Teaming Up for Women’s Health: New National Initiative Brings Together Leaders in Sport and Healthcare

MISSISSAUGA, ON, October 5, 2026 – The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and Becton, Dickinson and Company Inc. (BD-Canada) announced today an expanded partnership that will leverage the growing influence of women's hockey to advance women's health, champion female leadership and inspire the next generation of women and girls.

The partnership will support community hockey programming across Canada, including PWHL Fantasy Camps and PWHL Adult Hockey Clinics, while working with the league to bring women’s health into the conversation around women’s sport.

“Our partnership with the PWHL gives us a unique opportunity to bring women’s health conversations into spaces where women are already coming together, connecting and challenging themselves,” said Ivy Parks, President, BD Canada. “When women have access to information and feel empowered to talk about their health, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves.”

Women's sports are experiencing a breakthrough moment. From sold-out arenas to record-breaking growth, the rise of the PWHL has shown what's possible when women have the opportunity to lead, compete and inspire. At the same time, women are demanding more from the health system, advocating for greater awareness and advancement around issues ranging from menopause and breast cancer to healthy aging and reproductive health.  

“Breast cancer pressed pause on my life for more than a year,” says former PWHL goalie Erica Howe, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2024.  After yearlong treatments, she is now back on the ice, a full-time firefighter and new mother.

“Cancer changed my perspective on so many things, but it reinforced something I think women know all too well: we often put everyone else first,” adds Howe. “Learning to advocate for my own health was one of the most important things I've ever done.  Navigating my cancer journey on a national stage gave me the power to help inform and inspire young girls and women along the way.  This BD-Canada partnership is a platform to continue that momentum."

At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to break barriers, kicking off with BD-Canada’s Women’s Health Takeover in October, an initiative that brings employees, healthcare leaders, community members, and partners together to focus more on women’s health. Throughout the 2026–27 season, BD-Canada and the PWHL will connect Canadians from coast to coast through the love of the game and healthy living.

“Women’s hockey has always been about more than what happens on the ice. It’s also about the community, confidence and connections that come from being part of the game,” said Chelsea Purcell, Vice President of Partnerships, PWHL. “Partnering with BD-Canada gives us an opportunity to extend that impact beyond the game, creating meaningful experiences for women while making women’s health part of the conversation with our community.”

On Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1 pm, PWHL players Jessica Kondas, Lauren Messier, Emma Gentry and Kiara Zanon will take over BD-Canada headquarters at 2100 Derry Road West, Mississauga, ON, for BD’s annual Walk and Talk event in support of Breast Cancer Canada. The employee and community event features a shooting area to face off against your favourite PWHL’er, autograph signing and an inspiring ‘Chalk Talk’ with the players around the game and conversations around health innovation. The day is capped off with a 3km walk in support of Breast Cancer Canada.