The History of Grindstone

Sasha Podolchak and Danielle Grundy had a simple but powerful idea: what if we created a charity that helps girls who want to play hockey but can’t afford it?

Danielle had always been a barrier breaker. Between 2009 and 2014, she ran her own women’s hockey camps—Grundy’s Grind—offering women the rare chance to learn the game in a supportive and skill‑building environment. From 2013 to 2016, she deepened her commitment to the sport as the Head Female Development Coach for Kelowna Minor Hockey, becoming a driving force in growing the game for girls in the region.

Grindstone became the natural continuation of that work. What began as a shared vision between two women quickly evolved into a national movement, opening doors for girls across Canada to step onto the ice with confidence and possibility.

Danielle Grundy and Sasha Podolchak began the process of becoming a registered charity, working with lawyers to form the official Trust Deed.

Sasha and Danielle created the very first Grindstone Logo.

Danielle formally established the Grindstone Award Foundation with a mission to help more girls access the game of hockey.

CBC News Story

Grindstone awarded its inaugural registration grant to Johanna Hoek

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) officially approved the Grindstone Award Foundation as a Canadian Registered Charity.

Grindstone sponsored two female hockey players: one received a registration grant, and one received an equipment grant with support from Play It Again Sports in Kelowna, B.C

Chevy’s Power of Play featured co‑founder Danielle Grundy on Hockey Night in Canada, sparking a wave of national awareness.

Grindstone hosted its first annual hockey tournament in West Kelowna, raising over $10,000 to help get more girls on the ice.

Grindstone sponsored 10 female hockey players.

Grindstone formed its first Board of Directors and expanded to eight passionate ambassadors.

Grindstone held its first collaborative event with the Toronto Furies of the CWHL.

Melissa Talaro donated $10,000 from her Whistler Spring Fling Hockey Tournament, enabling Grindstone to offer its first “Try Hockey for Free” event in Whistler.

Grindstone hosted its second annual charity tournament in Kelowna, B.C drawing over 140 women, 90 girls, 25 coaches, and 40+ volunteers.

Grindstone sponsored 30 female hockey players.

Grindstone announced an official partnership with the CWHL and delivered three events with the Calgary Inferno, Toronto Furies, and Markham Thunder.

Grindstone’s charity weekend in Kelowna expanded, with special guest Natalie Spooner offering three on-ice experiences for participating girls.

Grindstone sponsored 50 female hockey players.

The Board of Directors elected Laura Oliver as the new president.

Grindstone reached a major milestone: 100 girls sponsored to play hockey.

Jehan Jiwa joined Grindstone as vice president.

Grindstone received 25 sets of equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams initiative to distribute to eligible girls and families.

Grindstone joined the PWHPA as a charity partner for the Secret Dream Gap Tour.

Led by Natalie Spooner, members of the National Women’s Hockey Team played for Grindstone on Family Feud Canada. Video credit: CBC

The Canucks for Kids Fund donated $20,000 to Grindstone as part of their celebration of Gender Equality.

Danielle Bell was named the new president of the Board of Directors.

Grindstone reached a new benchmark: 200 girls sponsored to play hockey.

The Canucks for Kids Fund donated another $20,000 as part of their Gender Equality initiative.

Crank that siren! Grindstone board member, Melissa Talaro, was honoured as a BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) Community Hero at a Vancouver Canucks game.

Toronto Sceptres forward Emma Woods  joined Grindstone as an ambassador

Grindstone unveiled an updated logo celebrating the organization’s proud Canadian roots.

Grindstone hit a program first: 100 girls sponsored in a single season.

Grindstone became the official charity partner of the Hockey Barbie campaign in collaboration with Tim Hortons and the PWHL

BGO, Menkes Development, and One York Street—supported by NHLPA Goals & Dreams—hosted a special day for 20 Grindstone grant recipients.

The Canucks for Kids Fund contributed another $20,000, bringing their total support to $100,000 over five years.

Grindstone appointed Marianna (MJ) Locke as its first Executive Director