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 #HockeyPodcast

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00:00 Vancouver's Bold Trade Strategy
03:05 Team Focus and Urgency Insights
08:24 "Seamless Team Integration Shines
11:44 Vancouver's Turnaround Fueled by Offense
14:13 "Sticking to the Game Plan
19:41 "Team Moves Ahead of Deadline
22:50 Women's Hockey Competitive Evolution
26:59 "Five-Time Olympic Icons Shine
27:47 "Hockey Legends and Olympic Shifts
33:10 Olympics' Impact on Women's Sports
34:30 "Black Rosie Media Covers Women's Hockey
39:42 "Must-Win Games This Season?
43:46 Unbalanced League Suspension Policies
44:44 "Late-Game Skirmish Consequences
49:36 "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 Highlights
05:33 Quinn Hughes: Exciting Transition Highlights
06:30 Hellebuyck, Confidence, and Team Dynamics
10:27 How I Got Into Hockey
13:57 Hockey Connections and Insights
17:38 Olympics Impact on College Teams
21:53 Laila Edwards Makes Hockey History
25:36 Giving Back Through Sports
26:47 Blake Bolden's Inspiring Impact
30:58 Layla's Complete Hockey Package
34:59 Resilience Over Regret in Hockey
39:22 US Women's Team Favored
42:17 Broadcasting, PWHL, and Personal Growth
43:53 Evolving Communication and Analysis Skills
49:12 Scouting: Intangibles and Consistency
52:48 Obsessive Curiosity Explained
56:23 Black Women's Hockey Conversations
57:20 Hockey Chatter and Memories

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Erica L Ayala
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#podcast #womenshockey #pwhl
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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 Players
05:02 Canada's Women's Hockey Roster Challenges
06:38 Canada's Depth Key Against USA
09:53 PWHL Players and Team Czechia
14:56 "Blake Bolden on Hockey Legacy
24:32 "Blake Bolden’s Hockey Insights
27:26 "Predicting the Takeover Schedule
29:49 "Making Sirens Games Accessible
33:12 "Dolan, Nostalgia, and NY Sports
36:07 "Analyzing Takeover Tour Insights
39:07 Post-Olympic Fatigue in PWHL?

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Erica L Ayala
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Rachel Donner
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#pwhl #womenshockey #hockey