NEW YORK AND TORONTO (December 16, 2025) – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) introduces the PWHL Mentor Programa league-wide cornerstone initiative designed to empower and inspire the next generation of girls in hockey.
Developed in collaboration with Strong Girls United (SGU) and made possible with support from Kyndryl, Founding Partner of the PWHL Mentorship Program and an Official Partner of the PWHL, the new initiative connects PWHL athletes directly with youth players to promote leadership, confidence and community on and off the ice.
The program will involve 120 youth athletes (grades 8-9) across all eight PWHL teams. Each market will welcome 15 students, selected through an open application process, and three PWHL players per team will serve as mentors throughout the season. As part of the program, participants will participate in monthly virtual mentorship sessions led by PWHL mentors and SGU, along with large group workshops designed to strengthen mental wellness, self-confidence and teamwork. The program will consist of an in-person experience in each market, including a game day visit, attending a closed training session or a live mentorship workshop, giving students a unique behind-the-scenes connection to the competition.
“Girls are twice as likely to drop out of sports as boys, and hockey is no exception, with age 14 being a key point at which many stop playing,” said Mandy Gutmann, vice president of communications and external affairs for the PWHL. “That’s why we created the PWHL Mentorship Program specifically targeting eighth- and ninth-grade girls. In partnership with Strong Girls United and with support from Kyndryl’s founders, the program is designed to provide girls with role models, support and a sense of belonging that will keep them connected to hockey. We know that when girls continue to play hockey, the impact extends far beyond the rink.”
Through the PWHL Mentorship Program, the league and its partners aim to break down barriers, promote mental wellness and create inclusive spaces where girls hockey can thrive. Research shows that mentoring during adolescence is one of the most effective ways to build leadership skills, resilience and self-confidence, qualities that extend far beyond the rink. The program was tested during the 2025 PWHL Draft, where 100 Ottawa girls were selected to participate in a interactive mentoring session alongside PWHL athletes prior to the event. After the session, participants reported feeling inspired, an increase in self-confidence and a greater drive to be a leader in the game, reinforcing the powerful role of mentorship in keeping girls engaged in hockey.
Kyndryl helps bring this vision to life and ensures that every connection made through the program has a lasting impact.
“Kyndryl Canada is proud to be the founder of the PWHL Mentorship Program – an important initiative that reflects our commitment to promoting inclusion, connection and opportunity through sport,” said Farhaz Thobani, President of Kyndryl Canada. “Together with the PWHL, we are creating pathways for girls to learn from inspiring role models, build confidence and get the support they need to thrive at a crucial stage of their development.”
ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE (PWHL)
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America featuring the best women’s players in the world. It consists of eight teams: Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. Launched on January 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the all-time global record for a women’s hockey game. The competition was recognized by Sports business magazine named Sports Breakthrough of the Year and ranked No. 1 in Canada for corporate reputation in both 2024 and 2025, according to the Harris Poll. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter for the latest updates. Follow the competition on social media @thepwhlofficial
PWHL, the PWHL logo, and the PWHL team names and logos are trademarks of the PWHL. © PWHL 2025. All rights reserved.
About Kyndryl
Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is a leading provider of mission-critical technology services for businesses, providing consulting, implementation and managed service capabilities to thousands of customers in more than 60 countries. As the world’s largest provider of IT infrastructure services, the company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex information systems the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.
About Strong Girls United
Strong Girls United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in York, Maine, with a mission to empower girls through sports, mentorship and mental health programs. The organization believes in creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. Through community programs, mentorship initiatives and national partnerships, Strong Girls United is building a generation of confident, connected and resilient young women. Using sports as a powerful tool to teach mental skills and foster supportive relationships, the organization provides girls with lifelong tools to thrive in athletics and in life. More information at sgunitedfoundation.org
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