MENTORSHIp

Building the Next Generation — Together

The Women of Colour Hockey Collective Mentorship Program connects girls and young women of colour with mentors who have walked the path before them — from grassroots hockey to junior, college, and professional levels, both on and off the ice.

Originating from the SaroyaStrong Mentorship Program, this initiative has evolved into a powerful, community-driven model where mentorship is passed forward. Many of our first-ever mentees are now competing at the junior and collegiate levels — and are returning as mentors themselves, creating a full-circle legacy rooted in access, representation, and leadership.

This program is about more than hockey performance. It is about confidence, identity, navigating predominantly white spaces, and ensuring that no girl or young woman of colour has to figure out this journey alone.

A group of women and girls seated on the floor inside a fitness or dance apparel store, engaged in a discussion or class, with clothing racks and mannequins in the background.
Four young women wearing hockey gear sitting on a bench against a white wall, smiling at the camera.
A group of children attending a workshop or class at an indoor ice rink facility. The instructor, a woman, is demonstrating something to a seated girl while others watch. The scene includes a table with supplies and a large window overlooking the ice
Group of women doing yoga poses on mats indoors, with some kneeling and raising their arms overhead, in a spacious, well-lit facility with artificial turf flooring.
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Group of people participating in a yoga or stretching class on gray mats, with some wearing workout clothes in purple and pink, inside a large indoor space with windows and black curtains.

Who This Program Is For?

Mentees

  • Girls and young women of colour involved in hockey

  • Typically ages 13–22 (flexible based on individual needs)

  • Players at all levels: house league, competitive, prep, junior, or college-bound

  • Individuals seeking guidance in hockey, academics, leadership, or life beyond the rink

Mentors

  • Junior, collegiate, professional, or retired hockey players

  • Coaches, officials, and hockey-adjacent professionals

  • Women of colour committed to giving back and supporting the next generation

How does the program work?

Mentorship matches are made intentionally and thoughtfully, based on:

  • Hockey level and goals

  • Shared lived experiences and identity

  • Personal interests and long-term aspirations

  • Availability and communication preferences

Each mentorship pairing includes:

  • One-on-one mentor–mentee connection

  • Monthly or bi-monthly check-ins

  • Goal-setting and accountability support

  • Guidance through recruitment, transitions, and next steps

  • Access to group mentorship sessions and community events

This is a relationship-based program, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

MEET OUR MENTORS

  • Smiling woman with curly hair wearing a black strapless top and jewelry.

    Saroya Tinker

    LEAD MENTOR
    Retired Professional | Yale University

    Hi, I’m Saroya! I’m a retired professional hockey defenseman, CBC broadcaster/analyst , and the Executive Director of Women of Colour Hockey Collective. I played NCAA hockey at Yale and professionally in the PHF, winning an Isobel Cup and breaking barriers as a Black woman in the game. I also work in hockey media and serve as Manager of Culture & Impact for the PWHL. I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive and equitable hockey world, and I mentor because I want every young player to know they belong, their voice matters, and we’re here to support you on and off the ice.

  • Young woman in hockey jersey smiling, standing against a white brick wall

    Sophie Jaques

    MENTOR
    PWHL Professional | Ohio State

    Hi, I’m Sophie! I’m a professional defenseman currently with the Vancouver Goldeneyes in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). I grew up in Toronto and played junior hockey with the Aeros before starring at Ohio State University, where I was honoured with the Patty Kazmier Award as the top NCAA player. I love mentoring because I know firsthand how important role models and support networks are in hockey. I’m dedicated to helping young athletes — especially women of colour — build confidence, leadership, and a lifelong love for the game.

  • A female athlete in a teal Seattle sports jersey with the word 'SEATTLE' on it, smiling at the camera.

    Mikyla Grant-Mentis

    MENTOR
    PWHL Professional | Merrimack

    Hi, I’m Mikyla! I’m a professional hockey forward for the Seattle Torrent in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and grew up in Brampton, Ontario. I played NCAA hockey at Merrimack College, where I became the program’s all‑time leading scorer, and made history as the first Black player to win the PHF’s Most Valuable Player award. I’m passionate about representation and showing young women of colour that they belong at every level of hockey. I mentor because I want others to see themselves in this game and believe they have a place here, both on and off the ice.

  • Young woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a navy blue polo shirt with a Toronto Varsity Blues logo, against a light blue background.

    Christine Chao

    MENTOR
    Former Pro | U-Sport | Team Taiwan

    Hi, I’m Christine! I’m a former varsity hockey defenseman who played for the University of Toronto Blues, where I earned multiple all‑star and OUA Defender of the Year honours. I also played professionally with the Toronto Six of the PHF. Hockey has taught me resilience, leadership, and the importance of supporting others, and I love mentoring because it allows me to give back to the game and help young players develop confidence and joy on the ice. I’m here to help you grow your skills, find your voice, and feel empowered in your hockey journey.

  • Close-up portrait of a young woman with braided hair, wearing an athletic jersey and jewelry, smiling at the camera.

    Kianna Saillant

    MENTOR
    NCAA | Arcadia University

    Hi, I’m Kianna! I’m a forward at Arcadia University and aspiring professional hockey player. I’m passionate about creating space and confidence for young girls in the game, which inspired me to start Kianna’s Krew, a mentorship program in Manitoba supporting the next generation of Black hockey players. Through WCHC, I’m excited to build community, empower others, and show that women of color belong in hockey.

  • Young woman with curly hair smiling, wearing a black Nike hoodie with Waterloo Warriors logo, standing in front of a backdrop with Waterloo Warriors logos and Nike swooshes.

    Andrea Murray

    MENTOR
    U-Sport | University of Waterloo

    Hi, I’m Andrea! I’m a fourth‑year varsity hockey forward at the University of Waterloo studying Recreation and Sport Business, and I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. I started playing hockey after trying other sports and quickly fell in love with the game — especially the friendships and community you build with teammates. Through BGHC and scholarship opportunities, I’ve connected with other Black hockey players and strengthened my passion for the sport. I’m excited to mentor and encourage young players to build confidence, work hard, and chase their hockey dreams.

  • A young woman with curly hair wearing a green sports jersey with the number 26 and 'Eastern' written on it, smiling against a gray background.

    Emerson Henry

    MENTOR
    NCAA | Eastern Michigan University

    Hi, I’m Emerson! I’m a second-year Division I lacrosse player studying aviation at Eastern Michigan University. I played hockey for 10 years, finishing my minor career with the Jr Wolves in 2024. I started as a BGHC mentee in 2020 and have now transitioned into a mentorship role. I love being on the ice, attending games, and helping at hockey camps. Outside of sports, I enjoy hanging out with friends, baking, and reading. I’m thrilled to mentor and connect with young players in our community.

  • Young woman with dark, curly hair smiling in a blue San Jose Sharks hockey jersey, with a neon sign in the background.

    Aliza Rooker

    MENTOR
    University of British Columbia

    Hi, I’m Aliza! I’m a student at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and coach based in Vancouver. I captained the Vancouver Angels U18 A1 team for two years and continue to play intramurally while affiliating with the Pacific Steelers in the JWHL. I’ve also turned my focus to coaching and hosting programs with the Vancouver Canucks to help develop young athletes. As a competitive student‑athlete, I understand the challenge of balancing academics, hockey, and life. I’m passionate about making the hockey community more inclusive for women of colour and inspiring confidence, leadership, and resilience in the next generation.

  • Close-up of a smiling young woman with dark hair, gold hoop earrings, and wearing a green and white sports jersey.

    Dayton O'Donoghue

    MENTOR
    NCAA | Dartmouth University

    Hi, I’m Dayton! I’m a 20-year-old Division I hockey player at Dartmouth College, originally from Toronto. Hockey has been my life for as long as I can remember, but my journey hasn’t always been easy. As a Black girl in hockey, I’ve navigated spaces that weren’t always designed with me in mind. That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring—I want to be the guide I needed when I was starting out. I love supporting young players, celebrating their wins, and showing them that they belong in hockey. I also have experience working with Bauer and the NHL on community campaigns, advocating for more inclusive spaces in the game.

  • Young woman with styled blonde and brown braids hair in a top bun, wearing a red sports jersey with Adidas logo.

    Chase Rutty

    MENTOR
    NCAA | Sacred Heart University

    Hi, I’m Chase! I’m a Division I hockey player at Sacred Heart University. Hockey has been a central part of my life, teaching me teamwork, resilience, and dedication. I’m passionate about mentoring because I know how important guidance and encouragement are for young athletes, especially women of colour in the game. I aim to help players build confidence, develop their skills, and feel that they belong in hockey at every level.

  • A young woman with braided hair, wearing a navy blue Nike jacket with a 'Q Hockey' logo, gold hoop earrings, a gold necklace, and a nose piercing, smiling against a black background.

    Sienna Bullen

    MENTOR
    U-Sport | Queens University

    Hi, I’m Sienna! I play for the Queen’s University Women’s Hockey Team and have been passionate about hockey from a young age. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed mentoring young players to develop their skills and confidence. This past summer, I coached with BGHC and the Ice Wolves Girls program, promoting inclusivity and creating a fun, positive, and supportive environment. I aim to inspire young athletes to love the game, believe in themselves, and bring their full selves to every opportunity.

  • A young woman with curly dark hair and a big smile, wearing a black Nike jacket with a yellow Sparta helmet logo, standing in front of a backdrop with Waterloo Warriors logos and Nike swoosks.

    Teagan Gray

    MENTOR
    U-Sport | University of Waterloo

    Hi, I’m Teagan! I’m in my third year at the University of Waterloo, pursuing a degree in Health Sciences while playing varsity hockey. Through the sport, I’ve developed teamwork, leadership, and time management skills that I bring into mentorship. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for young women of color in hockey and helping them develop both on and off the ice.

Our mentors are women of colour who have navigated competitive hockey pathways while balancing school, work, and leadership responsibilities. Many are former Women of Colour Hockey Collective mentees, NCAA, U SPORTS, and college athletes, as well as junior and professional players who now serve as leaders within their teams and communities. They generously volunteer their time and lived experience to ensure the next generation feels supported, seen, and empowered—both on and off the ice.

SIGN-UP TODAY

Interested in joining our Mentorship program? Fill out the info below and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!

Group of young girls sitting on bleachers in a gymnasium, smiling at the camera.
A woman in black skating gear sharing a joyful moment with two children in hockey practice at an indoor ice rink.
Group of women and girls sitting on yoga mats in a clothing store for a workshop or discussion. A staff member or instructor is seated in front of them near a banner that reads 'Celebrating BIPOC Women in Sport.' The store has various clothing items on racks and a wooden interior.