The power of Pond to Podium

While Canada’s National Women’s Team got on the ice for the first time at
training camp last month, more than 6,100 people involved in hockey –
players, coaches and parents – participated in the Pond to Podium
Development Series.

Participants at all levels of the game connected directly with national
team athletes and staff through 16 webinars that included skills sessions,
holistic hockey training sessions, panel discussions and We Are Coaches
clinics led by Hockey Canada women master coach developers.

“The participation of girls and women at all levels of hockey elevates our
game and creates a thriving sport system,” says Teal Gove, manager of
hockey development with Hockey Canada. “We hope the Pond to Podium
Development Series encouraged all participants, in whatever their role, to
strive for their personal podium so they can continue to gain all of the
benefits hockey has to offer along the way.”

What did the participants take away from Pond to Podium? Check out a few
testimonials.

“I was excited to attend the Core Values of Leadership session
that was run by Gina Kingsbury. There were two areas that I felt made me
better understand how I can become a better leader for my teammates. First
and foremost, I learned it is important to be myself and not change who I
am. Although I have the honour of wearing a letter on my jersey, I do not
have to be serious all the time. I learned that it is important to have a
balance with having fun with my teammates, connecting with them and being
serious when I need to be. Secondly, I learned it is important to learn who
my teammates are personally, to understand who they are on and off the ice.
As a leader, it is important to create friendship and trust with your
teammates, to ensure they feel comfortable talking to me. The session has
given me a different perspective of what leadership is and how I can apply
what I have learned to be a better leader, a better athlete and a better
student.”

— Ava Irwin, player (Burlington Girls Hockey Club)

“In the never-ending pursuit of being their best, highly-motivated coaches
(from house league to national teams) seek information, advice and
feedback. Ideally, you want to get those things from people with
outstanding credentials and the right values. Hockey Canada’s Pond to Podium Development Series brought the best in girls and
women’s hockey to our computer/phone screen. From Tara Watchorn’s A, B, Cs
of playing defence to Howie Draper’s four Fs (fun, fast, fight, family) to
Kori Cheverie and Vicky Sunohara addressing the importance of making the
game enjoyable for their players, Pond to Podium is informative, insightful
and interactive.”

— Steve McAllister, coach (Kincardine Minor Hockey Association)

“As a parent of a young girl, it was inspirational to hear what leaders at
the highest levels, such as Gina Kingsbury and Teal Gove, believe in.
Having not been on the ice with her teammates during the pandemic, these
webinars reinvigorated my daughter’s passion for hockey and reminded her
why she loves the game. The advice she received from two tremendous role
models advanced her knowledge of the game, which will in turn motivate her
and her team when they return to the ice.”

— Melina Ducharme, parent (Burlington Girls Hockey Club)

“Watching the Pond to Podium sessions became a family affair! My U18
daughter (a defenceman), my U15 son (a goaltender) and I all thoroughly
enjoyed the webinars. They were well-organized with very knowledgeable
presenters who covered a wide range of useful teaching points and concepts
that can be easily incorporated into practices or into a player’s regimen.
I especially enjoyed Tara Watchorn’s concept of communicating the purpose
of drills so players understand why and can more readily internalize the
lesson (Developing Defence); Jessica Campbell’s philosophy of
continuous development of skating skills being essential for all players to
get a leg up in the game (Specialized Skating Skills); Gord
Woodhall’s identification of the foundation of stance in everything a
goalie does (Goaltending); and Paula McQuaid’s assertion that
confidence and mental toughness are learned skills that can be improved
through understanding what one can control, reframing situations positively
and managing one’s emotions (Mental Training). A wealth of great
ideas and lessons for players and coaches to take their game to the next
level!”

— Jeff Partrick, coach (Gloucester-Cumberland Girls Hockey Association)

“I thoroughly enjoyed the We Are Coaches programming during the Pond to
Podium series. I have taken coach courses in the past, but this was my
first experience in an all-women coaching program geared toward coaching
women. I took so much more away from this than I have in previous courses.
It made me think about things that I hadn’t thought of, and the group
dynamic created an atmosphere that allowed for collaboration between
coaches across our country. It was motivating, inspiring and what I think
is needed to get more women involved in coaching and, ultimately, to
continue to grow the women’s game. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”

— Kristy Provost, coach (Nampa Minor Hockey Association)

“The broad scope and variety of the Pond to Podium topics was impressive.
Athletes, coaches and parents could all learn from the various sessions.
For our athletes to hear from women at the highest levels speaking openly
and honestly about their experience, the ups and downs they have gone
through, was very impactful. I love that the focus for the players was off
the ice (mental, leadership and off-ice workouts) and all were topics
within their control to take ownership of and work on to improve. The
sessions were inspiring to those of us who love the game, who are proud to
be a part of Hockey Canada and who are driven to keep getting better.”

— Ryan Essex, coach (Central York Girls Hockey Association)

Would you like to be kept in the know regarding the next Pond to Podium
Development Series? Register below to receive more information as it
becomes available.