Grounded in surveys and qualitative research, the WHPP Project Overview by combining data-driven insight with real-world action identifies the key factors shaping women’s experiences in ice hockey. Safe and respectful environments, supportive coaching relationships, and well-organised clubs were shown to be essential for participation and retention, while stereotypes, limited access to facilities, and the challenge of balancing sport with education or work remain significant barriers.
“The Project Overview shows that when girls are given the right support, structure, and visibility, ice hockey becomes a powerful platform for confidence, leadership, and equality – enabling girls to thrive on the ice and beyond.”
Importantly, the document also concludes that female players overwhelmingly reject the idea that ice hockey is a “men’s sport,” affirming their rightful place on the ice.
The project translated research into impact through educational workshops, tournaments, mixed-team festivals, and open-day events for players, coaches, and officials across the whole region. These activities gave girls valuable game experience, connected them with role models, and helped clubs and federations adopt more inclusive practices. Furthermore, they increased visibility of women’s ice hockey, improved the quality of coaching and officiating, and provided girls with meaningful opportunities for participation, learning, and leadership development. Several partner countries achieved major milestones, including the establishment of new U18 women’s national teams and increased participation of women as coaches and officials.
The project translated evidence into practice through, mixed-team tournaments, Open Day events, and international cooperation among federations, clubs, and experts. These activities increased visibility of women’s ice hockey, improved the quality of coaching and officiating, and provided girls with meaningful opportunities for participation, learning, and leadership development.
WHPP also highlighted the power of visibility and cooperation. Open-days attracted dozens of new participants, strengthened community engagement, and generated positive media attention, while international expert involvement raised standards both on and off the ice. The mixed-team format proved especially effective in building mutual respect, confidence, and leadership skills among players.
By breaking down barriers and sharing best practices, WHPP is helping shape a more inclusive future for ice hockey in Europe, thus contributing directly to EU priorities on gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. The project demonstrates that investing in women’s sport not only strengthens ice hockey, but also reaffirms the role of sport as a tool for empowerment, lifelong learning, and positive social change, thus building more equal, resilient, and connected communities across Europe.
Women’s Hockey Partnership for Progress (WHPP) is a regional initiative strengthening girls’ and women’s ice hockey across Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. By combining research, education, and practical on-ice action, the project addresses long-standing gender inequalities while creating new opportunities for participation, leadership, and visibility in the sport.
https://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_0392-2.jpg9961256WHPP PRhttps://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/logo-whp4p-340x156.pngWHPP PR2026-01-02 17:16:402026-01-02 17:40:39WHPP Project Overview: Breaking the Ice - Empowering Women in Ice Hockey
9th December 2025, Bled – The WHPP project reached a major milestone as Consortium members gathered in Bled (Slovenia) to celebrate the successful completion of its third and final year by taking stock of the project’s deliverables and to reflect on the lasting impact of the initiative.
Representatives from the ice hockey federations of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, alongside partners from the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Faculty of Sport at the University of Ljubljana, came together to review and validate the final project achievements. The meeting highlighted strong results across key performance indicators and showcased meaningful qualitative outcomes delivered through the WHPP programme.
A central focus of the discussions was the sustainability and long-term impact of WHPP activities, particularly its educational modules, tournaments, and broad stakeholder engagement. Partners shared success stories and best practices that underline the project’s contribution to the development of women’s ice hockey across the region.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the WHPP Goalie Coaching Workshop featured Maciej Szwoch, a goaltending coach in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and former Detroit Red Wings consultant, who delivered valuable insights and facilitated meaningful exchanges of experience.
The Consortium also finalized the WHPP Final Project Report, which incorporates partners’ feedback and financial summaries, thus ensuring compliance and a smooth project closure, including its submission to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). In a commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing, the partner federations agreed that the report will be made publicly available after submission and shared across the WHPP network, with possibility of translations into local languages.
The event was also an opportunity to recognize WHPP partners’ contribution and their continuous support for the project. Their commitment and invaluable assistance have significantly contributed to achieving the project’s goals in advancing the development of women’s ice hockey on a local, regional, and global scale. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to all partners, expressing gratitude for their steadfast commitment and partnership.
While the three-year European Union funding period has come to an end, the WHPP’s vision continues. Building on the strong partnerships and momentum created, the federations used the meeting to shape future cooperation, explore follow-up initiatives, transitional activities for 2026, and begin preparations for a potential WHPP II proposal.
Together, we continue to shape the future of women’s ice hockey in the region and globally!
https://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025_WHPP_CM_family-photo-2-scaled.jpg19202560WHPP PRhttps://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/logo-whp4p-340x156.pngWHPP PR2025-12-13 15:41:302025-12-14 17:57:52WHPP Concludes strong three-year journey and sets the stage for the future
18th and 19th October 2025 – Over the last weekend, WHPP teamed up with IIHF and used the opportunity of the 14th edition of IIHF’s annual World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend to promote this EU funded project and its goals. Four project’s partner associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, together with women hockey teams in their respective countries organized the WHPP Open Day(s).
Events that spanned over the two days included presentations of the Women’s Hockey Partnership for Progress project, which will be concluding its third, and for the time being, final year of running by the end of 2025. Participants of the WHPP project were able to share their impressions and experiences as well as exchange ideas for the future.
No event of the WHPP Open Day could pass without mentioning the project’s flagship event – the WHPP Ice Hockey Festival & Academy in Maribor (Slovenia), Klagenfurt (Austria) and Zagreb (Croatia), which was, during the course of these three years, a unique opportunity for young female hockey players to train and play together, to learn different skills and to make new friendships.
In addition to the presentation and promotion of the project, the WHPP Open Day events were also a chance for young girls who aspire to become hockey players to get to know the sport, put on skates, hockey gloves and helmet and try themselves on the ice. Together, with the girls who are already playing the fastest team sport in the world, they were able learn about the game of hockey first hand, and that “girls can play hockey too”.
Every single event this weekend concluded with the hope that IIHF’s World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend and WHPP’s Open Day inspires young girls and women to put on a jersey, pick up a hockey stick and show up at the ice rink for the next practice.
https://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WHPP-OpenDay_BIH-03a.jpg16702226WHPP PRhttps://www.whp4p.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/logo-whp4p-340x156.pngWHPP PR2025-10-21 15:45:502025-10-21 15:52:18WHPP Open Days make valuable contribution to the World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend
WHPP Project Overview: Breaking the Ice – Empowering Women in Ice Hockey
/0 Comments/in Coaching, Development, Game Officiating, Governance, News, Players /by WHPP PRGrounded in surveys and qualitative research, the WHPP Project Overview by combining data-driven insight with real-world action identifies the key factors shaping women’s experiences in ice hockey. Safe and respectful environments, supportive coaching relationships, and well-organised clubs were shown to be essential for participation and retention, while stereotypes, limited access to facilities, and the challenge of balancing sport with education or work remain significant barriers.
“The Project Overview shows that when girls are given the right support, structure, and visibility, ice hockey becomes a powerful platform for confidence, leadership, and equality – enabling girls to thrive on the ice and beyond.”
Importantly, the document also concludes that female players overwhelmingly reject the idea that ice hockey is a “men’s sport,” affirming their rightful place on the ice.
The project translated research into impact through educational workshops, tournaments, mixed-team festivals, and open-day events for players, coaches, and officials across the whole region. These activities gave girls valuable game experience, connected them with role models, and helped clubs and federations adopt more inclusive practices. Furthermore, they increased visibility of women’s ice hockey, improved the quality of coaching and officiating, and provided girls with meaningful opportunities for participation, learning, and leadership development. Several partner countries achieved major milestones, including the establishment of new U18 women’s national teams and increased participation of women as coaches and officials.
The project translated evidence into practice through, mixed-team tournaments, Open Day events, and international cooperation among federations, clubs, and experts. These activities increased visibility of women’s ice hockey, improved the quality of coaching and officiating, and provided girls with meaningful opportunities for participation, learning, and leadership development.
WHPP also highlighted the power of visibility and cooperation. Open-days attracted dozens of new participants, strengthened community engagement, and generated positive media attention, while international expert involvement raised standards both on and off the ice. The mixed-team format proved especially effective in building mutual respect, confidence, and leadership skills among players.
By breaking down barriers and sharing best practices, WHPP is helping shape a more inclusive future for ice hockey in Europe, thus contributing directly to EU priorities on gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. The project demonstrates that investing in women’s sport not only strengthens ice hockey, but also reaffirms the role of sport as a tool for empowerment, lifelong learning, and positive social change, thus building more equal, resilient, and connected communities across Europe.
WHPP Project Overview (Full document)
Women’s Hockey Partnership for Progress (WHPP) is a regional initiative strengthening girls’ and women’s ice hockey across Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. By combining research, education, and practical on-ice action, the project addresses long-standing gender inequalities while creating new opportunities for participation, leadership, and visibility in the sport.
WHPP Concludes strong three-year journey and sets the stage for the future
/0 Comments/in Development, Governance, News /by WHPP PR9th December 2025, Bled – The WHPP project reached a major milestone as Consortium members gathered in Bled (Slovenia) to celebrate the successful completion of its third and final year by taking stock of the project’s deliverables and to reflect on the lasting impact of the initiative.
Representatives from the ice hockey federations of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, alongside partners from the International Ice Hockey Federation and the Faculty of Sport at the University of Ljubljana, came together to review and validate the final project achievements. The meeting highlighted strong results across key performance indicators and showcased meaningful qualitative outcomes delivered through the WHPP programme.
A central focus of the discussions was the sustainability and long-term impact of WHPP activities, particularly its educational modules, tournaments, and broad stakeholder engagement. Partners shared success stories and best practices that underline the project’s contribution to the development of women’s ice hockey across the region.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the WHPP Goalie Coaching Workshop featured Maciej Szwoch, a goaltending coach in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and former Detroit Red Wings consultant, who delivered valuable insights and facilitated meaningful exchanges of experience.
The Consortium also finalized the WHPP Final Project Report, which incorporates partners’ feedback and financial summaries, thus ensuring compliance and a smooth project closure, including its submission to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). In a commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing, the partner federations agreed that the report will be made publicly available after submission and shared across the WHPP network, with possibility of translations into local languages.
The event was also an opportunity to recognize WHPP partners’ contribution and their continuous support for the project. Their commitment and invaluable assistance have significantly contributed to achieving the project’s goals in advancing the development of women’s ice hockey on a local, regional, and global scale. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to all partners, expressing gratitude for their steadfast commitment and partnership.
While the three-year European Union funding period has come to an end, the WHPP’s vision continues. Building on the strong partnerships and momentum created, the federations used the meeting to shape future cooperation, explore follow-up initiatives, transitional activities for 2026, and begin preparations for a potential WHPP II proposal.
Together, we continue to shape the future of women’s ice hockey in the region and globally!
WHPP Open Days make valuable contribution to the World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend
/0 Comments/in Coaching, Development, Game Officiating, Governance, News, Players /by WHPP PR18th and 19th October 2025 – Over the last weekend, WHPP teamed up with IIHF and used the opportunity of the 14th edition of IIHF’s annual World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend to promote this EU funded project and its goals. Four project’s partner associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, together with women hockey teams in their respective countries organized the WHPP Open Day(s).
Events that spanned over the two days included presentations of the Women’s Hockey Partnership for Progress project, which will be concluding its third, and for the time being, final year of running by the end of 2025. Participants of the WHPP project were able to share their impressions and experiences as well as exchange ideas for the future.
No event of the WHPP Open Day could pass without mentioning the project’s flagship event – the WHPP Ice Hockey Festival & Academy in Maribor (Slovenia), Klagenfurt (Austria) and Zagreb (Croatia), which was, during the course of these three years, a unique opportunity for young female hockey players to train and play together, to learn different skills and to make new friendships.
In addition to the presentation and promotion of the project, the WHPP Open Day events were also a chance for young girls who aspire to become hockey players to get to know the sport, put on skates, hockey gloves and helmet and try themselves on the ice. Together, with the girls who are already playing the fastest team sport in the world, they were able learn about the game of hockey first hand, and that “girls can play hockey too”.
Every single event this weekend concluded with the hope that IIHF’s World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend and WHPP’s Open Day inspires young girls and women to put on a jersey, pick up a hockey stick and show up at the ice rink for the next practice.