At Even Strength: A Women's Hockey Podcast

What Happens to Montréal Without MPP? | Hilary Knight's 3-Year Extension & PWHL Offseason Intel

Marie-Philip Poulin is heading into surgery — and Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner have a lot to say about what that means for Montréal, for women's hockey, and for one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.  Plus: Hillary Knight commits to Detroit on a three-year deal, Rachel brings back intel from the PWHL Draft floor and GM availability, and the duo breaks down where several teams — including San Jose, Hamilton, Ottawa, Toronto, and Seattle — actually stand heading into Season 4. 0:00 — Intro: MPP's surgery, Hilary Knight's extension, and draft GM intel previewed 1:00 — Marie-Philip Poulin's ACL/MCL surgery: what we know, what we don't, and the retirement question 3:50 — The bigger conversation: how knee injuries affect female athletes differently — and what women's sports is (slowly) learning 6:10 — Playing GM for Montréal: did the Victoire's offseason moves quietly plan for life without MPP? 14:00 — Rachel's draft floor reporting: PWHL San Jose, Troy Ryan's dual GM/HC role, and questions about where the scoring comes from 19:50 — Hamilton quietly built a problem: why the Kaylee Osborne-led squad could be the hardest team to play against in Season 4 28:40 — Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirschfeld on the "retool," grit as an identity, and why back-to-back Finals are both a gift and a burden 38:20 — Hilary Knight signs a three-year extension with Detroit — what it means for the franchise, the fanbase, and the future of women's pro hockey 41:40 — Detroit's roster breakdown: why the role model factor on this team is elite 42:35 — Seattle Torrent check-in: too many departures to ignore — and whether the pieces can click under Christine Bumstead 45:45 — Goaltending across the league: the case for true tandems and why expansion opens real opportunities for backups 48:30 — Offseason outlook: what's coming, when to expect it, and a brief hiatus before Season 4 coverage kicks into gear At Even Strength is a PWHL-focused podcast from Black Rosie Media, hosted by Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner. New episodes drop Saturdays on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social At Even Strength on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_pod Follow & 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/BlackRosieMedia #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: youtube.com/channel/@BLKRosieMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@BLKRosieMedia] ▶︎ Exclusive Interviews:    • Black Rosie Media  I Interviews  [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL149AbLagrVqPUcNsyqU7QlHxjK3SpSsm&si=SVMZUrQLtheeCb1R]  🎧 LISTEN • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: http://bit.ly/4bCWKpn • Other Black Rosie Media podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGppemZjMGJlaThYaGdMUXFQUVZsWjJfY19UUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNFc0NW42ZV9tUnhHaDBKcXBPNU9tem9oMUkzTEY5RmU0TkJEcUQ2S2s0UWNKaEZIdUpoOFFZc25xVmdQcHFZbWxtUWRGQVJZdHBta1B2bXVxZGNpQlIzREhXaF9PQTNXVEpBNkVoeE8xOUdzZWdZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcbssports.com%2Fpodcast&v=eeLldlFyMBUhttps://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/  📱FOLLOW BLACK ROSIE MEDIA • TikTok:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnFfX2JTN3pVNVE0YjNGYzNnYUFOaUZocEY4Z3xBQ3Jtc0trSlRHYzdGdjhmckV2eWxpVVdfUlB4MUdNd0k3RnI0cFBRSXlKRW93SVZRSlV5UElBT1ZlSVV2TzBtU18yVGhYVUUweWVlajhMdnprLVY4UzJOYmxBaENLZ09uWDN5aFk4bUh3TWF4Wno5ZlBPRDJZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40weneedtotalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia]  • Instagram:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldqck9qT2k2MjNITDlDRFlTMzRyTFkwRUViZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYy10ZkhjX3NFVGk3WW1lLVNLOFVQcGhrWURjNUh1ajFGMTNIQUt1WWxWNVdjV2RNQURQeUtsNVpXV184TlpmbmVNNnJaTl92amhYM2hsa1ppdjVWaGlHMUZaWVZYbC1WZHZVaVFlbUdMRzNieGlTcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fweneedtotalk%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Twitter:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVGVU55MThhNnRnakt6bENkVlBwX2ZFcjVNUXxBQ3Jtc0tudUdNRGVWYjZFbjc5dENlc25kRDBHOGltSXhRMkd4UUZKbjJMWnNaX0p0NkJBSFlNRUFwU3RRaFdDYklrWGNyX1hrYzR0MWZoZ1Rad2ZpLXUxb2tkS0ZBczF1OGJCdlNWVVFJQ0ZENV9zX3FOXzRKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FWeNeedToTalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia [https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia]  📖 READ • More PWHL news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtxcjBwenE0MXNGNS1yZ0JVOWhPN29fZ3o5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU9WTzg5U1JBVnk1Y1hic09FdFJvWjQ0Y2xMczc4dllNSFRqQmFwdHhjU0Y4eUsyMF8wRUVaa1BDajFkM0pjcktnazZMa1FTZDVLanotdk1zOTcycmJkY0VCQlpsZEhQUWRVdzVSR2RBNHhpcHU4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • More Black women in sports news:  • More WNBA news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEQxYkxZS2xZQUlITlRIOWd2WW9aU0o1UkM2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttWWVISUVKM3dsakp2cW9XWFRrU3hTcjZhZ3N0OUFSMlpYaTk5OUlTRHRGNjBaSHZvcWlaMlpYM2JiUDhYQ0ZHQXJaOHZyb1o2eEV2a0hBcUlJNnZmV19EMmtzN0c2SGhtUUMxMHd0a3VwWlRINDczdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] 💵Black Women in Sports • Exclusive Interviews with Black Women in Sports:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9SNW1fT0dQVU1lMWJ5ano4NGpadDJ2aWotd3xBQ3Jtc0tsbVg1SHhYTkptbVB5ZEFWUlZNMXl2dUJMcDlEcE9Pa2RiREsxak1IZ210bXZDOVNJSzFJS1ZIeWg4Y3FRRjk3ZHNreDYyNUtPLWtJbnZHVFJKNUFQU0xsZG45NXUtRXJPd0pEZk9oQXFaNFp1QzFFYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fbetting%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Must-Watch documentaries: • Must-read books & articles:  ABOUT THE SHOW 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.

🚨 PWHL Draft Recap: Caroline Harvey to Vancouver, Lacey Eden's Draft Day Steal, and the Draft Order Controversy That Has Everyone Talking

Caroline "KK" Harvey going first overall to Vancouver was never in question — but everything after that? Pure chaos. Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner break down every pick from the Fox Theatre in Detroit, debate who actually won this draft, and dig into the draft order controversy that's got Sirens and Toronto fans rightfully heated. Inside this episode: * Round one reactions: Lacey Eden's stunning slide to Vegas, and why Erica calls her the real winner of this draft * A frank conversation about Megan Turner's "character" comments on the Abby Murphy pick — and what's really being asked of fans when a front office says "good person" * The Gold Plan, the draft order, and why Vegas/Detroit/Hamilton picking ahead of Toronto and New York has fans crying foul *  Mama Edwards, Alicia Crank's big moment with Katelyn Roberts, and the most heartfelt carpet interviews of the weekend This is At Even Strength, part of Black Rosie Media — deep dives into the PWHL, college hockey, and the international women's hockey landscape. New episodes weekly. 🔔 Subscribe for full PWHL coverage all offseason 📲 Follow @AtEvenStrength on TikTok for draft floor clips and carpet interviews 🎧 Audio episodes wherever you listen to podcasts 0:00 – KK Harvey to Vancouver: official, but the drama is just starting 0:57 – Lacey Eden's draft day redemption arc (the real draft winner?) 3:00 – The Abby Murphy "character" conversation gets real 9:50 – Wisconsin dominates round one, Kirsten Sims' surprise slide 15:25 – Detroit's electric first pick atmosphere — bracelet lights and all 15:55 – Manon Rhéaume to Andrea Braendli: goalie picks goalie, full circle 29:00 – The Gold Plan breakdown: why the draft order sparked outrage 35:00 – "The fix is in, folks" — timing of the draft order reveal 46:00 – Mama Edwards steals the carpet (again) 52:00 – Kris Sparre's emotional move from Boston to Hamilton, for family #PWHL #PWHLDraft #WomensHockey #AtEvenStrength #BlackRosieMedia #CarolineHarvey #LailaEdwards #AbbyMurphy #DetroitExpansion #SeattleTorrent Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social At Even Strength on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_pod Follow & 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/BlackRosieMedia #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: youtube.com/channel/@BLKRosieMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@BLKRosieMedia] ▶︎ Exclusive Interviews:    • Black Rosie Media  I Interviews  [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL149AbLagrVqPUcNsyqU7QlHxjK3SpSsm&si=SVMZUrQLtheeCb1R]  🎧 LISTEN • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: http://bit.ly/4bCWKpn • Other Black Rosie Media podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGppemZjMGJlaThYaGdMUXFQUVZsWjJfY19UUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNFc0NW42ZV9tUnhHaDBKcXBPNU9tem9oMUkzTEY5RmU0TkJEcUQ2S2s0UWNKaEZIdUpoOFFZc25xVmdQcHFZbWxtUWRGQVJZdHBta1B2bXVxZGNpQlIzREhXaF9PQTNXVEpBNkVoeE8xOUdzZWdZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcbssports.com%2Fpodcast&v=eeLldlFyMBUhttps://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/  📱FOLLOW BLACK ROSIE MEDIA • TikTok:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnFfX2JTN3pVNVE0YjNGYzNnYUFOaUZocEY4Z3xBQ3Jtc0trSlRHYzdGdjhmckV2eWxpVVdfUlB4MUdNd0k3RnI0cFBRSXlKRW93SVZRSlV5UElBT1ZlSVV2TzBtU18yVGhYVUUweWVlajhMdnprLVY4UzJOYmxBaENLZ09uWDN5aFk4bUh3TWF4Wno5ZlBPRDJZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40weneedtotalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia]  • Instagram:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldqck9qT2k2MjNITDlDRFlTMzRyTFkwRUViZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYy10ZkhjX3NFVGk3WW1lLVNLOFVQcGhrWURjNUh1ajFGMTNIQUt1WWxWNVdjV2RNQURQeUtsNVpXV184TlpmbmVNNnJaTl92amhYM2hsa1ppdjVWaGlHMUZaWVZYbC1WZHZVaVFlbUdMRzNieGlTcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fweneedtotalk%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Twitter:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVGVU55MThhNnRnakt6bENkVlBwX2ZFcjVNUXxBQ3Jtc0tudUdNRGVWYjZFbjc5dENlc25kRDBHOGltSXhRMkd4UUZKbjJMWnNaX0p0NkJBSFlNRUFwU3RRaFdDYklrWGNyX1hrYzR0MWZoZ1Rad2ZpLXUxb2tkS0ZBczF1OGJCdlNWVVFJQ0ZENV9zX3FOXzRKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FWeNeedToTalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia [https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia]  📖 READ • More PWHL news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtxcjBwenE0MXNGNS1yZ0JVOWhPN29fZ3o5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU9WTzg5U1JBVnk1Y1hic09FdFJvWjQ0Y2xMczc4dllNSFRqQmFwdHhjU0Y4eUsyMF8wRUVaa1BDajFkM0pjcktnazZMa1FTZDVLanotdk1zOTcycmJkY0VCQlpsZEhQUWRVdzVSR2RBNHhpcHU4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • More Black women in sports news:  • More WNBA news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEQxYkxZS2xZQUlITlRIOWd2WW9aU0o1UkM2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttWWVISUVKM3dsakp2cW9XWFRrU3hTcjZhZ3N0OUFSMlpYaTk5OUlTRHRGNjBaSHZvcWlaMlpYM2JiUDhYQ0ZHQXJaOHZyb1o2eEV2a0hBcUlJNnZmV19EMmtzN0c2SGhtUUMxMHd0a3VwWlRINDczdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] 💵Black Women in Sports • Exclusive Interviews with Black Women in Sports:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9SNW1fT0dQVU1lMWJ5ano4NGpadDJ2aWotd3xBQ3Jtc0tsbVg1SHhYTkptbVB5ZEFWUlZNMXl2dUJMcDlEcE9Pa2RiREsxak1IZ210bXZDOVNJSzFJS1ZIeWg4Y3FRRjk3ZHNreDYyNUtPLWtJbnZHVFJKNUFQU0xsZG45NXUtRXJPd0pEZk9oQXFaNFp1QzFFYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fbetting%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Must-Watch documentaries: • Must-read books & articles:  ABOUT THE SHOW 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.

PWHL Free Agency Phase 4 Preview | Hillary Knight Trade, Daryl Watts, Detroit & Women’s Coaching Pipeline

The PWHL expansion era is in full swing — and Erica Al Ala and Rachel Donner are breaking down every move. On this episode of At Even Strength, we recap Phases 2 and 3 of PWHL free agency and look ahead to what Phase 4 means for Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, San Jose, Seattle, and Vancouver. In this episode: 🏒 Hillary Knight to Detroit — Vegas used the EFO, the sign-and-trade is in motion, and a one-year deal tells you everything you need to know about where this is heading 🏒 Daryl Watts signs the PWHL's first-ever 4-year contract with Detroit — a landmark moment for the league 🏒 Detroit's roster is building fast — Hayley Scamurra, Aerin Frankel, Mae Batherson, Nicole Hensley, Taylor Gerrard, Sidney Bard, Jesse Compher, Britta Curl Salemi, Hannah Bilka, and Kayla Barnes are already in the fold 🏒 Seattle's roster shakeup — Alex Carpenter, Julia Gosling, Michaela Grant-Mentis, and Danielle Serdachny form the core going forward, and why this looks like a youth movement 🏒 What Phase 4 opens up — Kristen Campbell available from Vancouver, goaltending questions for Detroit, and which unprotected players could reshape rosters 🏒 Existing teams: protection strategy breakdown — Montreal's cap flexibility after losing high-paid players, Minnesota keeping Maddie Rooney, Kelly Pannek, Lee Stecklein, and Grace Zumwinkle, and Toronto protecting Natalie Spooner and Kali Flanagan 🏒 Coaching hires — Molly Engstrom named head coach of Detroit (a deep dive into her player and coaching pedigree), and Christine Bumstead promoted to head coach of the Seattle Torrent after running the power play in Year 1 🏒 The women's coaching pipeline — are the best PWHL coaching candidates stuck as college assistants with nowhere to go? Can the PWHL lure them away? And will former PWHL players skip college coaching entirely and come straight to the pro bench? Plus: Rachel Donner is going boots on the ground in Detroit for the PWHL Entry Draft and awards — is it the KK Harvey show at #1? Will Vancouver trade the pick? And where does Hillary Knight ultimately land? 🎙️ At Even Strength is a women's hockey podcast from Black Rosie Media, hosted by Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner. We cover the PWHL, NCAA women's hockey, and international play — with the depth and analysis the game deserves. Enjoyed this episode? Here's how to stay in the loop: 📲 Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell so you never miss an episode 🎧 Listen on your podcast app — search At Even Strength 🌐 BlackRosieMedia.com for all our coverage 🦋 Bluesky | 🎵 TikTok — @BlackRosieMedia 📬 Join our newsletter for access to our Slack community — free and paid tiers available at BlackRosieMedia.com And drop a comment below 👇 — which player are you most excited to see sign in Phase 4? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Phase 4 is here: what's at stake for every expansion team  6:00 – Hillary Knight to Detroit: breaking down the sign-and-trade  14:00 – Daryl Watts signs the PWHL's first-ever 4-year contract  23:00 – Minnesota, Montreal & Toronto: how the existing teams protected their core  27:00 – Seattle's roster overhaul: who stays, who goes, what's next  30:00 – Phase 4 preview: Kristen Campbell, goaltending, and key free agents still available  42:00 – Molly Engstrom & Christine Bumstead hired: the women's coaching pipeline is real  52:00 – Can the PWHL pull college coaches away? The future of women in hockey leadership Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social At Even Strength on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_pod Follow & 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/BlackRosieMedia #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: youtube.com/channel/@BLKRosieMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@BLKRosieMedia] ▶︎ Exclusive Interviews:    • Black Rosie Media  I Interviews  [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL149AbLagrVqPUcNsyqU7QlHxjK3SpSsm&si=SVMZUrQLtheeCb1R]  🎧 LISTEN • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: http://bit.ly/4bCWKpn • Other Black Rosie Media podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGppemZjMGJlaThYaGdMUXFQUVZsWjJfY19UUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNFc0NW42ZV9tUnhHaDBKcXBPNU9tem9oMUkzTEY5RmU0TkJEcUQ2S2s0UWNKaEZIdUpoOFFZc25xVmdQcHFZbWxtUWRGQVJZdHBta1B2bXVxZGNpQlIzREhXaF9PQTNXVEpBNkVoeE8xOUdzZWdZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcbssports.com%2Fpodcast&v=eeLldlFyMBUhttps://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/  📱FOLLOW BLACK ROSIE MEDIA • TikTok:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnFfX2JTN3pVNVE0YjNGYzNnYUFOaUZocEY4Z3xBQ3Jtc0trSlRHYzdGdjhmckV2eWxpVVdfUlB4MUdNd0k3RnI0cFBRSXlKRW93SVZRSlV5UElBT1ZlSVV2TzBtU18yVGhYVUUweWVlajhMdnprLVY4UzJOYmxBaENLZ09uWDN5aFk4bUh3TWF4Wno5ZlBPRDJZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40weneedtotalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia]  • Instagram:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldqck9qT2k2MjNITDlDRFlTMzRyTFkwRUViZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYy10ZkhjX3NFVGk3WW1lLVNLOFVQcGhrWURjNUh1ajFGMTNIQUt1WWxWNVdjV2RNQURQeUtsNVpXV184TlpmbmVNNnJaTl92amhYM2hsa1ppdjVWaGlHMUZaWVZYbC1WZHZVaVFlbUdMRzNieGlTcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fweneedtotalk%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Twitter:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVGVU55MThhNnRnakt6bENkVlBwX2ZFcjVNUXxBQ3Jtc0tudUdNRGVWYjZFbjc5dENlc25kRDBHOGltSXhRMkd4UUZKbjJMWnNaX0p0NkJBSFlNRUFwU3RRaFdDYklrWGNyX1hrYzR0MWZoZ1Rad2ZpLXUxb2tkS0ZBczF1OGJCdlNWVVFJQ0ZENV9zX3FOXzRKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FWeNeedToTalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia [https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia]  📖 READ • More PWHL news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtxcjBwenE0MXNGNS1yZ0JVOWhPN29fZ3o5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU9WTzg5U1JBVnk1Y1hic09FdFJvWjQ0Y2xMczc4dllNSFRqQmFwdHhjU0Y4eUsyMF8wRUVaa1BDajFkM0pjcktnazZMa1FTZDVLanotdk1zOTcycmJkY0VCQlpsZEhQUWRVdzVSR2RBNHhpcHU4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • More Black women in sports news:  • More WNBA news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEQxYkxZS2xZQUlITlRIOWd2WW9aU0o1UkM2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttWWVISUVKM3dsakp2cW9XWFRrU3hTcjZhZ3N0OUFSMlpYaTk5OUlTRHRGNjBaSHZvcWlaMlpYM2JiUDhYQ0ZHQXJaOHZyb1o2eEV2a0hBcUlJNnZmV19EMmtzN0c2SGhtUUMxMHd0a3VwWlRINDczdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU]

Hilary Knight, Daryl Watts & the PWHL Expansion Shakeup | Protected Players & Salary Breakdown

The expansion era is here — and we have a LOT to unpack. Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner break down everything that went down in Phase 1 of the PWHL's player distribution process, react to the league-wide protected player lists, and discuss what those choices signal about each franchise's direction heading into a pivotal offseason. We dig into why Seattle's decision not to protect Hillary Knight raised eyebrows (and what Meghan Turner's carefully worded press availability may have revealed between the lines), whether Toronto is already at a structural disadvantage with Hamilton setting up shop next door, and how Boston's third coaching change in as many seasons might actually be the right call. Then we get into the conversation the league can't avoid forever: salary transparency. With 2025–26 salaries disclosed but new signing numbers staying quiet, what does that mean for players negotiating in the dark — and for a league locked into a CBA through 2031 while women's sports revenues are exploding? PLUS: A solo update from Erica on Phase 2 signings as of June 8 — including Daryl Watts to PWHL Detroit, Brianne Jenner to PWHL Hamilton, and what the expansion rosters are starting to look like. At Even Strength is Black Rosie Media's PWHL podcast, hosted by Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner. New episodes drop regularly throughout the season. Subscribe so you never miss a drop. 0:00 – Protected Players, Salary Disclosure & Expansion News 3:20 – Phase 2 Update (June 8): San Jose, Las Vegas, Hamilton & Detroit Signings 4:31 – Phase 1 Protected Player Lists: All 8 Teams Revealed 6:37 – Hilary Knight Not Protected: Surprise or Writing on the Wall? 9:18 – Seattle's Youth Movement: Coaching Change & Hannah Murphy in Goal 12:09 – Toronto in Trouble? Daryl Watts Walks, Hamilton Looms Large 15:26 – Boston's New Head Coach 18:05 – Protecting a Goalie & Two Defenders — Why Boston's List Was Still Right 27:58 – New York Sirens: Was Not Protecting Kaylee Osborne a Mistake? 37:45 – Ottawa Charge: The Case For (and Against) Their Protected List 49:44 – Salary Transparency: Why the Numbers Stopped at 2025–26 55:27 – PWHL's CBA, Single Ownership & What Players Stand to Lose If Salaries Don't Scale 🔔 Subscribe for PWHL coverage all expansion long 📺 Playlist: At Even Strength —  🎙️ Audio: Available on Transistor and most podcast platforms — link in show notes Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social At Even Strength on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_pod Follow & 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/BlackRosieMedia #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: youtube.com/channel/@BLKRosieMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@BLKRosieMedia] ▶︎ Exclusive Interviews:    • Black Rosie Media  I Interviews  [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL149AbLagrVqPUcNsyqU7QlHxjK3SpSsm&si=SVMZUrQLtheeCb1R]  🎧 LISTEN • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: http://bit.ly/4bCWKpn • Other Black Rosie Media podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGppemZjMGJlaThYaGdMUXFQUVZsWjJfY19UUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNFc0NW42ZV9tUnhHaDBKcXBPNU9tem9oMUkzTEY5RmU0TkJEcUQ2S2s0UWNKaEZIdUpoOFFZc25xVmdQcHFZbWxtUWRGQVJZdHBta1B2bXVxZGNpQlIzREhXaF9PQTNXVEpBNkVoeE8xOUdzZWdZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcbssports.com%2Fpodcast&v=eeLldlFyMBUhttps://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/  📱FOLLOW BLACK ROSIE MEDIA • TikTok:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnFfX2JTN3pVNVE0YjNGYzNnYUFOaUZocEY4Z3xBQ3Jtc0trSlRHYzdGdjhmckV2eWxpVVdfUlB4MUdNd0k3RnI0cFBRSXlKRW93SVZRSlV5UElBT1ZlSVV2TzBtU18yVGhYVUUweWVlajhMdnprLVY4UzJOYmxBaENLZ09uWDN5aFk4bUh3TWF4Wno5ZlBPRDJZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40weneedtotalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia]  • Instagram:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldqck9qT2k2MjNITDlDRFlTMzRyTFkwRUViZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYy10ZkhjX3NFVGk3WW1lLVNLOFVQcGhrWURjNUh1ajFGMTNIQUt1WWxWNVdjV2RNQURQeUtsNVpXV184TlpmbmVNNnJaTl92amhYM2hsa1ppdjVWaGlHMUZaWVZYbC1WZHZVaVFlbUdMRzNieGlTcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fweneedtotalk%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Twitter:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVGVU55MThhNnRnakt6bENkVlBwX2ZFcjVNUXxBQ3Jtc0tudUdNRGVWYjZFbjc5dENlc25kRDBHOGltSXhRMkd4UUZKbjJMWnNaX0p0NkJBSFlNRUFwU3RRaFdDYklrWGNyX1hrYzR0MWZoZ1Rad2ZpLXUxb2tkS0ZBczF1OGJCdlNWVVFJQ0ZENV9zX3FOXzRKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FWeNeedToTalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia [https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia]  📖 READ • More PWHL news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtxcjBwenE0MXNGNS1yZ0JVOWhPN29fZ3o5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU9WTzg5U1JBVnk1Y1hic09FdFJvWjQ0Y2xMczc4dllNSFRqQmFwdHhjU0Y4eUsyMF8wRUVaa1BDajFkM0pjcktnazZMa1FTZDVLanotdk1zOTcycmJkY0VCQlpsZEhQUWRVdzVSR2RBNHhpcHU4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • More Black women in sports news:  • More WNBA news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEQxYkxZS2xZQUlITlRIOWd2WW9aU0o1UkM2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttWWVISUVKM3dsakp2cW9XWFRrU3hTcjZhZ3N0OUFSMlpYaTk5OUlTRHRGNjBaSHZvcWlaMlpYM2JiUDhYQ0ZHQXJaOHZyb1o2eEV2a0hBcUlJNnZmV19EMmtzN0c2SGhtUUMxMHd0a3VwWlRINDczdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] 💵Black Women in Sports • Exclusive Interviews with Black Women in Sports:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9SNW1fT0dQVU1lMWJ5ano4NGpadDJ2aWotd3xBQ3Jtc0tsbVg1SHhYTkptbVB5ZEFWUlZNMXl2dUJMcDlEcE9Pa2RiREsxak1IZ210bXZDOVNJSzFJS1ZIeWg4Y3FRRjk3ZHNreDYyNUtPLWtJbnZHVFJKNUFQU0xsZG45NXUtRXJPd0pEZk9oQXFaNFp1QzFFYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fbetting%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Must-Watch documentaries: • Must-read books & articles:  ABOUT THE SHOW 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.

The Meghan Turner Interview: The Seattle Torrent Taking Inventory in the Offseason

The Seattle Torrent announced they will be in search of a new head coach. In a press release distributed Friday, general manager Meghan Turner said the following:   “We are grateful to Steve for his contributions to the Seattle Torrent during our inaugural season. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future."    The organization will begin the search for its next Head Coach immediately.     The Torrent finished its inaugural season with an overall record of 8-1-5-16 with 31 points for a last place finish. The team also missed out on the first overall pick to Vancouver, but is expected to have a high draft pick. At Even Strength host Erica L. Ayala spoke to Turner at the espnW Summit in New York City earlier this month.  Hear what Meghan had to say about building a franchise in a women’s hockey-loving city, where the team needs to improve, and her high-level thoughts on top prospects Laila Edwards and Caroline “KK” Harvey.  Follow us on Bluesky social! Erica L Ayala 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social Rachel Donner 🦋https://bsky.app/profile/rmiriam.bsky.social At Even Strength on TikTok 📲https://www.tiktok.com/@atevenstrength_pod Follow & 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/BlackRosieMedia #pwhl #womenshockey #hockey 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: youtube.com/channel/@BLKRosieMedia [https://www.youtube.com/@BLKRosieMedia] ▶︎ Exclusive Interviews:    • Black Rosie Media  I Interviews  [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL149AbLagrVqPUcNsyqU7QlHxjK3SpSsm&si=SVMZUrQLtheeCb1R]  🎧 LISTEN • Download and follow & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: http://bit.ly/4bCWKpn • Other Black Rosie Media podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGppemZjMGJlaThYaGdMUXFQUVZsWjJfY19UUXxBQ3Jtc0ttNFc0NW42ZV9tUnhHaDBKcXBPNU9tem9oMUkzTEY5RmU0TkJEcUQ2S2s0UWNKaEZIdUpoOFFZc25xVmdQcHFZbWxtUWRGQVJZdHBta1B2bXVxZGNpQlIzREhXaF9PQTNXVEpBNkVoeE8xOUdzZWdZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcbssports.com%2Fpodcast&v=eeLldlFyMBUhttps://blackrosiemedia.transistor.fm/  📱FOLLOW BLACK ROSIE MEDIA • TikTok:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnFfX2JTN3pVNVE0YjNGYzNnYUFOaUZocEY4Z3xBQ3Jtc0trSlRHYzdGdjhmckV2eWxpVVdfUlB4MUdNd0k3RnI0cFBRSXlKRW93SVZRSlV5UElBT1ZlSVV2TzBtU18yVGhYVUUweWVlajhMdnprLVY4UzJOYmxBaENLZ09uWDN5aFk4bUh3TWF4Wno5ZlBPRDJZMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40weneedtotalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia [https://www.tiktok.com/@blackrosiemedia]  • Instagram:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbldqck9qT2k2MjNITDlDRFlTMzRyTFkwRUViZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttYy10ZkhjX3NFVGk3WW1lLVNLOFVQcGhrWURjNUh1ajFGMTNIQUt1WWxWNVdjV2RNQURQeUtsNVpXV184TlpmbmVNNnJaTl92amhYM2hsa1ppdjVWaGlHMUZaWVZYbC1WZHZVaVFlbUdMRzNieGlTcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fweneedtotalk%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Twitter:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTVGVU55MThhNnRnakt6bENkVlBwX2ZFcjVNUXxBQ3Jtc0tudUdNRGVWYjZFbjc5dENlc25kRDBHOGltSXhRMkd4UUZKbjJMWnNaX0p0NkJBSFlNRUFwU3RRaFdDYklrWGNyX1hrYzR0MWZoZ1Rad2ZpLXUxb2tkS0ZBczF1OGJCdlNWVVFJQ0ZENV9zX3FOXzRKRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FWeNeedToTalk&v=eeLldlFyMBU]https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia [https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia]  📖 READ • More PWHL news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGtxcjBwenE0MXNGNS1yZ0JVOWhPN29fZ3o5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttaU9WTzg5U1JBVnk1Y1hic09FdFJvWjQ0Y2xMczc4dllNSFRqQmFwdHhjU0Y4eUsyMF8wRUVaa1BDajFkM0pjcktnazZMa1FTZDVLanotdk1zOTcycmJkY0VCQlpsZEhQUWRVdzVSR2RBNHhpcHU4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwomens-college-basketball%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • More Black women in sports news:  • More WNBA news:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEQxYkxZS2xZQUlITlRIOWd2WW9aU0o1UkM2d3xBQ3Jtc0ttWWVISUVKM3dsakp2cW9XWFRrU3hTcjZhZ3N0OUFSMlpYaTk5OUlTRHRGNjBaSHZvcWlaMlpYM2JiUDhYQ0ZHQXJaOHZyb1o2eEV2a0hBcUlJNnZmV19EMmtzN0c2SGhtUUMxMHd0a3VwWlRINDczdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fwnba%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] 💵Black Women in Sports • Exclusive Interviews with Black Women in Sports:  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbV9SNW1fT0dQVU1lMWJ5ano4NGpadDJ2aWotd3xBQ3Jtc0tsbVg1SHhYTkptbVB5ZEFWUlZNMXl2dUJMcDlEcE9Pa2RiREsxak1IZ210bXZDOVNJSzFJS1ZIeWg4Y3FRRjk3ZHNreDYyNUtPLWtJbnZHVFJKNUFQU0xsZG45NXUtRXJPd0pEZk9oQXFaNFp1QzFFYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fbetting%2F&v=eeLldlFyMBU] • Must-Watch documentaries: • Must-read books & articles:  ABOUT THE SHOW 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.