Cassie Campbell, Pete DeBoer, and Dwight Mullins examined the various career pathways for women in hockey.
The inaugural Global Hockey Forum, a new initiative launched by the International Ice Hockey Federation under its ICE26 strategic framework, concluded on Wednesday with closing remarks from IIHF President Luc Tardif, who thanked participants and sent them home inspired.
“Seeing all these people from all over the world come together like this reminds me why hockey is the greatest game in the world. We’ve had two great days of collaborating, hearing excellent presentations, and sharing knowledge,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“I’m positive everyone will go home energized and inspired, and now we have to make sure to keep the momentum going,” he added.
The Forum was designed to bring together Member National Associations, commercial partners, and the IIHF to discuss, collaborate, and innovate on all aspects of the game. Its long-term impact will be measured in the new connections made, ideas shared, and lessons that will continue to take shape in the years ahead. Also contributing to the great atmosphere at the Forumw as that fact that it took took place in Nice, France, with the support of Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and Delegated President of French Regions, the IIHF’s partner in the event.
“I’ll tell you if I’m happy with the Global Hockey Forum in two years,” said IIHF Vice President Bob Nicholson. “These have been two great days, but we have to make this live and make the game better for young boys and girls.”
Over two days, 485 registered participants—representing 71 Member National Associations—took part in 39 presentations and panel discussions led by global experts, focusing on three key themes: Development, Marketing, and Women’s Hockey.
In addition to renowned researchers, coaches, and marketers, several hockey legends were on hand to share their experiences in the game, from Henrik Lundqvist and Mel Davidson to Maria Rooth and Pete DeBoer, and from Gina Kingsbury to Emma Terho and Kim Martin-Hasson.
In the Development track, the spotlight was on nurturing talent and fostering transformational leadership to ensure every player—regardless of gender or level of play—is seen and heard.
The Marketing sessions explored ways to grow the game’s reach and appeal, with an emphasis on attracting new fans and players. Former Montreal Canadiens legend Ken Dryden has often said that the “golden age” of sport is when a person is 14 years old. Data now confirms it: most fans become engaged before the age of 14, and after that, unlike with music. the chances of making them fans of your sporrt decline sharply.
The Women’s Hockey sessions were marked by enthusiasm as speaker after speaker presented examples of strong growth in women’s sports.
Moderator Cassie Campbell-Pascall, former Team Canada captain, shared her key takeaways from the two-day event:
“Expectations without agreement are only expectations. Diversity does not mean lowering the bar. Inclusion is not copying and pasting. Leadership lives where skills meet will. And the other side of fear is freedom,” she said, quoting forum speakers.
Throughout the Forum, one central message emerged: talk to others, find partners, and reach out to colleagues.
“Keep in touch,” Campbell-Pascall concluded.
“Seeing all these people from all over the world come together like this reminds me why hockey is the greatest game in the world. We’ve had two great days of collaborating, hearing excellent presentations, and sharing knowledge,” said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
“I’m positive everyone will go home energized and inspired, and now we have to make sure to keep the momentum going,” he added.
The Forum was designed to bring together Member National Associations, commercial partners, and the IIHF to discuss, collaborate, and innovate on all aspects of the game. Its long-term impact will be measured in the new connections made, ideas shared, and lessons that will continue to take shape in the years ahead. Also contributing to the great atmosphere at the Forumw as that fact that it took took place in Nice, France, with the support of Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and Delegated President of French Regions, the IIHF’s partner in the event.
“I’ll tell you if I’m happy with the Global Hockey Forum in two years,” said IIHF Vice President Bob Nicholson. “These have been two great days, but we have to make this live and make the game better for young boys and girls.”
Over two days, 485 registered participants—representing 71 Member National Associations—took part in 39 presentations and panel discussions led by global experts, focusing on three key themes: Development, Marketing, and Women’s Hockey.
In addition to renowned researchers, coaches, and marketers, several hockey legends were on hand to share their experiences in the game, from Henrik Lundqvist and Mel Davidson to Maria Rooth and Pete DeBoer, and from Gina Kingsbury to Emma Terho and Kim Martin-Hasson.
In the Development track, the spotlight was on nurturing talent and fostering transformational leadership to ensure every player—regardless of gender or level of play—is seen and heard.
The Marketing sessions explored ways to grow the game’s reach and appeal, with an emphasis on attracting new fans and players. Former Montreal Canadiens legend Ken Dryden has often said that the “golden age” of sport is when a person is 14 years old. Data now confirms it: most fans become engaged before the age of 14, and after that, unlike with music. the chances of making them fans of your sporrt decline sharply.
The Women’s Hockey sessions were marked by enthusiasm as speaker after speaker presented examples of strong growth in women’s sports.
Moderator Cassie Campbell-Pascall, former Team Canada captain, shared her key takeaways from the two-day event:
“Expectations without agreement are only expectations. Diversity does not mean lowering the bar. Inclusion is not copying and pasting. Leadership lives where skills meet will. And the other side of fear is freedom,” she said, quoting forum speakers.
Throughout the Forum, one central message emerged: talk to others, find partners, and reach out to colleagues.
“Keep in touch,” Campbell-Pascall concluded.