Gabbie Hughes Announced as Sophie’s Squad Head Ambassador

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Aug. 17, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — Ottawa Charge Forward and Sophie’s Squad co-founder is set to expand her role as the Head Brand Ambassador with the organization.

Hughes, a Lino Lakes Minnesota native, has been involved with Sophie’s Squad since its inception and has played a key role in its development. Now, the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner will be more involved than ever in advancing mental health awareness. Hughes spoke about the importance of mental health initiatives when she was awarded the Hockey Humanitarian Award as a senior at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

“This means a lot more to me than just a personal victory; it’s a victory for mental health awareness in general,” said Hughes. “I think having mental health on a platform like this and getting Sophie’s Squad’s name out there to have everyone know what we’re about and what we are doing is extremely important, and I think being selected for this award will help us continue to spread that awareness and reach more people beyond Minnesota. It’s a great honor for me, but it’s a much bigger deal for Sophie’s Squad and mental health awareness, and that’s the most important piece.”

As an ambassador, Hughes will continue to champion Sophie’s Squad while advancing mental health awareness and initiatives. Ambassadors promote Sophie’s Squad through the power of their reach as high-level elite athletes. Sophie’s Squad director of marketing Ryan Bahl spoke about Hughes’ ability to reach a new audience as a Sophie’s Squad ambassador.

“Gabbie Hughes is an elite athlete with a dedicated following. Her involvement in Sophie’s Squad has been incredibly valuable and we’re excited for her to be even more engaged.” Bahl said, “Having the opportunity to reach the Ottawa Charge and PWHL’s fan base through Gabbie is an unprecedented chance for Sophie’s Squad to spread our message of positivity and awareness.”

While Hughes is set to be the first official ambassador for Sophie’s Squad, the organization is excited to partner with a diverse group of athletes across all sports, age groups and backgrounds.

Sophie’s Squad was founded in 2021 to raise awareness of mental health issues and remove the stigma associated with seeking help for athletes.