In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, Pam sits down with Mike Fuoco, head coach of the Etobicoke Dolphins U15 AA team, to dive deep into the world of girls’ hockey in Ontario.

Mike shares his personal journey from playing and coaching in Brampton to becoming a leader in the female game, inspired by his sister’s hockey career.

He explains how the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) structure works—age groups, levels, and the pathway from U9 to junior. Mike breaks down what “high performance” hockey really means, how recruitment works at the U15 level, and the balance between development, competition, and opportunity. He also highlights the importance of player mindset, parent involvement, and being proactive when navigating the girls’ hockey system.

Listeners will come away with a clear understanding of how the female hockey pathway operates, what coaches look for in athletes, and why communication, commitment, and development matter more than promises.