“When you change how you think about the future, you change how you act in the present.” Reanna Browne
Why use a lab approach to grow hockey
The challenges and opportunities in the game–like access to ice time and development pathways for women–are too complex to solve with traditional, linear methods. The roots of such issues often go back a long way and take a long time to resolve.
A lab approach focuses on digging deep to identify the real cause of an issue to create lasting change. It lets us see challenges from a different perspective, untangle complexity, discover new opportunities, and test ideas for solutions quickly–solutions like the Open Ice technology platform and Behind the Bench coaching accelerator.
How we change hockey systems and culture, for good
Our unique process uses an adapted version of an innovation design sprint developed by Google that enables us to create scalable solutions for system change. Known as the FHL PowerPlay, it flows as an iterative cycle through three phases, shown below.
We use the PowerPlay two ways: for standalone sprints hosted by the lab and for customized collaborations with like-minded brands to tackle complex problems related to growing the game for good.
What makes our lab approach work
STRATEGY: Instead of creating short-term fixes like ad hoc development programs, we identify and resolve long-standing systemic barriers to access and inclusion.
PROCESS: Instead of following traditional, linear problem-solving methods that often fail to shift the way we think and act, we use proven innovation tools and processes to imagine and design the future we want.
PEOPLE: Instead of relying only on insiders, we unite innovation experts with diverse changemakers from communities, brands, leagues, and organizations across the hockey ecosystem. Our partners and allies include Hockey Canada, the NHL and PWHL, Bauer, Scotiabank, universities and community associations, along with a powerhouse Board of Mentors and Board of Directors.
SAFETY: As a national non-profit committed to innovation, we offer a risk-free, independent, creative space to explore, test, and build radical new ways for everyone to reach the top of their game.
