As part of its continued efforts to make sports more inclusive and expand opportunities for young athletes, AEG’s LA Kings hosted its annual LA Kings Girls Camp. The initiative gave young female hockey players access to high-level coaching, mentorship and development experiences aimed at nurturing the next generation of players and leaders.

The five-day camp, held July 27–31 at Toyota Sports Performance Center, brought together girls ages 5 to 12 for a program centered on hockey skills, athletic development, confidence and personal growth. The coaching lineup featured LA Kings Community & Hockey Development Specialist Blake Bolden, Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) players Marah Wagner and Dominique Petrie, PWHL Las Vegas General Manager Domi DiDia, as well as LA Kings alumni Jordan Nolan and Daryl Evans. The program is part of the organization’s larger effort to broaden access to hockey and create more welcoming opportunities for girls and young women.

Participants took part in daily on-ice training, dryland workouts, classroom activities and personalized skill sessions. Alongside developing their hockey abilities, campers explored important qualities such as teamwork, resilience, leadership and setting goals. The camp emphasized that the lessons learned through sport can also support personal development away from the rink.

Mentorship was a major component of the experience, with campers interacting directly with PWHL players and executives. Conversations and activities gave participants an inside look at the many career possibilities available to women in hockey, ranging from playing and coaching to leadership and business roles. Meeting women who have built careers throughout the sport offered campers real-world examples of the opportunities they can pursue.

LA Kings alumni also shared their experiences with the young athletes, offering encouragement and perspectives on dedication, perseverance and continued growth. Their involvement provided campers with additional role models while helping them understand the value of commitment and learning throughout their sporting journeys.

The camp also focused on creating a positive and welcoming community. Beyond developing hockey skills, participants had opportunities to form friendships, boost their confidence and strengthen their connection to the sport. By bringing together training, education, mentorship and representation, the program aims to reduce barriers to participation and inspire more girls to envision themselves as part of hockey’s future.

The LA Kings Girls Camp is one of several initiatives supporting the organization’s broader goal of growing participation and making hockey more accessible to young people. Through programs that combine athletic development with mentorship and leadership opportunities, the LA Kings continue to use sport as a platform for building confidence, encouraging ambition and helping young girls succeed both on and off the ice.

DICK’S Sporting Goods takes pride in empowering the next generation to lead, inspire, and shape the future of sports through its Girls’ Power Panel. Launched in 2021, this initiative gives young female athletes a platform to share their perspectives on sports, contribute to product and company decisions, and address challenges faced by girls and women in athletics. The panel also fosters personal growth, building confidence and leadership skills both on and off the field, court, and mat.

Adi, a basketball player from Rockville, MD, has been part of the Girls’ Power Panel since its inception. "Being part of this group of remarkable teen athletes from across the country has given me the chance to use my voice, offer insights, and make a meaningful impact," she said.
In 2023, the panel convened during the WNBA All-Star weekend in Phoenix, AZ, with its largest group to date—21 young women aged 15 to 18. These trailblazers are not only excelling in sports but are also contributing their talents in strategic discussions.

Maura, a multi-sport athlete from Sayville, NY, shared how the panel has influenced her. "This experience has transformed my life, allowing me to help other girls feel a sense of belonging in sports—something I struggled with growing up. It has also inspired me to consider a career in marketing and explore ways to create meaningful change."

Throughout their term, the panelists have participated in monthly sessions with internal teams and collaborated with national brands, offering feedback on products, athlete experiences, and industry trends. They’ve also supported The DICK’S Foundation by volunteering at community events and identifying sports programs in need of assistance.

Gabi, a soccer player from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, highlighted her involvement in initiatives like the It’s Her Shot Tour and Shop with a Pro. “Seeing the joy and gratitude from kids at these events reminds me how sports can unite people and make a lasting difference,” she reflected.

Click here to know more about DICK’s Sporting Goods’ commitments.