The PWHL offseason is back in motion — and Erica L. Ayala and Rachel Donner have a lot of ground to cover.
First up: with twelve teams now in the league, should the PWHL move to a conference structure? Erica and Rachel break down what conferences would actually mean for travel, playoffs, and the all-star format — and why the more pressing question might be what a twelve-team postseason even looks like.
Then it's a full arena capacity rundown for Season 4, including two teams moving to new homes. Boston's move to Agganis Arena puts them closer to the city but at the league's lowest capacity — and why that might actually be the smart play. Ottawa's jump to Canadian Tire Centre nearly doubles their capacity to 18,000, and the implications for one of the league's most loyal fanbases. Plus a full league-wide breakdown from Detroit's Little Caesars Arena at the top to Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum bringing up the rear.
Finally: the signings. Haley Winn and Abby Newhook locked up in Boston, Fanuza Kadirova on a two-year extension in Ottawa, Sarah Wozniak on a three-year deal, and what Ottawa's youth movement signals for Season 4 — including the addition of Katarzyna Mrazova and Jocelyn LaRocque. Plus a broader conversation about what expansion means for access to the league and who gets to be a professional hockey player.
0:00 — Welcome back: what's happened since the July break and what's coming this episode
3:35 — Should the PWHL move to conferences? Travel, playoffs, and what women's sports leagues have learned
8:15 — The real question: what does a twelve-team postseason structure look like?
15:20 — Arenas and capacity: Boston's move to Agganis Arena and why lower capacity in the right location might be the winning play
22:00 — Ottawa to Canadian Tire Centre: nearly doubling capacity and what that means for the Charge fanbase
27:20 — Full league capacity rankings: Detroit to Toronto, every arena for Season 4
30:35 — The signings that matter: Haley Winn, Abby Newhook, Fanuza Kadirova, and Ottawa's youth movement
35:15 — Expansion and access: who gets to be a professional hockey player and why Season 4 changes that conversation
38:30 — What's next: team-by-team deep dives, every-other-week schedule through August, and how to follow along
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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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.
What is At Even Strength: A Women's Hockey Podcast?
At Even Strength is your all-access pass to the full spectrum of 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.