienced coaches
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High-Performance
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When to Start: Age 13-16
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Strong players may be invited to OWHA High Performance Program (HPP)
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What to add:
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Strength and conditioning
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Nutritional guidance
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Mental performance coaching
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Representation:
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Team Canada and University Attention Starts Early, prepare for communicating with U SPORTS and NCAA coaches
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University & National Program Entry
age: 16
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NCAA D1 & D3 schools begin recruiting top female talent
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Top-tier players may be selected for Hockey Canada U18 National Team
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Showcase Opportunities: Provincial and national showcases, university camps, international tournaments
Professional Opportunities
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PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) launched in 2023
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Locations: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, Minnesota, New York
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Top global female players now compete full-time with salaries and benefits
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Drafted athletes sign standard player contracts (3 years max)
Other Opportunities:
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Team Canada (Worlds, Olympics)
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European Pro Leagues (Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, etc.)