In the world of professional sports, we are used to seeing young fans line up for a signature from their heroes. But yesterday at Leaside Memorial Arena, Toronto Sceptres star Emma Maltais flipped the script—and the pen—on the traditional fan experience.
In a powerful new movement called “Her Signature Moment,” launched by Royale and the PWHL, pro athletes are asking young girls to sign their jerseys instead. This “reverse autograph” is more than just a fun photo op; it is a dedicated pledge to address a sobering reality: 1 in 3 Canadian girls drop out of sports early.
The Power of the Pledge
Every time a young athlete puts pen to fabric, she isn’t just giving an autograph—she is making a promise to herself to keep playing, keep dreaming, and never give up on the sport she loves.
“When a young girl signs my jersey, it’s a reminder that she belongs in the game and that her path in hockey is her own,” says Maltais. “Seeing young players feel that confidence is really special”.
How You Can Get Involved
Royale, a founding partner of the PWHL, is ensuring these signatures translate into real-world support for the PWHL Mentorship Program:
- The Donation: For the first 1,000 signatures received (either in-person or online), Royale will donate $25 per signature to the mentorship program, up to a $25,000 maximum.
- Sign From Home: You don’t have to be at the rink to join the movement. Fans can add their digital signature to a jersey of their choice at HerSignatureMoment.ca.
- The Goal: Empowering the next generation of girls to see themselves not just as fans, but as the future stars of the league.
Whether you are a hockey parent or a supporter of women in sport, it’s time to help the next generation “stay in the game”. Let’s-a go … and sign some jerseys! —Noa Nichol
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