Scholarship

DGHA Scholarship

Thank you for your interest in the Duluth Girls' Hockey Association Scholarship! The 2025 application period will open February 17, 2025 and applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025.

This scholarship is the culmination of the association's vision to give back to the amazing female hockey players that have helped to develop a love and passion for hockey in the Twin Ports. Proceeds from the annual St. Luke's Icebreaker Invitational have made funding of this scholarship possible.

The purpose of the Duluth Girls' Hockey Association Scholarship is to provide an award of $2,000 for one deserving senior, who is a former Icebreaker player and is interested in attending a post-secondary educational institution.

Below you will find information on eligibility requirements and the application process. You can access the application here.

Application Process

1. Applicant must be a high school senior.

2. Applicant must have been an Icebreaker and demonstrated a strong commitment, work ethic and desire to contribute to the Duluth Girls' Icebreaker hockey program. Applicants should be individuals who have supported, promoted and enhanced the opportunities for the sport of girls hockey to grow locally in Duluth, MN.

3. Applicant must demonstrate commitment to academics, community involvement and athletics.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Deadline for scholarship applications is March 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

2. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

3. If questions do not apply, please write N/A in the space provided.

4. All applicants, regardless of award, will be notified regarding the status of your application.

5. If you have questions regarding the application or requirements, please email duluthgirlshockey2@gmail.com.

6. Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence of registration and acceptance into an accredited post-secondary institution.

7. The scholarship will be awarded as one (1) $2,000 award.

Applicant must submit the following:

1. Completed application form.

2. Letter of application addressed to the Duluth Girls Hockey Association Scholarship Committee. The letter should contain a brief explanation of your career and scholastic goals as well as outlining the reasons why you are applying for this scholarship.

3. An official high school transcript (must be dated within three (3) months of the application deadline).

4. Two (2) letters of recommendation (former coaches, teachers, mentors, advisors - no family members).

5. There might be a brief in-person or phone interview, if necessary, to determine final candidates.

2025 scholarship recipient - Gracyn Schipper

My experience as an Icebreaker has impacted my life by shaping me as an athlete, a

leader, a student, and a person. I joined my first Icebreaker team in the third grade. My

Mom wanted me to be a skier, but I wanted to play hockey. When I was in second

grade, I broke my leg while skiing at Chester Bowl. On the way to the hospital, I asked,

“Can I play hockey now?” My Mom finally said, “yes,” and I couldn’t wait to be an

Icebreaker next winter. Playing for the Icebreakers became a huge part of who I am

today. From a young age, Icebreakers taught me the importance of hard work,

teamwork, discipline, humility, and perseverance. The tough practices and long road

trips helped me develop the discipline and dedication that carried me into high school as

an athlete and student. I also learned the importance of having fun!

Playing Icebreakers introduced me to many amazing people. I built strong friendships

with my teammates and learned from great coaches. I looked up to the older girls who

set an example of what it meant to be a great player and leader which inspired me to

become a role model. I always tried my best to be kind, supportive, and encouraging to

everyone, especially the younger players on my teams and in the Icebreaker program.

Some of my fondest memories with the Icebreakers came from the “Skate with the

Stars” events where the young Icebreakers skated with the Northern Stars High School

team. I was so happy to volunteer at all the events and was always the last high school

player to leave the ice. I led activities like freeze tag, races, and relays and made sure

every kid had fun and felt included. Through these events I was a role model for the

younger girls, just like the older players were for me when I was little. It felt wonderful to

give back to the Icebreaker community and inspire the next generation of players. It

made me so happy to see how much they enjoyed themselves. Their excitement was

contagious. Some days the Icebreaker girls would all jump on me and tackle me in pure

joy. These experiences as a former Icebreaker and current Northern Star helped me

realize how much I love mentoring younger players.

The lessons I learned through Icebreakers extend well beyond the hockey rink. Playing

for the Icebreakers taught me the value of teamwork, cooperation, and hard work. As I

continued to play, I learned how to be a great leader and friend to everyone on the

team. I learned the power of a positive attitude and how to encourage my Icebreaker

teammates to stick with it and have fun, especially when we weren’t playing well. I also

learned the importance of being a humble and gracious winner by always treating

others with kindness and respect, including my opponents and the referees. Perhaps

most importantly, playing for the Icebreakers gave me confidence in myself that I can do

great things.

The lessons I have learned and the skills I have gained from the Icebreakers will help

me be successful in all aspects of life. I am proud to say that I will be pursuing my

education and playing hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this coming

fall. As a business major, the values of hard work, teamwork, cooperation, kindness,

discipline, humility, and perseverance that I learned as an Icebreaker will help me

succeed in college and as a business professional. I am extremely grateful for

everything the Duluth Icebreaker program has provided for me, including my love of

hockey! As I look back, being an Icebreaker was far more than just playing a game and

being on a team. Being an Icebreaker shaped the foundation of who I am today. I am

proud to call myself a Duluth Icebreaker!

2024 scholarship recipient - Ella McCarthy

The DGHA Board of Directors and scholarship committee is proud to announce Ella McCarthy as the recipient of the 2024 Icebreaker Scholarship. Ella is a 2024 Duluth East graduate and a member of the Duluth Northern Stars hockey team. She started her hockey career as a "Little Icebreaker" and continued through our program for seven years. She went on to excel on the ice as a member of the Stars Leadership Team, serving as a team captain, and earned multiple varsity letters in hockey, golf, and tennis.

Ella was a standout in the classroom as well, making the Honor Roll for three years, earning four Academic Letters, and being named an Academic All-State Award winner in her senior year. She was also a Spotlight on Scholarship Award recipient all four years of high school.

Ella was a member of Student Government, National Honor Society, Key Club, Link Crew and Circle of Friends just to name a few. She also spent numerous hours volunteering her time at her church, as a Junior Rotarian, a Salvation Army bell ringer and a youth sports coach among other activities .

Ella's future plans include beginning her studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison this coming fall. She plans to study Business with the end goal of working in an administrative position in a healthcare setting.

"If not for the Duluth Icebreakers Program, I may not have ever stepped foot on the ice and enjoyed countless years of unforgettable hockey moments. My time with the Duluth Icebreakers began the winter that I was in first grade. Even though my dad had me in skates before I could walk, I had never been a part of a team I could call my own. However, that changed with the introduction of the Little Icebreakers Program. Finally, I was able to be on a hockey team of my own. What made the experience even more delightful was the fact that it was a team of all girls. This was the beginning of an exceptional journey with the Duluth Icebreakers Program".

- Ella McCarthy

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