On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the NHL Foundation U.S. announced that Hockey in New Jersey (HNJ) is the recipient of the second annual Empowerment Grant Program for Girls Hockey. The $50,000 grant is designed to dismantle barriers to entry and expand long-term participation for female athletes across the Garden State.
Founded in 2003, Hockey in New Jersey provides free year-round programming to over 1,000 participants. While girls currently make up 25% of the organization’s roster, this new funding is specifically earmarked to supercharge dedicated female initiatives, including “Learn to Play” sessions, goalie clinics, and high school programs.
The grant comes at a pivotal moment for the sport in the region. Alongside the funding, HNJ recently named Elle Hartje of the PWHL’s New York Sirens as the organization’s first female ambassador, providing young players with a direct link to the professional game.
“When we launched Hockey in New Jersey, our goal was simple: create a place where every kid who wanted to play could feel welcome,” co-founders Keith Veltre and Dennis Ruppe said. “This grant will allow us to reach more players, more often, while building a community where girls can grow, compete, and belong.”
The Empowerment Grant, overseen by U.S. Olympic gold medalist Haley Skarupa, is part of a broader NHL initiative to grow the “pipeline” of female talent.
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2025 Inaugural Recipient: The Columbus Ice Hockey Club used their grant to provide scholarships and transportation—one of the biggest hurdles for families in urban areas.
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New in 2026: NHL Foundation Canada has established a parallel grant, with its first recipient expected to be named later this year.
Unlike traditional elite travel programs, HNJ focuses on accessibility. The $50,000 boost will specifically support:
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Girls Learn to Skate & Play: Entry-level programs to build confidence.
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Skills & Goalie Clinics: Specialized instruction to help girls advance to higher levels of competition.
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High School Support: Ensuring girls have a competitive pathway as they grow older.
“Access and opportunity in sport have never been equal, and progress doesn’t happen by accident,” Kim Davis, president of NHL Foundation U.S., said. By investing in “best-in-class” local programs like HNJ, the NHL aims to ensure that the next generation of female innovators and athletes has a direct route to the ice.
