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Astrid Göth relocated from Sweden to Montreal three years ago, immersing herself in a new culture and language through hockey. This popular sport became her entry point for integration, yet the path was not without challenges.
The rink, often filled with commotion, presented a significant hurdle. Understanding her coaches proved difficult for Astrid due to her developing English skills and hearing impairment. “It was essential for me to find ways to communicate effectively, especially when I struggled to hear instructions,” she stated. Now 13, Astrid plays as a forward for the Westmount Wings program.
The dropout crisis
Research indicates a concerning trend: as girls approach their teenage years, they are significantly more likely to quit organized sports. Findings from Canadian Women & Sport show that nearly half of Canadian girls may stop participating in sports by age 17. Factors contributing to this trend include feelings of alienation and the challenge of managing time commitments.
In response, the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has initiated a groundbreaking mentorship program aimed at retaining young female athletes. Astrid, along with 119 other girls in Grades 8 and 9 across eight PWHL cities, will receive mentorship from professional players throughout the season.
Empowerment through mentorship
This initiative collaborates with Strong Girls United, a non-profit focused on empowering girls, and is sponsored by Kyndryl Canada. The program targets girls aged 14, a critical age when many choose to opt out of sports. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging for those uncertain about their place in hockey.
A mother’s perspective
Fia Göth, Astrid’s mother, discovered the program through social media and quickly recognized its potential. She sees it as a crucial opportunity for her daughter to engage with professional players about overcoming obstacles, such as handling losses on the ice. “These athletes are role models who can significantly impact young girls in the sport,” Fia remarked, highlighting the value of mentorship from experienced players.
Connecting with role models
Astrid will participate in mentorship sessions with three players from her favorite team, the Victoire. In her initial meetings, she was paired with forward Jade Downie-Landry, who expressed her motivation to mentor young girls. “I see so many girls dropping out of sports at this age, and I find it disappointing,” Downie-Landry stated. “Providing them with someone to look up to could really help boost their confidence and keep them in the game.”
During their first session, Jade shared her own challenges, particularly her recovery from an injury that has kept her sidelined since the season began. While her struggles differ from Astrid’s, Jade aimed to convey that challenges are a part of every athlete’s journey. “Understanding that they are not alone can alleviate a lot of pressure,” she noted.
Building resilience and passion
Jade’s insights resonated with Astrid. “Even with her injury, she remains committed and positive,” Astrid reflected, demonstrating her own resilience. Over the past three years in Montreal, Astrid has pursued her passion for hockey, even taking on roles as a referee and coach for younger girls, ensuring they have female role models in the sport.
“Hockey is simply something I love,” she stated. “It keeps me motivated to improve and strive for more.” Her enthusiasm has inspired her mentors. Jade shared, “After our conversation, I was left in awe of her energy and passion for the game. It was truly a memorable discussion that highlighted the impact of these mentorship connections.”