Who WE are
We are a group of teen AthLeaders that contribute to our community through volunteerism as well as run and/or support community events to help "make a difference."
Our Mission
The Hockey Leadership Conferences goal is to fill the apparent gaps in today's hockey. It is also to present relevant evidence-based information to the next generation of young adults, coaches, and hockey players of all levels and abilities in the hopes that carry the message and voice awareness on #HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE.
We endeavor to advocate for our belief that hockey is more than a win-lose game to young adults. It is a place where young athletes can develop and become avid leaders, reliable teammates and well-rounded individuals as well as practice valuable skills for adulthood. It is a welcoming environment for all athletes with a range of skill sets. Our goal is to make hockey more inclusive by focusing on the athlete. We recognize the importance of high-performance hockey, but only approximately 5% of hockey players reach that level. With our definition of an "athlete" being anyone with a body, we are going to address the 100% of players that can be more inclusive and demonstrate greater leadership ability through hockey. We must adapt the way we play the game or become involved in the game to make it accessible and inclusive to all.
Sessions will equip athletes with the tools to be passionate leaders, teammates, coaches, and more. Hockey is a sport that can be played in a variety of ways by persons of various abilities. In our value system, all types of hockey are considered equal and there is no one way to play or be involved in the game we love that is superior to the others. We intend to make a difference by providing opportunities to learn about leadership and to participate in the sport. For instance, we plan to hold a sledge hockey demonstration during the lunch hour to show just one of the different versions of hockey many athletes, coaches, and parents do not know exist.
who participates
No matter your skill ability, we believe that #HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE. The conference is built to address athletes born in 2005 and 2006 with the resources to continue to play the game at all levels and to be #ACTIVE FOR LIFE. Our goal is to set the current and future #HOCKEY CULTURE in the game. To grow in the hockey community, we must learn to adapt to the 21st century. Being a good teammate and leader goes beyond the ice. It sets the stepping stones for how to be a good co-worker, friend and partner.
ATHLETE APPROACH
We strive to create sustainable change in all levels of hockey. We want hockey more inclusive by focusing on the athlete. With our definition of an "athlete" being anyone with a body, we are going to address 100% of players and community members. We want to invite any teen community members to hockey and our conference. You don’t have to be a player to get involved in the sport!
We believe this fosters a more inclusive environment and demonstrates greater leadership through the sport of hockey. We must adapt the way we play the game or become involved in the game to make it more accessible and inclusive to anyone who is interested in becoming involved.
WHY WE CREATED HLC
Changes do not just happen on their own. Through our Sports Leadership program, we have been taught to identify and analyze “gaps” in current sports systems. Following that, we have been taught to be brave, act now, and "make a difference" in sport.
We are not only taught leadership concepts but we are also expected to "do something" and apply them to the real world. Our initiatives are student-led, teacher-supported, and influenced by community partners in a professional manner to create positive awareness influencing societal change using evidence and experience. Additionally, anecdotal notes have been gathered from hearing stories from classmates’ experiences.
We are assertive high school students that are planning on running a Hockey Leadership Conference on our own with the support of our teacher and community partners. We feel we are the future, and we have concepts we want to share with the hockey community like yours and our messages may be better received by teens than adults!
Hockey is a very popular game in North America that thousands of kids grow up playing. There are over 350,000 registered youth hockey players playing in Canada. Being a good teammate and leader goes beyond the ice. It sets the stepping stones for how to be a good community member. We intend to make a difference by providing opportunities to learn about leadership and ways to participate in the sport. E.g., we plan to hold a sledge hockey demonstration during the lunch hour to show just one of the different versions of hockey many athletes, coaches, and parents do not know to exist.
behind the logo
Our logo is a visual expression of our mission, demonstrating that the sport we know and love can be more inclusive. We believe in diversity. Just because diversity exists, it does not mean that inclusion follows. We must be intentional in our effort to include others.
We recognize the Indigenous community with the incorporation of the feather. The multi-colours in the background represent the LGBTQI2S+ community. The symmetry represents the equality for which we strive for. In conclusion, the Hockey Leadership Conference Logo represents what we aspire for: everyone to feel and have a sense of belonging in the hockey community.
