Young hockey players in B.C. trained with PWHL stars at Vancouver’s first youth camp, learning skills, leadership, and inspiration on and off the ice.
A First for Vancouver Girls in Hockey
The excitement was real in North Vancouver this August as young athletes laced up to “train like pros” with some of the biggest names in women’s hockey. For the first time, PWHL Vancouver hosted a two-day youth hockey camp at the North Shore Winter Club, giving players aged six to 17 an unforgettable chance to learn directly from the stars they admire.
Learning from the Best
Guided by head coach Brian Idalski, the camp featured on-ice drills, workouts, and leadership sessions. Young players worked side by side with PWHL athletes Ashton Bell, Kristen Campbell, Nina Jobst-Smith, and Surrey’s own Jenn Gardiner.
The $300 program drew 130 girls from across B.C. and the Yukon, all eager to sharpen their skills. Beyond hockey techniques, the sessions highlighted the importance of teamwork, resilience, and confidence—values every athlete carries both on and off the rink.
Role Models on the Ice
Coach Idalski praised the PWHL players for their commitment to inspiring the next generation. “The kids were super enamored with meeting the players,” he shared. “They lean into being role models. They know the impact they have.”
That impact was on full display when Ashton Bell paused an interview near the ice. A group of young fans gasped and shouted, “It’s a PWHL player!” Bell walked over to greet them, sparking pure joy and proving just how much representation matters.
Divisions for Every Age
To make the camp accessible, players were grouped into U11, U13, U15, and U18 divisions. Each age group not only learned hockey skills but also gained insight into the dedication and mindset it takes to succeed at higher levels of competition.
What’s Next for PWHL Vancouver
This camp was only the beginning. PWHL Vancouver is gearing up for its inaugural season this fall, with games at the Pacific Coliseum and practices at the PNE Agrodome. The league itself enters its third season with eight teams, expanding to include Vancouver and Seattle alongside its original six franchises: Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens.
A Lasting Impact
For many of the girls who attended, this camp was about more than hockey. It was about belonging, dreaming big, and seeing themselves on the ice one day as professional players. With camps like this, the future of women’s hockey in Canada looks brighter than ever.
