The PWHL offseason just got a lot more complicated. Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner open with the news that can't be ignored: the Mark Walter Group — majority owner of the PWHL — is under federal investigation for loan fraud, with the U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI both involved. Erica and Rachel break down what we know, what we don't, and what history tells us about what happens to women's leagues when the money behind them comes under scrutiny.
Then it's Vancouver's turn in the spotlight. Cara Gardner Morey is stepping down as GM of the Goldeneyes to take over as head coach — and Erica and Rachel have the receipts, including a clip from Morey's media availability where she explains why she chose to go all in on coaching and what the GM year gave her that most coaches never get.
Plus: Danièle Sauvageau is taking on the GM role for the Canadian women's national team while staying with Montréal through Season 4
Plus: Danièle Sauvageau is taking on the GM role for the Canadian women's national team while staying with Montréal through Season 4
Finally, the Montréal Victoire deep dive kicks off the team-by-team series.
With Marie-Philip Poulin's status still unknown, four players lost to expansion, and Jessie Eldridge and Emma Maltais as the two biggest offseason additions, Erica and Rachel assess whether the defending champions left themselves in a position to compete — and what Anne-Renée Desbiens in net means for their ceiling regardless of what happens up front.
With Marie-Philip Poulin's status still unknown, four players lost to expansion, and Jessie Eldridge and Emma Maltais as the two biggest offseason additions, Erica and Rachel assess whether the defending champions left themselves in a position to compete — and what Anne-Renée Desbiens in net means for their ceiling regardless of what happens up front.
0:00 — Intro: BRM's values, the news ahead, and why this episode matters beyond hockey
3:45 — Mark Walter Group federal investigation: what we know, what it could mean for the PWHL
10:30 — Vancouver Goldeneyes: Cara Morey steps down as GM to take over as head coach — her media availability and what she said about the dual role question
17:20 — Danièle Sauvageau to Team Canada GM: what the transition means for Montréal and Hockey Canada's rebuild
25:00 — Montréal Victoire Deep Dive: expansion losses, the Jessie Eldridge & Emma Maltais signings, and what the roster looks like without MPP
33:30 — Anne-Renée Desbiens, the goaltending tandem question, and what Montréal's defensive identity looks like in Season 4
40:00 — Players to watch in camp: Katie Tabin's expanded role and what the blue line scoring picture looks like after Nicole Gosling's departure
44:00 — What's next: Ottawa and Boston deep dives coming, and Erica's Amerigol Latam Cup broadcasting run
3:45 — Mark Walter Group federal investigation: what we know, what it could mean for the PWHL
10:30 — Vancouver Goldeneyes: Cara Morey steps down as GM to take over as head coach — her media availability and what she said about the dual role question
17:20 — Danièle Sauvageau to Team Canada GM: what the transition means for Montréal and Hockey Canada's rebuild
25:00 — Montréal Victoire Deep Dive: expansion losses, the Jessie Eldridge & Emma Maltais signings, and what the roster looks like without MPP
33:30 — Anne-Renée Desbiens, the goaltending tandem question, and what Montréal's defensive identity looks like in Season 4
40:00 — Players to watch in camp: Katie Tabin's expanded role and what the blue line scoring picture looks like after Nicole Gosling's departure
44:00 — What's next: Ottawa and Boston deep dives coming, and Erica's Amerigol Latam Cup broadcasting run
At Even Strength is a PWHL-focused podcast from Black Rosie Media, hosted by Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner. New episodes drop on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Get your weekly women’s hockey fix with Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner. They will cover the top news in the PWHL, NCAA, and international women’s ice hockey.