Canlan Sports Empowers Girls and Women in Hockey with She Plays Hockey Committee

Canlan Sports, a leading owner and operator of recreational sports surfaces, has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality in hockey by launching the She Plays Hockey Committee. This initiative aims to increase the participation and representation of girls and women in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face in the sport. The committee, comprising seven experienced and passionate stakeholders, seeks to create an environment where girls and women can thrive within the Canlan Sports ecosystem.

The formation of the She Plays Hockey Committee aligns with Canlan Sports' overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, focusing on creating a more inclusive and equitable sports environment for girls and women. By addressing the challenges faced by women in hockey, Canlan Sports is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive sports community, which is a key aspect of its CSR strategy.

The committee's objectives include assessing the current state of girls and women's hockey at Canlan Sports, which will lead to formal recommendations to guide the company in growing female participation in ice hockey at its facilities and more broadly in Canada. Some of the key challenges and potential solutions the committee is expected to address include:

1. Lack of female role models and mentors: The committee includes prominent female figures in hockey, such as Emily Clark, an Olympic and World Champion, and Brenda Andress, the founder of SheIS Sports and SheIS Sports Network. These role models can inspire and mentor young girls and women, encouraging them to pursue hockey and helping them navigate the challenges they may face.
2. Limited access to coaching: The committee's objectives include assessing the current state of girls and women's hockey at Canlan Sports and making formal recommendations to grow female participation. By identifying areas where coaching resources are lacking, the committee can help Canlan Sports allocate resources more effectively to provide better coaching opportunities for girls and women.
3. Insufficient representation in key roles: Women account for only 28% of the workforce in important roles such as instructors, timekeepers, and referees. The committee can help Canlan Sports develop initiatives to encourage more women to take on these roles, fostering a more inclusive environment and providing additional mentorship opportunities.
4. Growing participation but maintaining balance: While girls' participation in YHL has grown by 47%, it still only accounts for 11.26% of total registrations. The committee can help Canlan Sports find ways to encourage more female participation while maintaining a balance with male athletes, ensuring that the hockey community remains inclusive and welcoming to all.

By effectively implementing the recommendations from the She Plays Hockey Committee, Canlan Sports can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for girls and women in hockey, ultimately increasing their participation and representation in the sport. This initiative not only aligns with Canlan Sports' CSR strategy but also has the potential to enhance the company's brand reputation, attract a broader customer base, and foster stronger community engagement.

In conclusion, Canlan Sports' launch of the She Plays Hockey Committee demonstrates its commitment to promoting gender equality in hockey and fostering a more inclusive sports environment. By addressing the unique challenges faced by girls and women in hockey, the committee can help Canlan Sports create an environment where everyone can connect and play, ultimately empowering girls and women to thrive in the sport.