WHPP Concludes strong three-year journey and sets the stage for the future

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!