At Even Strength: A Women's Hockey Podcast

In this episode of "At Even Strength," hosts Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner dive into the biggest trade in PWHL history, breaking down the Ottawa Charge and Vancouver Goldeneyes six-player swap and its massive impact on the PWHL standings. They bring you exclusive post-trade insights, featuring reactions from Brooke McQuigge, Carla Macleod, Sarah Nurse, and Brian Idalski, and how these moves have shaped the playoff race ahead of the Olympic break.Get ready for the road to Milano Cortina as the hosts spotlight the 61 PWHL players heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics, breaking down international representation from Canada, the USA, Finland, Czechia, Germany, and more.The episode highlights the stories of living legends like Marie-Philip Poulin and Hilary Knight, rising stars such as Laila Edwards, and the growing influence of European talent in the world’s top women’s pro hockey league.Plus, Erica and Rachel debate the hot topics: what makes a must-win game with seven PWHL matchups before the Olympic break, how midseason trades can change a team’s fortunes, and why women’s hockey deserves the same analysis and hype as the men’s side.Subscribe for all-access coverage—game analysis, player perspectives, Olympic previews, and the stories you won’t hear anywhere else. "At Even Strength" is your home for everything PWHL, women’s ice hockey, and the global game.#PWHL #WomensHockey #MilanoCortina2026 #OlympicHockey #MariePhilipPoulin #HilaryKnight #SarahNurse #WomenInSports #HockeyPodcastDon’t forget to hit subscribe and follow Black Rosie Media for empowering women’s hockey content!Follow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.socialRachel Donner🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.socialAt Even Strength on TikTok📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_podFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧https://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/Black Rosie Media: Olympics, Women’s Hockey, Women’s Basketball, and other stories that matter!🎧 https://linktr.ee/BlackRosieMedia00:00 Vancouver's Bold Trade Strategy03:05 Team Focus and Urgency Insights08:24 "Seamless Team Integration Shines11:44 Vancouver's Turnaround Fueled by Offense14:13 "Sticking to the Game Plan19:41 "Team Moves Ahead of Deadline22:50 Women's Hockey Competitive Evolution26:59 "Five-Time Olympic Icons Shine27:47 "Hockey Legends and Olympic Shifts33:10 Olympics' Impact on Women's Sports34:30 "Black Rosie Media Covers Women's Hockey39:42 "Must-Win Games This Season?43:46 Unbalanced League Suspension Policies44:44 "Late-Game Skirmish Consequences49:36 "Milano Cortina Olympic Coverage#pwhl #womenshockey #hockey

Welcome back to At Even Strength! In this episode, host Erica Ayala sits down with trailblazer Blake Bolden for a deep dive into Olympic hockey—covering both the men’s and women’s tournaments, roster breakdowns, and the evolving storylines ahead of Milano Cortina. They celebrate bold milestones in the sport, including Laila Edwards becoming the first Black woman to represent USA Hockey at the Olympics, and explore how representation is shifting on and off the ice.Beyond the international stage, Blake Bolden shares insights from her own journey: from her powerful slap shot and time in the pro game to her work as a broadcaster and mentor. The conversation touches on growing up in Cleveland, leadership in women's hockey, and the importance of building community. Wild Olympic predictions, broadcast stories, and even a few content ideas for the PWHL—all on tap in this empowering, candid episode.If you love hockey, care about breaking barriers, or just want to hear stories that inspire, you won’t want to miss this interview. Let’s get to it!00:00 Blake Bolden Interview Highlights05:33 Quinn Hughes: Exciting Transition Highlights06:30 Hellebuyck, Confidence, and Team Dynamics10:27 How I Got Into Hockey13:57 Hockey Connections and Insights17:38 Olympics Impact on College Teams21:53 Laila Edwards Makes Hockey History25:36 Giving Back Through Sports26:47 Blake Bolden's Inspiring Impact30:58 Layla's Complete Hockey Package34:59 Resilience Over Regret in Hockey39:22 US Women's Team Favored42:17 Broadcasting, PWHL, and Personal Growth43:53 Evolving Communication and Analysis Skills49:12 Scouting: Intangibles and Consistency52:48  Obsessive Curiosity Explained56:23 Black Women's Hockey Conversations57:20 Hockey Chatter and MemoriesFollow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social#podcast #womenshockey  #pwhl -------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content. Subscribe to get  💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾  updates in your inbox!https://www.blackrosiemedia.com/JOIN OUR SLACK COMMUNITY:https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 ...on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKRosieMedia...on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia...on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrosiem...-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------🐦Twitter: @Founding4Pod & @BlackRosieMedia📲: Instagram: @BlackRosieMedia👥Facebook: @BLKRosieMedia💬Website: BlackRosieMedia.com    Slack Channel: https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 -----------------------My GEAR - Affiliate Links----------------🎙️Rode NT-USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3u1jsir📷 Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3FkZwgr💡 Elgato LED light: https://amzn.to/3hKe0gc

Welcome to another episode of "At Even Strength," your go-to source for everything women's hockey, powered by Black Rosie Media! This week, hosts Erica Ayala and Rachel Donner dive into the just-released Hockey Canada Olympic roster—unpacking the big news, the surprises, and why every player chosen is from the PWHL. From the missing Chloe Primarano to first-time Olympians to questions about team strategy and international experience, no detail goes unnoticed.Plus, you’ll get an exclusive teaser of Erica Ayala's in-depth interview with trailblazer Blake Bolden. Hear how Laila Edwards' groundbreaking Olympic selection creates a full-circle moment for Bolden, her reflections on breaking barriers, and her takes on the present and future of the women's game.Stick around for a spotlight on key matchups to watch in the coming week—whether it’s the impact of expansion cities, the Takeover Tour stops, or which teams are finding their stride before the Olympics. Get ready for smart insight, passionate debate, and all the stories that make women’s hockey such an exciting sport to follow.00:00 Team Canada Lacks College Players05:02 Canada's Women's Hockey Roster Challenges06:38 Canada's Depth Key Against USA09:53 PWHL Players and Team Czechia14:56 "Blake Bolden on Hockey Legacy24:32 "Blake Bolden’s Hockey Insights27:26 "Predicting the Takeover Schedule29:49 "Making Sirens Games Accessible33:12 "Dolan, Nostalgia, and NY Sports36:07 "Analyzing Takeover Tour Insights39:07 Post-Olympic Fatigue in PWHL?Follow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.socialRachel Donner🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social#pwhl #womenshockey #hockey

One Quarter Down: The PWHL Stock ReportWe’re 25% into the PWHL season, which makes it the perfect time for a check-in — without the overreactions.In this episode, we evaluate all eight PWHL teams and assess where things actually stand. Who looks like a real contender? Who has more questions than answers? And which storylines are being overstated (for better or worse)?Topics include:Stock up / stock down across the leagueTeams outperforming expectationsEarly warning signs worth paying attention toWhat the next quarter of the season could changeThis is a big-picture conversation designed for fans who want context, not just takes.🎧 Follow the show for weekly PWHL breakdowns, women’s hockey conversations, and Olympic coverage as we head toward Milano Cortina 2026.

NOTE: We recorded before Minnesota defeated Boston Friday evening. Rachel Donner and Erica L. Ayala are back to give you a big picture view of the PWHL and International women's hockey ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. PLUS, Rachel catches Erica up on Heated Rivalry and the connection to the first Takeover Tour stop in Halifax. Chapters:00:00 Vancouver, Seattle Struggles Continue03:32 Boston's Defense Stifles Frost08:10 Seattle Torrent's Power Play Dominance12:00 Montreal's Impressive Season Continues15:42 Heated Rivalry - Show's Impact on Hockey Culture25:51 Canada's Olympic Game Plan29:16 PWHL Impact on Hockey Canada Staff30:10 PWHL Changes and Rising Talent34:15 Layla Edwards Shines for USA39:44 Gascon Likely Hockey Canada's third Goalie40:58 PWHL Schedule Highlights43:40 Seattle vs Boston: High-Stakes Clash47:19 OutroFollow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.socialRachel Donner🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social#pwhl #womenshockey #hockey-------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content. Subscribe to get  💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾  updates in your inbox!https://www.blackrosiemedia.com/JOIN OUR SLACK COMMUNITY:https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 ...on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKRosieMedia...on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia...on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrosiem...-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------🐦Twitter: @Founding4Pod & @BlackRosieMedia📲: Instagram: @BlackRosieMedia👥Facebook: @BLKRosieMedia💬Website: BlackRosieMedia.com    Slack Channel: https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 -----------------------My GEAR - Affiliate Links----------------🎙️Rode NT-USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3u1jsir📷 Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3FkZwgr💡 Elgato LED light: https://amzn.to/3hKe0gc

USA Women's Hockey humiliates Hockey Canada with a 10-4 blowout, sparking questions about Canada's failing youth movement and defensive woes. Can Canada recover before the Olympic spotlight hits? Erica L. Ayala and Angelica Rodriguez spotlight standout NCAA talent like Abby Murphy and Layla Edwards, dissect Team USA’s fresh roster mix, and debate if Canada’s reliance on veterans is costing them their edge.Key topics include Gwyneth Phillips’ rise in net, the impact of shifting NCAA-to-PWHL pipelines, and Hockey Canada’s struggle to adapt amidst rapid league changes. Heated conversations tackle goaltending battles, evolving defensive strategies, and controversial off-ice issues shaping locker room culture. The analysis wraps with anticipated PWHL matchups, Ottawa’s coaching hot seat, and Vancouver’s efforts to escape the league basement. Will Team Canada respond, or is this the end of an era?00:00 Hockey Stories, Rivalries & Controversy06:54 Youth Movement vs. USA Experience15:55 Evolving Skillsets in Sports21:15 "Positionless Hockey Requires Balance"29:00 Olympics Rivalry and Progress33:45 Youth Movement Energizes Team38:14 USA Hockey's Style and Goaltending48:06 Montreal's Untapped Potential53:45 "Heated Rivalry TV Show"01:04:23 "Calling Out Excuses and Bias"01:14:19 PWHL Gender Inclusion Neglected01:19:55 "Games to Watch & Excitement"Follow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.socialAngelica Rodriguezhttps://bsky.app/profile/reinadelaisla.bsky.social#podcast #PWHL #RivalrySeries-------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content. Subscribe to get  💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾  updates in your inbox!https://www.blackrosiemedia.com/JOIN OUR SLACK COMMUNITY:https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 ...on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKRosieMedia...on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia...on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrosiem...-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------🐦Twitter: @Founding4Pod & @BlackRosieMedia📲: Instagram: @BlackRosieMedia👥Facebook: @BLKRosieMedia💬Website: BlackRosieMedia.com    Slack Channel: https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4 -----------------------My GEAR - Affiliate Links----------------🎙️Rode NT-USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3u1jsir📷 Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3FkZwgr💡 Elgato LED light: https://amzn.to/3hKe0gc

Same hosts, new podcast!Welcome to At Even Strength, your all-access pass to women’s hockey. From the ice of the PWHL and NCAA to international tournaments and grassroots development, we cover every level of the game with insight, analysis, and conversation that matters.Each week, we break down the biggest headlines, highlight standout players, and explore the stories shaping the sport—on and off the ice. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a player, or just discovering the women’s game, At Even Strength brings you the smart, honest, and passionate coverage women’s hockey deserves.On the first episode, Erica & Rachel discuss what's hot and what's not in the Professional Women's Hockey League, preview the second installment of the Rivalry Series, and more!Chapters:0:00 - Intro to At Even Strength2:14 - PWHL Standings9:29 - Hot or Not?14:28 - Heated Rivalry Review15:55 - December Rivalry Series 23:19 - U.S Olympic Jersey reveal30:00 - Olympic Ice Issues39:20 - Sirens fall to Torrent at CPA47:24 - Upcoming ScheduleFollow us on Bluesky social!Erica L Ayala🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.socialRachel Donner🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social#pwhl #womenshockey #hockey #podcast