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PHOTO BY Getty Images OCTOBER 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 15 networks and build the network of play- ers, officials, coaches and more. Luckily, finding mentors was easy—Sagaert and the other council members have a wide network of people who want to give back to the hockey community. "For the mentee side of the program, we focused on reaching individuals in girls and women's hockey who may not already have access to strong networks, mentors, or clear pathways within the sport," Sagaert said. " We created an application process to identify motivat- ed individuals who could benefit from meaningful mentorship and connection through this inaugural cohort." There are two major assets to the program—one-on-one and communi- ty-based mentorship. Through a men- toring platform, mentees were paired with a mentor based on areas of exper- tise and interest. The platform allows mentees to choose conversation topics ahead of time and leads the mentors and mentees through a guided conversation. They can stray or dig deeper on a topic, but the platform provides a structure for conversations to ensure that each meeting is meaningful. There is also a community forum for both mentors and mentees, and a general Q&A page for all participants to share resources. The program lasts for six months, and the first group of participants have been meeting since this May. USA Hockey is already working on getting another group of mentees for its next cohort in early 2026. If you are interested, you can find more information here: "This program is really about connec- tion," Sagaert said. " We want to bring people tog ether, share experiences, and help develop future leaders in our sport. By building strong mentorship relationships and a supportive commu- nity, we can create more opportunities for people to stay involved and make an impact in hockey."P The Rivalry Continues The U.S. Women's National Team will face Canada in two pre-tournament games in advance of the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship, including on Oct. 28 at WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, and at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, on Oct. 30. Celebrate Girls Hockey Weekend The 2026 IIHF World Girls' Hockey Weekend is set for Oct. 16-18. Join USA Hockey and hockey communities around the world to celebrate girls hockey! To find an event near you, contact your local youth hockey association or email: USAHOCKEY.COM/ MENTORSHIPPROGRAM Puck drop for both games is slated for 7 p.m. ET. The pre-tournament games will serve as an opportunity for fans to catch the best women's hockey players in the world before the teams head off to the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship, Nov. 6-16, in Herning and Esbjerg, Denmark. comeplayyouthhockey@usahockey.org SCAN TO PURCHASE TICKETS We want to create stronger connections and pathways so that more people feel supported and empowered to remain in the game as coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers, and leaders.