Beyond the Ice: Gabby Hughes on Hockey, Mental Health, and the Power of Sophie’s Squad

A Hockey Journey Rooted in Resilience

Gabby Hughes grew up in a true Minnesota hockey family, skating on backyard ponds and competing with her older brothers. But her path wasn’t always smooth. At age eight, her dad thought she wasn’t cut out for hockey and suggested trying other sports. Gabby, however, insisted: "No, I want to keep trying." That resilience became a hallmark of her career, carrying her through high school, five standout years at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and now into the PWHL with the Ottawa franchise.

Her early years were shaped by discipline and perspective. Shooting 100 pucks every morning before school wasn’t always fun at first, but Gabby learned quickly that "doing the extra things" separated her from other players. With her dad’s guidance, she developed not just skill, but the mindset to chase her dream of Division I hockey—a dream that eventually expanded into professional hockey.

Advocating for Mental Health: The Story of Sophie’s Squad

In 2021, tragedy struck close to home. A young player named Sophie lost her battle with mental health at just 14 years old. Her passing sparked a movement. Gabby, alongside Sophie’s family and friends, helped launch Sophie’s Squad, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and supporting mental wellness in youth sports.

What began as a tribute hockey game has since grown into a full nonprofit organization hosting over 40 events a year, from high school matchups to NHL and PWHL games. Their message is simple but vital: It’s okay to not be okay. Every player deserves to know their voice matters and that help is available.

Gabby’s leadership and vulnerability were recognized nationally when she received the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award. But for her, the true impact is seeing kids, families, and teammates open up conversations once considered taboo.

Breaking the Stigma: Mental Fitness in Hockey

Hockey is a sport of resilience, but resilience doesn’t mean silence. Gabby shared openly about her own diagnosis with anxiety and depression during college. At first, she kept it private, worried coaches or teammates might view her differently. Over time, she found her voice—and her courage—to be open. In fact, her willingness to speak up helped change the culture at Minnesota Duluth, where coaches now begin each season by highlighting mental health resources alongside strength training and nutrition.

Gabby compares mental fitness to physical training: "Everyone has a different plan, just like the gym. And it’s not something you achieve once and you’re done. It’s about consistent reps." For her, those reps include therapy, journaling, coloring, grounding exercises, and simply being with people who lift her up.

Pressures in Girls’ Hockey: What We Don’t Talk About Enough

Through Sophie’s Squad, Gabby hears countless stories from young athletes, especially girls, about the pressure to please others. Even when parents constantly say, "We love you no matter what," players often internalize expectations and fear disappointing people. Add to that the people-pleasing tendency common in girls’ sports, and you have kids carrying invisible weight.

Gabby’s advice to parents and coaches: "Set the foundation early. Let kids know you value them as people, not just as players. Open the door for conversations and model vulnerability yourself."

Identity Beyond the Game

Like many elite athletes, Gabby admits she’s wrestled with tying her identity to being "the hockey player." But she’s worked hard to broaden her perspective. Whether through her passion for teaching, volunteering, or simply puzzling at home with teammates, she’s found joy in being more than her sport. "Hockey is something I love, but it’s not who I am."

Looking Ahead: Sophie’s Squad in the Next Five Years

The future is bright for Sophie’s Squad. The organization hopes to expand beyond hockey, bringing mental health awareness to soccer, football, and other youth sports. They also dream of creating mandatory mental health education in Minnesota youth hockey, ensuring coaches and players are prepared before each season begins. With passionate leadership and growing community support, their impact will only deepen.

Key Takeaways for Parents, Coaches, and Players

• Resilience matters: Don’t judge a young player too early. Growth takes time.

• Encourage self-advocacy: Let kids voice their passions and goals.

• Mental fitness is essential: Just like training the body, the mind requires consistent practice.

• Identity is bigger than hockey: Remind kids they are valued for who they are, not just what they play.

• Vulnerability builds culture: Leaders who open up create teams that thrive.

Final Thoughts

Gabby Hughes reminds us that hockey is bigger than wins and losses. It’s about community, courage, and caring for one another. Whether it’s on the ice with the PWHL Ottawa team or at a Sophie’s Squad event, Gabby leads with both heart and purpose.

If you want to learn more about Sophie’s Squad or how to support youth mental health, visit their website or check the show notes from this episode.

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