Black branded bags with yellow logo displayed on a table at a stadium event with blue seating visible

Mentorship Program

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.

Our Mentorship Program

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.

Who This Program Is For

Our mentorship program is designed to support and uplift both those seeking guidance and those ready to give back.

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 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

Our mentors are women of colour who have navigated competitive hockey pathways while balancing school, work, and leadership responsibilities.

Woman smiling at camera wearing black strapless top and pants with long curly dark hair and bracelets
Lead Mentor

Saroya Tinker

Retired Professional | Yale University | PWHL Manager of Culture & Impact

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'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.

Woman in red Canadian hockey jersey with maple leaf logo smiling at camera against gray background

Sophie Jaques

PWHL Professional | Ohio State

Professional defenseman with the Vancouver Goldeneyes. Patty Kazmaier Award winner at Ohio State. Passionate about helping young women of colour build confidence and leadership in hockey.

Portrait of a smiling female hockey player wearing a teal Bauer team jersey with white trim

Mikyla Grant-Mentis

PWHL Professional | Seattle Torrent

Merrimack's all-time leading scorer. First Black player to win the PHF MVP award. From Brampton, Ontario, now playing for the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.

Woman with long dark hair smiling at camera wearing dark blue polo shirt with emblem against light blue background

Christine Chao

Former Pro | U-Sport | Team Taiwan

Former U of Toronto Blues defenseman with multiple all-star honors. Played professionally with the Toronto Six. Helping young players develop confidence and joy on the ice.

Smiling woman with braided hair wearing a gold and navy sports jersey with red lettering

Kianna Saillant

NCAA | Arcadia University

Forward at Arcadia University and founder of Kianna's Krew, a mentorship program in Manitoba supporting the next generation of Black hockey players.

Woman with long black curly hair wearing black Nike jacket with yellow and black athletic logo, standing in front of branded repeating logo backdrop

Andrea Murray

U-Sport | University of Waterloo

Fourth-year forward at Waterloo studying Recreation and Sport Business. From Mississauga, Ontario. Encouraging young players to build confidence and chase their dreams.

Smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a green v-neck shirt and pendant necklace

Emerson Henry

NCAA | Eastern Michigan University

Division I lacrosse player at Eastern Michigan. Started as a BGHC mentee in 2020 and transitioned to a mentorship role. Former Jr Wolves player.

Female ice hockey player in Pacific team uniform with red and black jersey, holding hockey stick and wearing red gloves

Aliza Rooker

University of British Columbia

Student at UBC and coach based in Vancouver. Captained the Vancouver Angels U18 A1 team for two years. Passionate about making hockey more inclusive for women of colour.

Professional headshot of a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a green and white athletic shirt

Dayton O'Donoghue

NCAA | Dartmouth University

Division I hockey player at Dartmouth, originally from Toronto. 20 years old with experience working with Bauer and the NHL on community campaigns advocating for inclusive spaces in hockey.

Portrait of a young woman wearing a red Adidas Sacred Heart jersey, smiling at the camera against a gray background

Chase Rutty

NCAA | Sacred Heart University

Division I hockey player at Sacred Heart University. Passionate about mentoring and helping women of colour feel they belong at every level of the game.

Portrait of a smiling woman wearing a yellow and navy sports jersey with braided hair against a white background

Sienna Bullen

U-Sport | Queen's University

Plays for Queen's University Women's Hockey Team. Coached with BGHC and Ice Wolves Girls program. Inspired to help young athletes love the game and believe in themselves.

Young woman with curly black hair wearing a black Nike zip-up jacket with a yellow logo, smiling in front of a branded backdrop

Teagan Gray

U-Sport | University of Waterloo

Third-year Health Sciences student at Waterloo while playing varsity hockey. Passionate about creating a welcoming environment for young women of colour in hockey.

Apply Now

Apply for the WCHC Mentorship Program by completing the form below. Once submitted, our team will review your application and follow up with next steps.

If you select "Other" for Ethnicity / Cultural Identity, please specify your identity in the written response field provided.

Questions About Mentorship?

We're here to help. Reach out anytime and we'll connect you with the right support.

Contact Us