Empowering Women in Hockey Together Concludes

Always remember to follow the guidelines and answer the questions the grant program has outlined.

A grant proposal shouldn’t read as a mystery novel. Make it obvious what you need and why you need it. Then share your story.

“When applying to a grant, the results are really important,” said Hines. “What is going to change within your program with their funding? Make sure you outline this for the funder.”

Choice Breakout Session: Coaching Empowerment – Katey Stone, head coach of Harvard Women’s Hockey, & Brad Frost, head coach of University of Minnesota Women’s Hockey

Every coaching staff is different from the next. However, what you’ll find similar between every successful program is a staff supportive of each other, with shared values and mutual respect, all working towards a common goal.

“I think we [Harvard] work at our culture every day. We work at it with our staff and players and people within the community,” said Stone. “Maybe there’s not one specific thing we do [to be successful], but we do try to remain consistent…we expect everyone to do their jobs.”

“When I think back to our staff, what’s unique about our group is the longevity of our group,” said Frost. “Because of this longevity and relationships, we’ve built a great amount of trust. This doesn’t mean we don’t have our arguments and disagreements. It just means we always come from a place of trust.”

When it comes to empowering your team, it’s essential to recognize the best leaders, regardless of position, and provide power to others instead of being focused on maintaining power over others. 

Choice Breakout Session: Officiating Opportunities – Stacey Livingston, officials coach for the IIHF and USA Hockey

There are a variety of ways to remain involved with hockey after your playing years. One opportunity is within officiating. You’re still part of a team, and you’re still contributing to the game. 

“Officials are also a team,” said Livingston. “They [players] can’t have the game without officials.”

Becoming an official, especially as a female, is hugely beneficial for girls and women’s hockey. Girls need to see themselves in those managing the game.