TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League celebrated World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend with the return of GTHL Girls Development Day on Sunday, October 18, welcoming girls from across the League for a sold-out day of skill development, connection, and community at Scotiabank Pond.
Following the success of the League’s inaugural Girls Development Day in March, the second edition continued to build on the importance of creating dedicated opportunities for girls to learn, grow, and connect with others who share their passion for hockey.
With registration reaching capacity, players and goaltenders took part in the development experience, which brought together girls from different teams, age groups, and playing levels across the GTHL.
The day featured off-ice training, a speaker session, and on-ice skill development, with participants learning from an all-female team of instructors representing post-secondary level hockey and the GTHL’s coaching development program.
Leading the day was GTHL Coaching Instructor Mercedes Watson, joined by Toronto Metropolitan University Bold goaltender and GTHL alumna Sydney Pyburn, alongside York University Lions Dora Veghelyi, Nicole York, Avery Shortridge, and Keeley McMaster.
Beyond developing skills on the ice, Girls Development Day provided participants with an opportunity to see women in leadership and instructional roles, learn from their experiences, and build friendships with other girls involved in the game.
“These days are important to see representation, get to know [other] girls that play in this league,” shared York University Lions’ Dora Veghelyi, reflecting on the importance of creating opportunities for girls to connect through hockey.
For Veghelyi, the opportunity to give back to the next generation carries personal significance.
“I want to give back to the community, I want to give back to the women’s community, and the hockey community,” she added.
Held in celebration of World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend, the event reinforced the value of visibility, representation, and community in supporting the continued growth of girls’ hockey.
As the GTHL continues to expand its development opportunities, initiatives such as Girls Development Day are helping create spaces where girls can strengthen their skills, build confidence, and recognize the opportunities and pathways available to them throughout the game.
The GTHL extends its thanks to all participating players and families, along with the dedicated instructors who helped make the second Girls Development Day a success.
