The key to a successful next generation of women's hockey is inspiring young girls to follow in the footsteps of the passionate current leaders of the game.

While we can all agree that women's hockey may not be in the best place right now, void of a viable, legitimate professional women's hockey league in North America, we can probably also agree that the game is full of strong, fearless leaders that serve as fantastic role models for young girls everywhere.

Their efforts to strengthen the state of the game as it stands are not only just to provide themselves and their peers with a better situation to play in, but also to pave the way for the 8 or 9 year old girls of tomorrow that want to turn their passion into a viable living.

That's why the Dream Gap Tour was recently introduced in women's hockey - a four-team event that features 80 players and begins Friday through Sunday in Toronto. Other tour stops include Hudson, New Hampshire, and Chicago in October. “It’s called the Dream Gap Tour for a reason – so little girls can have the same dreams as boys", says  Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson.

The Dream Gap Tour exists to increase interest and awareness in women's hockey, but also to put those leaders of the game in front of the young girls that'll soon take their place.

It's a fantastic initiative, and another step in the right direction for the game.

Continuous progress is crucial.