RINK REBELSA hockey weekend for girls that brought players together through competition, connection, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Icebreaker was designed differently. Players and goalies registered individually, chose their division, and were placed on balanced teams, so no one needed a full roster to be part of the weekend.
It was competitive, welcoming, and made entirely for girls who love the game. Players could include one friend request, and the weekend offered the chance to meet new teammates and build real confidence on and off the ice.
For some players, it was their first chance to be surrounded by an entire rink full of girls who shared their love of hockey. For others, it was a return to the teammates, mentors, and memories that had made them feel at home the year before. The weekend brought them together to play, make connections, and discover new possibilities in the game.
That was the heart of the 2026 Icebreaker: great hockey, real connection, and a weekend built to help every player feel there was room for her in the game.
Revisit the 2026 Icebreaker Friendship Tournament hub on GrayJay.
Every part of the tournament was built to help girls compete, connect, and see what their future in the game could look like.
The weekend gave players a chance to hear personal stories, ask questions, and discover more ways to stay connected to hockey.
The hockey journeyEric spoke to the players about his hockey journey and experiences. A former AHL player and AHL Man of the Year for community service, he brought the perspective of someone whose impact extends beyond the rink, from initiatives to prevent bullying to supporting children and families. His connection with Rink Rebels also includes mentoring players and leading dryland training.
Opportunities in officiatingJillian’s session explored how refereeing can open doors far beyond playing. The New Brunswick Level 5 official brought experience from Junior A hockey and a PWHPA Showcase, with themes of confidence, perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers. Her journey showed players another way to build a future in the game.
Recovery and resilienceIn “Overcoming Injuries: The Process of Returning to the Ice,” Sarah shared her personal recovery journey and the physical and mental challenges of being sidelined. Her session focused on patience, resilience, and rebuilding the confidence to return, with insight for players, parents, and coaches supporting an athlete through recovery.
A voice from university hockeyThe UNB REDS Women’s Hockey Head Coach brought a university hockey perspective to coaching, education, and the opportunities the sport can create. Her session covered athlete development, academics, scholarships, leadership, and giving back to the game. Sarah also joined Jake Allen as a moderator for Women of Hockey Night.
Pursuing professional hockeyKatie shared her experience entering the PWHL Draft and pursuing an opportunity at the professional level. She spoke about the preparation, uncertainty, and emotions surrounding the draft, the lessons she gained throughout the process, and how the experience helped shape her next steps in hockey.
Learning on the icePlayers took to the ice with professional and university athletes for skill development, mentorship, and inspiration.
Explore Training With the ProsFrom the opening celebration to the final handshake line, Icebreaker brought players, families, and guests together for a weekend of shared experiences and lasting memories.
During the gold medal game, Sarah Bujold gifted her stick to a young Rebel.
A small gesture that made a lasting memory.
Thank you, Sarah, for inspiring the next generation.
Thank you to Mayor Steve Hicks and Bill Hunt, who nominated Doug Grandy for the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, for helping officially open the Icebreaker Friendship Tournament.
Icebreaker put girls in the middle of a real hockey community. The 2026 experience grew beyond games to include learning, mentorship, celebration, and direct access to people who have built careers in the sport.
The chance to play, meet new people, and picture a future in hockey was at the heart of the weekend.
Thank you to the partners and sponsors who helped bring our Friendship Tournament to life.
The Friendship Tournament returns every year. Registration for the 2027 Icebreaker is expected to open in December 2026. Individual player and goalie spots are limited, and the event has grown quickly, so early registration is the best way to secure a place.
Players register individually, select their division, and can make one friend request. We build balanced teams so every participant can compete, connect, and belong.
The 2026 Icebreaker gave girls a place to compete, feel seen, and discover their place in hockey. Revisit the weekend’s highlights, then stay close for 2027 registration.
Explore the 2026 tournament details