On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, NHL Foundation U.S., Inc. announced the recipient of its second annual Empowerment Grant Program for Girls Hockey, awarding $50,000 to Hockey in New Jersey. This grant aims to increase access, opportunity, and sustained participation for girls engaging in hockey within the state, reinforcing the NHL’s commitment to growing the sport among young female athletes.
Hockey in New Jersey’s Growth and Programs for Female Players
Founded in 2003, Hockey in New Jersey is a nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive hockey programs year-round, serving more than 1,000 children annually. Girls make up roughly 25% of participants, supported by initiatives like Girls Learn to Play, Girls Learn to Skate, Girls Skills, Girls Goalie and Shooting Clinics, as well as High School Girls teams. The $50,000 grant will allow the organization to expand these programs and deepen its impact in nurturing young female talent across the state.
Leadership Emphasizes the Importance of Inclusive Opportunities
Keith Veltre and Dennis Ruppe, co-founders of Hockey in New Jersey, highlighted their mission to create an environment where every child can enjoy hockey. They said,
“When we launched Hockey in New Jersey more than a decade ago, our goal was simple: create a place where every kid who wanted to play hockey could feel welcome.”
They added,
“Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for girls to have access to the game at every stage of their hockey journey. This grant will allow us to expand our girls programs and reach more players, more often, while continuing to build a community where girls can grow, compete, and belong through hockey.”
Grant Program Focuses on Reducing Barriers and Encouraging Participation
The Empowerment Grant Program for Girls Hockey was introduced prior to International Women’s Day 2024 to specifically support girls’ hockey by addressing obstacles that may limit play. Recipients are chosen based on measurable impact, program longevity, and alignment with NHL Foundation U.S.’s mission to strengthen the girls’ hockey pipeline nationwide. Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Women’s National Team head scout Haley Skarupa serves as an ambassador for the program. She oversees the grant’s administration alongside Kim Davis, President of NHL Foundation U.S. and NHL Foundation Canada, and the NHL’s Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs, who manages the grantee selection process.
Expansion of Empowerment Grants Across Communities and Canada
In February 2025, the Columbus Ice Hockey Club was among the first beneficiaries of the grant, supporting over 3,000 youths annually with year-round programming in Central Ohio focused on on-ice skills, wellbeing, academic assistance, violence prevention, and community engagement. The $50,000 provided scholarships, increased instructional offerings, and addressed transportation barriers critical to participation. Meanwhile, NHL Foundation Canada has also launched a similar grant initiative aimed at girls hockey, with its first recipient to be named in the near future.
Ongoing Advisory Support from NHL & NHLPA Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee
The NHL & NHLPA Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee plays an advisory role in the Empowerment Grant Program, offering strategic guidance to current and previous grantees. Established in 2019, the committee includes 16 members and 15 advisors experienced across all hockey tiers, helping organizations like Hockey in New Jersey and the Columbus Ice Hockey Club enhance their girls’ programs and broaden access to the sport nationwide.
NHL Foundations Continue Investment in Social Impact Through Hockey
The NHL foundations remain dedicated to supporting organizations that deliver positive social outcomes, with increasing emphasis on investing in programs demonstrating high effectiveness. This ongoing commitment aims to foster inclusion and foster long-term participation for girls in hockey, contributing to a stronger and more diverse future for the sport.
