WHPP Project Overview: Breaking the Ice – Empowering Women in Ice Hockey

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.

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.