On a frozen sheet of ice in the Bronx, where few expect a hockey star to rise, a 12-year-old girl is breaking every rule and barrier in her way. Liana Chan, a girl ice hockey trailblazer, is rewriting the narrative—proving that determination and grit can carve out space even in the most unexpected arenas.
From Concrete to Ice: A Girl Ice Hockey Trailblazer’s Journey
Surrounded by basketball courts and baseball diamonds, Liana found magic in an unlikely place: the rink. She didn’t just pick up a stick and skate—she picked up a dream and refused to let it go, even when the world around her offered little encouragement.
There were no neighborhood rinks calling her name. No welcoming teams of girls ready to take her in. Just Liana, a stick, a dream—and a thousand reasons to quit that she flat-out ignored.
A Rising Star in Ice Hockey
Today, Liana is one of the few girls—and even fewer Asian American girl hockey players—competing fiercely in her local ice hockey league. Her razor-sharp skills and relentless energy on the ice have caught the attention of national media. In February 2025, Sports Illustrated featured her in a special issue spotlighting youth athletes who are redefining their sports.
Liana’s recognition isn’t just about goals and assists. It’s about disrupting stereotypes, smashing through invisible walls, and inspiring a new generation of athletes who don’t fit the “traditional mold.”
“People see me and they don’t expect me to play hockey,” Liana said. “I like proving them wrong.”
And prove them wrong she has—with every powerful stride across the rink, she delivers a message that echoes far beyond sports: Belonging is earned by heart, not by labels.
Why Representation in Sports Matters
Representation like Liana’s is critical in breaking barriers for girls and minority athletes in male-dominated sports. It tells young girls: you belong here too.
Want to learn how to support girls breaking barriers in sports? Check out this amazing resource from Women’s Sports Foundation – packed with guides and grants for young athletes.
Nominate a Youth Sports Trailblazer
Know a young athlete chasing their dream against the odds? We want to hear from you. Nominate them here and help us spotlight the next generation of sports legends.
(Source: New York Post)
