Clair DeGeorge Hockey Camp Empowers 140 Young Athletes in Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska — August 8, 2025 — From August 4th to 7th, the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Avis Sports Complex hosted the inaugural Clair DeGeorge Hockey Camp, created by professional hockey player Clair DeGeorge in partnership with Strong Girls United. The camp welcomed approximately 140 girls ages U8 through U16 for an empowering weekend of hockey development, mentorship, and team building.

Clair DeGeorge is a forward recently signed by the Toronto Scepters in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). She previously played for the Montréal Victoire and was a member of the inaugural Minnesota team that captured the first Walter Cup.

She capped off her NCAA career with Ohio State in 2021-22, recording a goal and an assist in the national championship game to help the Buckeyes secure their first-ever NCAA title.

Off the ice, Clair is a dedicated nurse and a Strong Girls United mentor. She recently brought her vision to life in her hometown of Anchorage. Drawing on her multi-sport background, professional career, and passion for mentorship, Clair designed her camp to provide a holistic experience that goes far beyond the ice.

Core Components of the Camp:

• Elite Hockey Development: With hand-on coaching from 7 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Players. 

• Multi-Sport and Team Building Opportunities: Led by Strong Girls United to promote well-rounded athleticism and connection

• Mental Skills & Mental Health Lessons and Activities: Delivered by Strong Girls United to strengthen confidence and resilience

This unique blend helped athletes sharpen their hockey skills while developing confidence, leadership, and mental strength. A signature feature was the buddy system, pairing older campers with younger ones to encourage mentorship, role modeling, and lasting connections.

"In starting the Clair DeGeorge Hockey Camp in partnership with Strong Girls United, I strived to encourage young athletes to dream big and build resilience through sports. Myself and six other professional women’s hockey players were mentors for these young girls last week on the ice in hopes to show them that they too can play professionally someday," said Clair DeGeorge.

2025 Pro Athlete Coaches:

• Clair DeGeorge — Toronto Sceptres (PWHL)

• Nicole Hensley — Minnesota Frost (PWHL)

• Gabby Rosenthal — Vancouver (PWHL)

• Paetyn Levis — New York Sirens (PWHL)

• Natalie Buchbinder — Minnesota Frost (PWHL)

• Maggie Flaherty — Montréal Victoire (PWHL)

• Madison Bizal — SDE Hockey (Swedish Women’s Hockey League)

A parent of a camper shared their gratitude:
“The Clair DeGeorge x Strong Girls United Hockey Camp was exactly what my daughter needed before her first year of tryouts. In just a few days, she gained confidence, learned from incredible mentors, made new friends, and fell even more in love with hockey. Watching her open up and thrive both on and off the ice was amazing. This camp not only sharpened her skills but also inspired her. We are so grateful for this experience and hope to see more opportunities like this in the future! Thank you to all the sponsors and people that made this possible. It was the perfect way to end our summer!”

Sponsors Who Made the Camp Possible:

• Presenting Sponsor: Ellsworth Foundation

• Champion Sponsor: Wolverines

• Partner Sponsors: ChemTrak, Champions Choice, Coalaska

• Friend Sponsor: Taylored Restorations
  
  

Thanks to this generous support, the camp created an unforgettable and inspiring experience for Alaska’s next generation of athletes.

For more information about future camps or Strong Girls United programming, please visit sgunitedfoundation.org or contact [email protected].