Ice Warriors - Fall 2025

LINDSAY EASTWOOD: CLIMBING THE HOCKEY RANKS

KIM NG: SOFTBALL'S TIME HAS COME

THE SHARK ™ CRYOGLOW ™ MASK

FALL 2025

THE SNEAKER REVOLUTION TRAVEL TIPS MILAN & PERU

THE EVOLUTION OF LEXIE ADZIJA

SARAH FILLIER'S BIGGEST YEAR YET

Where passion meets power— driving the game forward with the PWHL. sharkbeauty.ca | @sharkbeautyca

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SPRING 2025

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

the excitement in the women’s hockey world has never been bigger. With Seattle and Vancouver joining the league, the momentum keeps building—new cities, new rivalries, and a national stage that continues to grow every single year.

WWW.TH E I C EWAR R I O R S.CA

As we usher in a brandnew PWHL season,

This season also kicked off with an incredible moment for us at ICE WARRIORS Media Group: hosting our first gifting suite for members of Team Canada’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster. It was an honour to celebrate these athletes, support their journey, and get an early look at the energy they’re bringing into new hockey season.

A special thank-you to our incredible gifting suite partners—Coty Prestige, Bombas Socks, Quo Beauty, Biotherm, Heys Luggage, Shark Beauty, Ninja Kitchen, Shark Home, and HockeyStickMan. Your support helped us create an unforgettable experience for the athletes, and we’re grateful to have you aligned with us as we continue to elevate the game.

As we move into this new season, we’re entering our strongest year yet. We’re proud to work alongside exceptional partners who believe in the evolution of hockey in Canada and who see the same massive opportunity we do. The sport is getting bigger, better, and bolder—and we’re committed to being at the forefront of that growth across print, digital, and social.

Here’s to a remarkable season ahead and to elevating the game together.

AMY KNOWLES PRESIDENT, ICE WARRIORS

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Made With Love Celebrate 25 years of Quo Beauty®

CONTENTS

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DEPARTMENTS

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OLYMPIC READY TABLE OF CONTENTS

If you are traveling to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori has you covered.

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OPENING FACEOFF

Latest intel and tidbits from around the game.

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BEHIND THE MASK Find out how PWHL goalies reset their skin, their focus and their game.

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TRAVEL TIPS

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LOUNGE ACCESS Step inside our VIP Gifting Suite, where Ice Warriors welcomed stars from Team Canada & the PWHL.

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Explore the PWHL’s newest cities in Seattle and Vancouver.

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LAST CALL The PWHL is expanding, elevating and electrifying the masses.

Precision and power, just like the athletes of the PWHL. Leave the cleaning to the best in the game. sharkclean.ca | @sharkhomeca SPRING 2025

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CONTENTS

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FEATURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

30 JOURNEYS WITH PURPOSE Five reasons why Peru should be your next trip.

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UNBREAKABLE Lexie Adzija is building her career on her own terms.

COVER STORY From New York to Milan: Sarah Fillier's biggest year yet.

CLIMBING THE RANKS Lindsay Eastwood’s ride from college star to the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.

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BATTER UP

Kim Ng explains why she believes softball's time has come.

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SNEAKER REVOLUTION

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Natalie White is redefining women’s performance wear.

THE NEW REFILLABLE PARFUM

PRESIDENT

AMY KN OWLE S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DAVI D PAG N OTTA

VICE PRESIDENT

DALLAS KN OWLE S

VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND LEAD DESIGNER VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE SR. WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DAN IJ E LA G R BAVAC STE PHAN I E PAG N OTTA M I KE JAC KS O N J O LE N E LATI M E R VI CTO R IA MATIAS H ALE SS IA S E BASTA PAR I SA S H O B BAR

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Photographed by Nicole De Khors Ice Warriors is published four times per year.

No part of this publication may be copied, duplicated or reprinted without the expressed written consent of the Ice Warriors Media Group.

The views and opinions expressed by the contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Ice Warriors Media Group or its staff.

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Subscriptions available at www.theicewarriors.ca Ice Warriors™ is a registered trademark.

Printed in Canada © Ice Warriors Media Group

BOSS RECOG N IZ E BOS S

BOTTLED BEYOND THE NEW GINGER-LEATHER FRAGRANCE

FACEOFF

CANADIAN

PRIDE

A shoutout to Canada’s women’s rugby team, which finished second in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, falling to England in the final.

Ranked second in the world, Canada’s squad beat defending champion New Zealand in the semifinals on their way to their first final in 11 years.

Canada stole headlines this season, going unbeaten until the final.

They set an attendance record at TD Place in Ottawa against the United States prior to heading to the World Cup and their popularity continues to climb across the country.

THE HANDMADE SIGN THAT STOLE THE SHOW When the puck drops this season for the PWHL, one of the most vivid scenes may be found not on the ice but in the stands.

Dozens of children, families and longtime fans lean forward, colourful homemade signs held aloft — some referencing player nicknames, some cheeky puns, many heartfelt messages.

The PWHL’s new “sign culture” has done more than decorate the glass‑boards: it bridges the gap between athlete

NEW TEAMS MEAN...

NEW

SWAG!

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and fan, letting supporters say “this matters” out loud. Some arenas even have sign‑making stations before the puck falls, where volunteers hand out poster board and markers, and encourage creativity.

With the PWHL encouraging fan interaction and involvement, the various signs in the crowd gives the game a different vibe than men’s games. Younger fans are flocking to the glass area during warmups in hopes of their sign catching the eye of their favourite player to get a nod or even a souvenir puck.

When the Seattle Torrent and the Vancouver Goldeneyes ready to drop the puck on this 2025-26 PWHL season, not only did we witness the unveiling of their team names, logos and colours, we got the first look at each club’s new fan gear.

Available now on the PWHL website, swag of the Torrent and Goldeneyes can be picked up immediately, featuring sweatshirts, t-shirts, and more.

IT’S CALLED FASHUN!

FALL 2025

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FACEOFF

PHWL ATTENDANCE GROWING

The culture of the PWHL is growing exponentially with record breaking crowds and increased fan interaction. Last season drew over 737,455 fans over 102 games, which was more than a 50% increase from the league’s inaugural season. The average attendance for the 2024-25 season was 7,230 fans per game, a 27% increase from the first season.

Last season, the PWHL achieved the one millionth fan with a crowd of 14,288 during the Takeover Tour in Detroit featuring the Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, Mar. 16.

The game also set a new U.S. attendance record for professional women’s hockey—the fourth time a PWHL game has broken the record. With two new franchises (Vancouver and Seattle) now part of the league and new rivalries forming, expect more recordbreaking attendance numbers for the 2025-26 season.

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T

R

A

heys.com

V

E

L

LOUNGE

ACCESS

GIFTING SUITE

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In October 2025, Ice Warriors was proud to welcome Team Canada's women and additional PWHL stars at our inaugural VIP Gifting Lounge, presented by Shark Beauty, at Deer Lady in downtown Toronto.

A huge thank you goes out to our participating brand partners: Shark Beauty, Shark Home, Ninja Kitchen, Biotherm, Quo Beauty, Heys, Hillberg & Berk, HockeyStickMan, OLLY and Coty.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DE KHORS

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PRODUCTS

BEHIND THE MASK

HOW PWHL GOALIES RESET THEIR SKIN, THEIR FOCUS — AND THEIR GAME.

Sixty minutes under a cage.

Non-stop heat, ice, sweat, and impact.

When the helmet comes off, the real recovery begins.

This is the side fans never see — the rituals, the resets, the science behind goalie skin and performance.

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THE GOALIE FACE WE DON’T TALK ABOUT Goaltending isn’t just pressure — it’s physical endurance on the most delicate part of the body: the face.

Long games, helmet friction, sweat build-up, cold rinks, hot lights… it all leaves its mark.

COMMON OFF-ICE CHALLENGES: • Redness + inflammation from gear compression • Jaw + temple fatigue from constant focus • Puffiness after long practices • Skin irritation from temperature swings • Tired eyes from tracking every puck This is exactly where modern recovery meets modern beauty.

ENTER: THE CRYOGLOW ™ ROUTINE TWO MODES. ONE MISSION: RESET LIKE A PRO. Goaltending isn’t just pressure — it’s physical endurance on the most delicate part of the body: the face.

Long games, helmet friction, sweat build-up, cold rinks, hot lights… it all leaves its mark.

CRYO MODE — “THE POST-GAME FREEZE.”: • Instantly cools and calms overworked skin • Reduces redness + puffiness after 60 minutes under a mask • Helps soothe irritation from sweat + friction • Perfect post-game or post-travel reset

BEYOND THE CREASE What happens after the final whistle?

Recovery isn’t optional — it’s part of the playbook. And for goalies, the CryoGlow™ Mask has become a new off-ice ritual.

HOW THE PROS USE IT: • Post-game cooldowns with Cryo Mode • Morning Glow Mode paired with visualization • Travel day recovery (hotel or on the plane) • Quiet moments of focus in the locker room • Night-before-game resets to calm the mind + skin

This is exactly where modern recovery meets modern beauty.

GLOW MODE — “THE PRE-GAME FIRE-UP.” • Gently warms to boost circulation • Wakes up tired eyes • Helps goalies lock into pre-game focus • Creates a confident, natural glow for practices or media moments

SHARK™ BEAUTY CRYOGLOW™.

RESET LIKE A PRO. FALL 2025

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TRAVEL

YOUR

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BY DAVID PAGNOTTA

he 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are fast approaching and sports fans from across the globe will be flocking to Milan, Italy, to take in history as athletes compete for gold.

Taking in the events will be part of this year's fun, but exploring Milan and its surrounding parts is a treat all by itself – and making sure you have the right accommodations can make or break any trip.

Located steps away from the Duomo di Milano, in the historic Galleria del Corso, the iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori is a four-star property in the heart of the action. I had the privilege of experiencing this hotel firsthand, having spent several teams

in August enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.

With outstanding views of the Milan skyline from the SunEleven Rooftop terrace on the 11th floor, you can enjoy a cocktail during happy hour as the sun sets on this gorgeous city. iH Hotels Milano Ambasciatori boasts 103 freshly renovated rooms that offer modern living, extremely friendly and accommodating staff, and a decadent breakfast buffet to start your day.

This pet friendly hotel is an easy choice while visiting Milan and if you are looking to maximize your overall experience, especially during the Winter Olympics, booking your stay here will not disappoint.

FALL 2025

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LIFESTYLE

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WHY

Kim

Ng BELIEVES SOFTBALL’S TIME HAS COME

BY: JOLENE LATIMER

FALL 2025

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LIFESTYLE

The league’s first commissioner was in Rosemont, Illinois. It was just hours before game time when she looked up from a tangle of calls and emails and saw something that stopped her.

“All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye I see out the window just a massive line of fans forming outside the stadium waiting to get in, and the line was filled with young people—boys and girls— wearing AUSL gear, carrying signs they made for their favorite players,” she said.

It was the kind of scene Ng had witnessed plenty of times before, but this one felt different. She’s no stranger to passionate crowds—her early career in Major League Baseball took her through the front offices of the Yankees and Dodgers before a stint at the league itself, and later to the Miami Marlins, where she made history as the first woman to serve as general manager in any North American men’s pro sports league. But in Rosemont, the energy wasn’t for a centuryold institution. It was for something brand new. After experimenting with innovative approaches to softball since 2020, Athletes Unlimited was launching

Kim Ng thought she’d chosen the right path, but the proof didn’t arrive until the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s debut season was well underway.

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four permanent teams and a league to unite them—and Ng was at the helm.

Witness the fans embrace it told Ng everything she needed to know.

“In that moment I stopped and gave myself a moment to really reflect, and I thought, ‘This is why you’re here,’" she said.

Ng wasn’t the only one clocking the excitement of the Rosemont fans. Canadian Olympian and AUSL outfielder Vic Hayward made the same observation. Since its inception Athletes Unlimited has using the town as a home base while they test a variety of approaches to softball, and Hayward was around for all of that. But the fans this year brought a different energy.

“We opened up our season in Rosemont. It’s the same venue, the same group of players, from previous years. The way that the fans showed up with a couple of sell outs that first week, I think almost every game was sold out, the energy from the fans felt different,” she said.

That energy never let up. By season’s end, the league recorded

20 sellouts throughout their markets, including 6,500 fans in Round Rock, 4,000 in Oklahoma and packed crowds in city after city.

FOR NG, THE NUMBERS WEREN’T JUST IMPRESSIVE— THEY WERE VALIDATION. “It’s everything we thought heading into this season: that all signs pointed toward this sport being ready to take off at the professional level, if only there was sustainable, long-term investment, solid infrastructure, and the right people involved,” she said.

Part of that infrastructure came through a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership between MLB and AUSL, a deal Ng helped broker. “It’s huge in terms of the validity of the league,” Hayward said. “Kim’s connections in MLB and knowing that partnership is what we wanted—she was the perfect person to bridge the gap for us.”

For Ng, the role has been both a leap and a homecoming. “While I played softball earlier in my life, always stayed a fan of the sport and worked to help

grow the game while at MLB, it was still an adjustment after 30 years in baseball to take on this role in a sport that—while obviously similar to baseball—has its own history, personalities and politics,” she said.

That adjustment came with a deep sense of purpose. “So many people have dedicated their entire lives to this sport, and have gotten their hopes up before over previous efforts at a pro league here in the U.S. So I definitely feel a sense of responsibility to do everything I can to make this work—not for me, but for the current players, those who laid the groundwork for this in decades past, and for all those looking up to them and hoping this could be in their future,” Ng said.

It’s the same vision that first came into focus on that summer afternoon in Rosemont, when she looked out the window and saw the line of fans—proof that the sport’s future might finally be here. “Mostly, what I’ve felt is a real responsibility to be a steward for the sport, and a duty to leave it better than I found it,” Ng said.

FALL 2025

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TRAVEL

5 REASONS WHY PERU SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT TRIP (WITH G ADVENTURES) PHOTOGRAPHED AND WRITTEN

BY ALESSIA SEBASTA

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Peru isn’t already on your travel wish list, let me gently nudge it to the top.

Yes, there’s the iconic Machu Picchu (and yes, it really is as jaw-dropping as everyone says), but what makes a trip to Peru unforgettable runs deeper than the postcard views. Beyond the bucketlist wonder of the world lies a country rich in culture, incredible food, and even more amazing people.

With small group tour company, G Adventures, you’re not just visiting, you’re supporting women-run businesses, travelling with purpose, and seeing what happens when community tourism meets one of the most unreal places on Earth. If any of this sounds like your vibe, here’s why your next trip should be to Peru and why going with G Adventures makes all the difference.

1. WOVEN BY WOMEN Travel is about stories, and in Peru, those stories are often woven (quite literally) by women. On many of their tours, you’ll be able to visit the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op, a community-led initiative where traditional Andean weaving is more than a craft - it’s a source of pride, economic opportunity, and cultural preservation.

Before this project, many women in the community had limited ways to earn income. Today, the co-op includes over 40 women of all ages, many of whom are now the primary breadwinners in their households.

The younger generation is also learning the techniques, helping ensure this centuries-old tradition lives on.

At the co-op, the women speak Quechua, their Indigenous language, and your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) tour leader will help translate as they share their stories and demonstrate natural dyeing and backstrap loom techniques passed down through generations. Expect beautiful, handmade pieces like scarves, hats, socks, and sweaters that make for perfect, practical souvenirs that carry real meaning. > >

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TRAVEL

3. EAT WELL, DO GOOD Food in Peru is a journey in itself. On G Adventures tours, you’ll go beyond just tasting the cuisine by supporting projects that make a real difference. Through Planeterra, they work with community-run restaurants like Parwa Community Restaurant in the Sacred Valley.

Parwa directly supports over 40 individuals and has helped fund clean water initiatives and youth education programs in the Huchuy Qosco community. Staff receive fair wages, health insurance, pensions, and local entrepreneurs are given technical training and resources to build businesses that supply the restaurant or serve visiting travellers (and yes the food is as good as the mission).

For those who want to get their hands dirty, G Adventures also offers an empanada-making class in the nearby Cuyo Chico community, which is another Planeterra-supported project that blends cultural connection with culinary fun.

While you’re in Peru, be sure to sample beloved local dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, causa, and even cuy (guinea pig), a traditional delicacy that might just surprise you.

2. MACHU PICCHU, YOUR WAY Whether you’re the boots-on-theground hiking type or prefer busaccessible brilliance, there’s a path to Machu Picchu for every traveller.

With multiple routes from wandering the ancient stone paths of the iconic Inca Trail trek to the less-travelled Lares or Salkantay Treks, or even a scenic train and bus ride for a less physical approach.

But, no matter how you get there, by foot, rail or road, the feeling is the same: pure awe.

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4. COME FOR THE CULTURE, STAY FOR THE ANIMALS In Peru, expect plenty of furry companions along the way. Peru’s llamas and alpacas are famous, but the country’s free-roaming dogs are just as much a part of the landscape.

According to my CEO in Peru, most dogs have owners but enjoy independence once they reach “teenage” age - roaming neighborhoods freely, adding a lively, authentic touch to your travels. So if you’re an animal lover, consider this the cherry on top.

5. SMALL GROUPS, BIG IMPACT This isn’t about being herded from site to site in a 50-seater bus. G Adventures keeps group sizes small (typically around 10-12 people), which means more meaningful connections with your fellow travellers and the local communities you meet along the way. The best part? Every trip in Peru supports community-based tourism, with real benefits to the people who live there.

From reforestation efforts in the Sacred Valley (also known as Trees for Days) to locally led experiences powered by Planeterra (their nonprofit partner), your adventure directly contributes to preserving culture, protecting the environment, and boosting local economies.

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LIFESTYLE

INJURIES, CANCER, AND CAREER CURVEBALLS COULDN’T BREAK HER. NOW SHE’S BUILDING SOMETHING NEW ON HER OWN TERMS.

BY JOLENE LATIMER LIFESTYLE PHOTOS BY BRAULIO ROCHA GAME IMAGES COURTESY OF PWHL

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LIFESTYLE

...HAVING TO BE THAT GIRL EVERY DAY AND TRY TO GIVE TO MY TEAMMATES WHEN I WAS PERSONALLY GOING THROUGH A LOT WAS REALLY, REALLY CHALLENGING.”

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UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, LEXIE ADZIJA WOULD HAVE BEEN FOCUSED ON MAKING A STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION AT HER FIRST PRESEASON CAMP AS A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER TWO YEARS AGO WITH THE OTTAWA CHARGE.

as by talent.

“There were a lot of moments in there where I could have just folded and given up,” she said. “But ultimately, it was my dream to play hockey — a dream I didn’t even know was possible.”

Now she’s headed west to Seattle, ready to build something new and to finally play the game on her own terms.

But at the time, she found it difficult to focus. Just weeks earlier, she had been diagnosed with a bladder tumor. After a successful surgery to remove it, she was ordered to stay on bed rest for 15 days. Training camp started one day after she was cleared for movement.

“I was pretty stressed and overwhelmed because that’s a major health scare,” she said. “On top of that, going into pro camp as a rookie, you know it’s the best on best there. In the PWHL those first two years, it was the top 150 players in the world. So I was already pretty nervous going into camp.”

Halfway through camp, she was diagnosed with stage one cancer.

“That was not the greatest timing for the scariest moment of my life,” she said. Doctors determined she required no further treatment as the surgery had caught all of it, but the rollercoaster of emotions took its toll on Adzija. Complicating matters, just 17 games into the season, she was dealt to the Boston Fleet at the league’s first trade deadline.

“I had to move my whole life,” said the Ontario native, who played five seasons with Quinnipiac University, earning the captaincy in her final year. “My teammates would describe me as the energy girl. Having to be that girl every day and try to give to my teammates when I was personally going through a lot was really, really challenging.” Taken together, the trade and the cancer were just two more challenges in a career that’s been defined as much by endurance

READY TO GO Rob Adzija will never forget his car salesman’s disbelief at how quickly he racked up mileage.

“What exactly do you do for work?” the salesman asked, trying to understand how Rob could put so much wear on his cars that he made a habit of doing early trade-ins.

It was then that Adzija’s dad confessed: he and his wife were regularly making the nine-hour drive from their Hamilton-area home to New Haven, CT to watch their daughter’s university hockey games.

“We had it down to a science.

We’d drive nine hours, have a couple hours' sleep, then turn around so we were ready for work on Monday,” he said. “We didn't miss many games, that's for sure.”

Adzija said her parents attended so many Bobcats home games her teammates assumed they lived locally.

It might sound extreme, but for Rob and his wife, it all comes down to supporting the same little girl who was once so eager to get on the ice she insisted on lacing up her own skates.

“Right from the start she was so independent. I think I tied her skates once or twice before she wanted to do it herself. There’s even a picture of her in her brother’s gear sitting on the couch saying, ‘I’m ready to go,’” he said.

When he thinks of that girl, and the woman she’s grown to be, a ninehour drive amounts to nothing >>

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LIFESTYLE

if it means getting to cheer her on.

“We look at it as a real privilege,” he said. When Adzija began her PWHL career, her parents kept up the same commitment and plan to continue despite her move to the west coast — though Rob admits there will be a lot more flying this time.

He says the characteristics that Adzija embodied as a little girl are the ones that helped her persevere through the challenges of her early hockey career.

“She’s really open to learning, disciplined, and she seeks resources to help her where she feels that she needs some help. It’s the ability to have humility which I think is the key for her,” he said.

Their unwavering presence would prove even more important when hockey stopped being just a game and became a test of resilience.

PERSEVERANCE As bad as the cancer was, it came at the end of a long line of health problems Adzija had battled since starting her final year at Quinnipiac. That season alone brought a string of injuries — first broken and dislocated ribs, then a gradethree shoulder separation that sidelined her for ten weeks, and finally, a concussion that kept her out another month and a half.

“Basically, in my fifth year, I got less than half the games, which is not really how you want your last year of college sports to go,” she said.

When she finally recovered, she signed her

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first pro contract in what was then the Premier Hockey Federation — only to have the league fold on her birthday.

Shortly after, she was preparing for her first PWHL camp when doctors found a tumor in her bladder.

“It was one thing after another,” she said. “Add to that, just going through the mental battles and challenges of being a professional athlete, dealing with getting traded, and then maybe not getting the amount of playing time I’d want and having to navigate that.”

Watching Adzija experience those setbacks was difficult for her parents.

“As a dad, you just want to protect your kid,” Rob said. “You know how much work she puts in. But I had to learn her path is her own — sometimes my job is just to listen and let her find her way forward.”

Adzija leaned on her support network and faith to chart a course through the adversity, a foundation that would later anchor her relationship with someone who understood that journey firsthand.

SOMEONE WHO GETS IT By the time she got through the thick of it, Adzija had learned what it meant to stay grounded through chaos. When she met someone who understood that kind of endurance, the connection was instant.

That someone was Chimere Dike, now a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. For Adzija, the shared language of sport was what made the relationship work.

“We actually met through

"I’VE BEEN ABLE TO SEE THE IMPACT I’VE HAD ON YOUNGER GIRLS, IN HOCKEY AND OUTSIDE OF IT.

Instagram — modern world dating, so romantic,” she said, laughing. “At the time, he was finishing school in Florida, playing for the Gators, and I was playing hockey in Boston. We were so far from each other, but we connected and I actually had a trip planned to Florida during our off week. We met in person then, and a couple weeks later it was kind of history from there.”

The two bonded quickly over the realities of chasing big dreams. “Obviously, there’s an understanding that comes with being highlevel athletes,” she said. “It’s sometimes hard to explain to people that your sport kind of has to come first.”

Together, they’ve learned that chasing something bigger than yourself doesn’t have to mean doing it alone.

“It’s actually pretty emotional,” she said. “I wasn’t able to be there for his draft party because we had a game, but even just

rewatching it and getting that phone call from him — hearing he got drafted and then seeing him battle through rookie camp — it was incredible. NFL camp, especially rookie camp, is so demanding. His days were 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. with one day off every few weeks.

It’s been fulfilling for me, and kind of surreal, to feel like I’m reliving my rookie season through him.”

During the PWHL offseason, Adzija relocated to Nashville to support Dike — helping him furnish his house, attending games, and connecting with other

Titans partners. When the puck drops on the Seattle Torrent’s inaugural season, it’ll be Dike’s turn to return the favor. He helped Adzija move to Seattle during his bye week in November and plans to join her there once the NFL season wraps up.

“Both of us have been through a fair amount of adversity in our career,” she said. “We really bonded and connected on that being able to talk to someone who actually gets it.”

BUILT FOR NEW BEGINNINGS As Adzija settles into

Seattle, she’s embracing a reset — not just with a new team, but with a renewed sense of self.

“Once you go through a lot of adversity in different places, you kind of need a moment to redefine yourself as a player. I decided to move across the country to Seattle, but I also decided to change my number to signify that clean, fresh start,” she said, For the first time in her career, Adzija will wear No. 78 — a number she chose after months of reflection and research.

“I’ve been eight or 88 my

entire life,” she said. “My older brother played hockey and wore eight, so I did too.

I always wanted to be like him. But I hadn’t really thought about the deeper meaning of why I wear it.

I feel like the number on your jersey should mean something really deep to you.”

She found that meaning in her faith. “In the Bible, Psalm 78 talks about God’s faithfulness to His people even when they’re struggling,” she said. “I feel like I’ve had a ton of setbacks, and that’s the light that’s helped me get

through it.”

Adzija was drawn to the symbolism behind the two numbers as well. “Seven represents completion or perfection because God rested on the seventh day, and eight symbolizes new beginnings,” she said.

“Together, they represent perfect preparation leading to a new beginning — which I feel like I have.”

Her approach to the season is simple: keep working, keep believing, and let the rest take care of itself. “I pride myself on being the hardest worker in the room, even if I’m not getting the amount of playing time I want,” she said. “Preparation leads to confidence.”

Her dad, Rob, sees Seattle as the right fit at the right time. “It’s exciting,” he said.

“New market, new team — a chance to establish herself and reconnect with the community. She loves that part, the contact with fans.

It’s a great opportunity to go out there and put her best foot forward.”

For Adzija, it’s about more than just hockey now.

“I think my ‘why’ has changed,” she said. “When I was younger, it was always to be the best athlete I could be — and that’s still a goal. But it’s deeper than that now. I’ve been able to see the impact I’ve had on younger girls, in hockey and outside of it. Just showing them that when you work hard, you can achieve what you want to achieve. And even if you set an ultimate goal and don’t quite get there, you can still look back at your lifetime of work and say I did everything that I could.”

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FROM

TO

SARAH FILLIER'S BIGGEST YEAR YET

BY JOLENE LATIMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DE KHORS

COVER STORY

TO hear Sarah Fillier talk about her life in New York, you might mistake her for any other twenty-something making the most of the city.

She has a book club with her roommates, an obsession with sourdough, and a calendar full of work she genuinely loves. But peel back the layers and her version of “normal” looks a little different. The 25-year-old star forward for the New York Sirens spends her off days baking bread — then hand-delivers it to her Team Canada teammates at training camp.

“They’re pretty lucky to have me,” she jokes.

Her roommates aren’t exactly typical either: fellow Sirens Allyson Simpson and Elle Hartje share the apartment — and the occasional loaf.

It’s a snapshot of everyday life that quickly gives way to something much bigger. For Fillier, work means playing professional hockey at the highest level — and carrying the weight of a league, a city, and a country on her shoulders.

In just a few years, she’s gone from Princeton standout to the PWHL’s first overall draft pick, Rookie of the Year, and one of Canada’s brightest hopes heading into the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The New York Sirens for-

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ward sat down with us to talk about life in the city, preparing for Milano-Cortina, and what fans can expect from season three of the PWHL. In a career already full of milestones, being selected first overall in 2024 was obviously a major one. Add to that earning Rookie of the Year in 2025.

When you look back at that stretch, what did it teach you about yourself and how are you channeling that heading into the next season?

Fillier: Yeah, that’s a great question.

Getting drafted first overall was such a

cool moment for me and my family.

Normally, you share pretty big milestones in a hockey career with your teammates, but it’s so rare to have that kind of moment and just be able to stand up and hug your parents right away.

That was cool.

This past year I was grateful to play for a city like New York — it’s such an honor to represent such a historic city. I went into the season with eyes wide open, just trying to learn as much as I could. Being a pro hockey player is such a new realm, so I was really grateful this league came together, and to everyone

who’s put in so much work behind the scenes to get it off the ground. I didn’t take any moments for granted. The pieces felt right. Now I’m excited for all the unknowns and uncertainty that are going to come in this next year.

You had so many highs last year. Did you learn more from those or in the moments where you didn’t succeed the way you intended?

It definitely was a season of highs and lows with our group out in New York. As a player, I found a new sense of confidence. Playing with players like Alex Carpenter and Abby Roque, players I’ve never had the chance to play with, I feel like I got to grow my game by learning from them.

A big thing I gained from last year was confidence in myself and who I can be as a player — really being a difference maker. Then the lows: we went through a nine-game losing streak in the middle of our season. I learned there are still a lot of areas in my game I want to get better at. One thing in particular is thinking about how many times I had the game on my stick during that skid, and I could have ended games or buried a goal for us to get ahead or tie it late. When you think of players who are mainstays in our sport — like Marie-Philip Poulin — they bury those goals at the right and key moments. That’s an edge to my game that I really want to add.

You re-signed with the Sirens this summer — not only that, but on the league’s most lucrative multi-year deal. What made you want to stay?

Honestly, I loved playing in New York.

It’s such a cool city to be part of, and it’s cool to tell people I play for a New York sports team. They have such a rich sports history. I love the staff there, love the girls there. I think there’s a lot left to

build, and I want to be part of a program that builds a strong foundation to go chase after a league championship.

With so many roster changes in the offseason the Sirens look like a different team. They look like a team being built around you and a new generation of draft picks. How are you approaching that leadership role in what feels like a bit of a reset year?

We obviously lost a lot of talent and some pretty great personalities in our locker room. There’s a reason they got taken in expansion — they’re really great players. But looking at who we got in the draft and trades, it feels like we have this identity of being super fast, skilled, young and hungry. That’s what our game is, and everyone’s hungry to make that playoff push and get in.

You’ve seen in this league that if you can sneak into the playoffs, you can really surprise anyone in these three-game series. I look at the names we drafted, their college careers — there’s some super high-skilled talent, especially with the forwards. It’s exciting for me because it fits into my game pretty well.

away in New Jersey. There’s a lot of unfinished business in New York. I wanted to be part of building New York into a destination where really good players want to come play — and I wanted to be a foundational part of that.

The team photos from Team Canada training block one looked incredible. What makes those kinds of off-ice adventures important for team chemistry?

I think the biggest step in building relationships with your teammates, especially when you’re grinding every day at training camp, is just getting out and doing crazy activities and getting out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly what happened whitewater rafting — we weren’t really expecting to get thrown out of the raft!

With so much of Team Canada clustered in one PWHL market, people sometimes wonder how those dynamics factor into free agency decisions.

For you, how much did familiarity versus independence play a role when choosing to stay with the Sirens?

It’s such a different situation now, being pro hockey players and having free agency. People are making the best decision for themselves — as hockey players, but also as people. They’re thinking about cities they want to live in, players they want to play with, coaches they want to be coached by.

For me, it’s really exciting to be in New York. I went to school just an hour

IT WAS COOL TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW WITH YOUR TEAMMATES, WHO YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY GOING TO GO TO BATTLE WITH..."

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COVER STORY

It was cool to experience something totally new with your teammates, who you’re obviously going to go to battle with. It’s cool to get those moments with teammates and friends outside the rink.

What was it like spending time with the Canadian men’s team, and what do you take from those exchanges?

It’s pretty cool to be in a room with Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid — we really got to see a glimpse of what that team will look like and the emotion and energy around that rivalry with the U.S., which feels similar to ours.

At the last Olympics, it was so cool to walk into the dining hall and see other athletes in Team Canada gear. You feel that sense of unity.

Because of COVID we couldn’t really mix with different teams so it will be cool once we get on the ground in Milan — already having relationships, being able to eat meals together, and feel that sense of pride within Team Canada hockey and Team Canada as a whole.

What stands out when you think about walking behind the Canadian flag again at the opening ceremony at the Beijing Games?

I remember in 2022, that was probably the coolest experience of my whole life — walking out behind Poulin and the flag into this gigantic stadium with all the countries. I can’t even put it into words. I watched so many Olympics growing up and always thought that was the coolest event. To be on the other side of it, seeing my face up on the big screen — I remember shedding a few tears. I can’t imagine doing that again and having real spectators and my family there to experience it.

This time, your family will actually get to attend the Games. What will that mean to you?

Honestly, just having friends and family come experience that Olympic buzz in a city is really exciting for me. In Beijing, there were no friends or family allowed, and you try to share that over FaceTime, but it’s not the same. My parents have been my biggest supporters since day one, so it’ll be special for them to experience the Olympics with me. And playing games with a sold-out crowd in Milan will be surreal.

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Does playing against PWHL teammates change the Canada– U.S. rivalry at all?

I originally thought maybe it would, but honestly, when you put that jersey on and you’re competing for a gold medal, you have blinders on. Once you put on your country’s jersey, everyone’s your opponent.

What helps you reset mentally when you’re away from the rink?

I realized I needed to find another hobby last year. Without being a student-athlete, you have a lot of spare time once you get home from the rink. I got really into reading with my roommates — we had a bit of a book club in New York. That kept my mind fresh away from the rink. I also got really into cooking and baking. I’m really into making sourdough right now.

...TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, SEEING MY FACE UP ON THE BIG SCREEN — I REMEMBER SHEDDING A FEW TEARS."

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COVER STORY

A SUPER FAST, SKILLED GAME WITH SOME GRITTINESS."

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How did the sourdough baking start?

It was more of a TikTok thing. I tried to make a sourdough starter from scratch based on TikTok videos, and it failed miserably. I ended up buying one from a local bakery, and it’s been really easy to make loaves. When we were staying in Airbnbs for Team Canada training camp, I would make a fresh loaf and bring it every time.

You’re roommates with teammates Ally and Elle, tell us more about this book club you have going on.

They got me into “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” We would sit in our living room and debrief every book that I read. Then we went to Mexico and we were all reading one book together while we were on vacation. We read “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” We were there for a week, me and Elle were racing to finish it in the first couple of days.

What’s your favourite thing about living so close to New York City?

I always thought of New York as this historic destination you see in TV shows and

movies. To live so close and have access to it is amazing.

On an off day, I love grabbing a coffee, walking the West Side Highway, seeing the 9/11 Memorial, visiting friends, trying new restaurants, getting a bagel, going for a walk.

It keeps my mind fresh and off hockey. At this point in my life, right out of college and being a pro, it’s such a cool situation.

What can fans expect from the Sirens this season?

A super fast, skilled game with some grittiness. That’s what we gained in the draft.

Our games are going to be entertaining, high-paced, and definitely have that New York grit. It’ll be exciting for fans to watch, especially in person at the arena.

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LIFESTYLE

CLIM B ING TH E HOC K E Y R AN K S

BY DAVID PAGNOTTA 48

ICE WARRIORS MAGAZINE

GROWING UP IN KANATA, ONTARIO, LINDSAY EASTWOOD DREAMT OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER AND FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HER UNCLE, AND LONG-TIME NHL VETERAN, MIKE EASTWOOD. As her game continuously evolved, from playing in Nepean to blossoming as a star defender with Syracuse University, Eastwood has achieved her goals and then some by climbing her way into the National Hockey League working with the Philadelphia Flyers.

I was fortunate enough to witness her part of her ascension to a professional hockey champion with the Toronto Six and her jump through Kitchener to Philadelphia while crossing paths in the NHL. Eastwood took some time out of her busy daily scheduled to chat with me about her rising career, the goals she has set, the message she has for young women eyeing a role in hockey, and much more.

1 You started your journey in professional hockey after becoming the all-time goals leader among defenders at Syracuse. How did that college experience prepare you for your three seasons with the Toronto Six? I think my time at Syracuse set me up both mentally and physically.

The schedule was fairly similar with only playing back-to-back games against the same team on weekends so we would spend all week prepping for that upcoming opponent. The resources at Syracuse were endless, as we had our own gym we could use 24/7, and flexible ice-time. Not to mention nutritionists, physical therapists, cold tubs, and recovery tools all at our fingertips. I truly felt like a pro before I went pro. >>

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LIFESTYLE

Off the ice, it helped me because like being a student athlete and balancing playing a sport and academics, I had to hold down a full-time job for my first two seasons with the Six. So I was already prepared for the grind of putting in work 9-5 and practicing and training either before work or after.

2 Not only did you score the first goal in Six franchise history, but you were also a major part in the club winning the Isobel Cup in 2023. Describe what that was like, being a part of a championship team.

It was awesome! Winning is obviously such a blast at any level, but this one was special. We had made good pushes in the playoffs in the previous two seasons, but we had finally gotten it done this time around. Our group was so strong from top to bottom. So many of those gals are still playing and ripping it up in the PWHL. Being part of women’s sports means you’re always contributing to something bigger than yourself, whether you’re playing or working in the game. That season, it really felt like we were helping move the sport forward – the salary cap was increasing, new sponsors were coming on board, and there was a growing sense of professionalism and recognition around the league. As one of the top teams in the league and playing in the hockey capital of the world, we felt a real responsibility to set the standard. That sense of community and shared purpose fueled us and gave us a lot of pride throughout the season.

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I also now like to say that I retired as a champion!

3 Your uncle, Mike, played in almost 800 games in the NHL. How much influence did he have on you becoming a professional hockey player, too?

Growing up when I was real young, I had always dreamed of playing in the NHL like him. I got to see him a few times when I was young – any time he would

play in Ottawa and once we went out to St. Louis. As I started to get a little older and colleges were showing interest in me, I would get his opinion on things.

I remember asking him for advice before going to college about training camp and how to get ready and so on. He had been through it all, so I obviously always trusted his word.

4 During the 2020 Stanley

Cup Playoffs, you were a correspondent for the Tampa Bay Times. We were two of a very few members of the media inside the Toronto bubble covering the games in person. What are some of your biggest takeaways from that?

That was such a cool experience for me. I was just a young, aspiring journalist at the time, trying to find my footing. I’ll never forget meeting you and Jackie

Redmond – I was honestly pretty starstruck. Later on, bonding over surviving that five-overtime marathon between the Lightning and Blue Jackets was unforgettable.

I learned a lot about how reporters think while serving as the Tampa Bay Times’ eyes and ears in the building. It completely changed how I watched the game, though I’ll admit I was taking notes on Victor Hedman – he’s the player I’ve always tried to model my game after as I was still playing at this time.

5 What drove you to joining the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers as their Manager of Communications and Team Services and hanging up your skates?

I was planning to play during the 2023-24 season and was going to sort of use that season to figure out what was next for me – I was hoping to have a job lined up by the end of that season. However, with the uncertainty of women's hockey in the summer of 2023, I threw my name in a hat for the Kitchener Rangers job and ended up getting it. At that point it

kind of felt like it was meant to be. I was ready to hang them up and start to elevate my career off the ice.

6 You are now in your second season as Manager of Hockey and Player Communications of the Philadelphia Flyers. How has this experience been like? What have been some of the biggest takeaways, so far?

Working for the Flyers has been a dream come true. Like I mentioned, I always dreamt of playing in the NHL, I got a little taste of playing pro, and now I feel like I have fulfilled that dream working in the NHL. It’s been eye-opening to see everything that goes into running an NHL team, especially one with the kind of history and tradition the Flyers have. I’ve learned so much about how things operate behind the scenes, particularly on the communications side, and it’s given me an even greater appreciation for the game.

7 Ten years ago, did you ever expect to be a part of an NHL franchise and taking your off-ice game to the next level?

I always hoped I’d end up in a role like this, but I can’t say I ever expected it.

I’m just really grateful that it worked out the way it did!

8 More and more women are entering the NHL in various roles, from inside communications to coaching to management.

What is your message to young girls thriving to be part of the hockey community on or off the ice?

My message is to never stop trying and never stop believing in yourself. Put in the work, stay chasing your goals, and trust that your hard work will pay off. There’s no single path to success in this game, but if you stay true to who you are and trust the process, opportunities will come.

Hockey needs passionate, hard-working people in every role, and there’s absolutely a place for you in it if you put the work in.

9 Have you been keeping tabs on the PWHL, and what have you noticed about their league's success as they start their third season?

Absolutely!

In their

inaugural season I went to a Toronto Scepters game and it was so cool to see everyone get behind these ladies and all they have worked for to get the recognition they deserve! It has been a long road for women in hockey, and I know they're not done yet changing the game for the better.

10 Do you have aspirations of entering into another area, perhaps within management, for an NHL or PWHL club?

I am always open minded when it comes to the future.

I think becoming a General Manager in the NHL or PWHL is my ultimate goal in my career. No matter where my career takes me, I just want to keep sharing what I’ve learned in hockey and give back to the women’s game as I continue to grow and gain experience.

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FEATURE

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BY JOLENE LATIMER

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FEATURE

WHEN NATALIE WHITE FOUNDED MOOLAH KICKS IN 2020,

she set out to solve a problem that had long been ignored: performance basketball shoes built specifically for women. As a former college athlete, White saw firsthand how the footwear industry was leaving women’s feet behind. Since its launch, Moolah Kicks has not only revolutionized how athletes view their gear but is also fueling the growth of women’s sports, particularly basketball. Today, Moolah Kicks can be found in more than 300 Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and the upstart brand has signed NIL deals with 80 college basketball players in addition to being the go-to footwear for WNBA star Courtney Williams. In this conversation, White takes us through the journey of building the brand, the challenges along the way, and where she sees women’s performance footwear going next.

IW: How did you first realize the lack of footwear designed specifically for women?

White: It started when I was picking out sneakers for my senior year at Boston College. I saw an ad with four WNBA players holding up shoes named after NBA players.

I realized women were wearing shoes designed for men or unisex shoes. A quick search showed that wearing shoes not made for

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IT’S BEEN GRATIFYING TO SEE THE GROWTH OF MOOLAH, BOTH IN TERMS OF OUR PRODUCTS AND THE SUPPORT WE’RE GETTING FROM OUR CUSTOMERS." women’s feet increases the risk of knee, ankle, and leg injuries. Women’s feet are different, and that affects performance. It wasn't just the social implications of women's hoopers wearing shoes named after someone else, there's also a serious performance implication.

Our feet are different in five key areas. Essentially, we have a higher arch, slimmer width of the foot, more narrower heel, and then there are two differences in the toe box, and that is one on the top side of your foot.

Women’s sports, especially basketball, has grown significantly in recent years. What have those changes meant for Moolah Kicks?

It's just night and day.

It's so funny, because I feel like some people say, ‘Oh my God, you were really here at the perfect time.’ No one was saying that in 2020 when I started. The world of women's basketball just looked so different. We had

a lot of love for Moolah back then, and it's something that we're really grateful to continue to have. But the world around us of women's basketball has just exploded.

I think it's been gratifying.

We're very grateful for how much it's grown in terms of popularity and awareness because that means there's increased investment and exposure for the sport.

What are some of the challenges you're still facing?

The biggest challenge is education. A lot of young players don’t realize their feet are different from men’s. They see athletes wearing certain shoes, but they don’t know those shoes aren’t made for their feet.

They don’t understand how wearing the wrong shoes increases their risk of injury.

While awareness of women’s sports is growing, there’s still a gap in understanding the importance of proper footwear.

Is that lack of awareness something you see even in the pros?

Even in the WNBA, probably something close to 85% of shoes aren’t made for women’s feet. The issue really comes down to awareness.

People see shoes worn by female athletes and assume they’re made for women, but that’s not always the

case. We focus on grassroots marketing, partnering with local organizations and doing face-to-face education. We also collaborate with schools and leagues to educate players early on about the importance of wearing the right shoes.

Five years ago, you started this company by yourself.

Now, you’re leading a team. What’s that transition been like?

It’s been rewarding. As a founder, it can feel lonely at times, but bringing in the right people has allowed us to move faster and improve the product. It’s been

gratifying to see the growth of Moolah, both in terms of our products and the support we’re getting from our customers.

I understand Moolah Kicks has partnered with the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. How did that come about?

Yes, we’ve partnered with the Hall of Fame to provide custom sneakers to inductees over the last few years. It’s an honor to be involved with such an important institution in women’s basketball. We even have a small display at the Hall of Fame, which is

amazing. We are a piece of women's basketball history, because never before has there been a startup brand that has kind of had such a big footprint so quickly.

With luxury brands entering women’s sports, how do you feel about the competition?

We’re excited about it because it means more attention is being paid to women’s sports. Luxury brands like Tiffany and Louis Vuitton are not making performance gear, so we’re not in direct competition. We’re focused on performance footwear,

and we’re happy to see the space growing. It’s all about raising awareness, and we’re thrilled to be a part of that movement.

What are your hopes for Moolah Kicks and women’s basketball in the next year?

I hope to see even more growth in the fan base of women’s basketball. We need to continue to inspire young girls to get involved in the sport. For Moolah, we want to be on the feet of those new players, as well as the seasoned veterans who have supported the sport from the beginning.

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TRAVEL

SEATTLE A DYNAMIC FUSION OF CULTURE, NATURE, AND SPORTS

eattle, often celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant urban life, offers a diverse array of experiences for every kind of traveler. At the heart of the city’s skyline stands the iconic Space Needle, where a visit promises not just spectacular 360-degree views, but also an exhilarating ride in its glass elevators and the fascinating experience of its revolving glass floor.

A short distance away, the eclectic charm of Pike Place Market beckons. This historic market is a sensory delight, with vendors offering everything from fresh seafood to artisan crafts. Witness the famous fish throw and explore the many stalls that tell a story of Seattle's rich culinary and cultural traditions.

For art and history enthusiasts, the Museum of Pop Culture is an architectural marvel dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary culture. Just nearby, the Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases a vibrant collection of glass sculptures that amaze with their complexity and beauty.

Seattle's connection to the great outdoors is never far. Discovery Park, the city’s largest green space, offers an escape into nature with its serene walking trails, beaches, and views of the rugged Olympic Mountains.

Adding a thrilling dimension to Seattle’s sports scene is the new excitement around the PWHL team. Playing at the refurbished Climate

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Pledge Arena, these athletes deliver impressive performances that resonate with both new and longtime fans. Players like Hannah Brandt, Lee Stecklein and Annie Pankowski embody the spirit and skill of women’s professional hockey, drawing crowds and boosting the city's sporting reputation.

Seattle’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and passionate sporting community makes it a compelling destination. Whether you’re exploring its iconic landmarks or joining the enthusiastic supporters at a game, Seattle invites you to experience its vibrant tapestry firsthand.

VANCOUVER A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF NATURE, INNOVATION, AND PWHL EXCITEMENT

estled between the majestic Coastal Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver captivates with its stunning natural setting and cosmopolitan charm. A visit to the city wouldn't be complete without exploring the lush expanses of Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre haven where you can stroll along the scenic Seawall or explore its enchanting forest trails and discover the park’s hidden gems like the iconic totem poles.

For breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an exhilarating walk among the treetops, allowing visitors to experience the rainforest’s breathtaking scale and beauty from a unique vantage point.

Vancouver is a cultural mosaic, as illustrated by the vibrant neighborhoods of Granville Island. Here, artisan shops, galleries, and the bustling Public Market showcase the city’s thriving arts and local culinary scene.

Within the city's architectural marvels, the Vancouver Art Gallery holds an impressive collection of national and international works, offering insights into historical and contemporary art across diverse cultures.

Adding excitement to the city’s diverse portfolio is the presence of its PWHL team.

Hitting the ice at Rogers Arena, these athletes bring dynamic energy and skill, embodying the power and grace of women in professional hockey. Stars like Emily Clark, Erin Ambrose, and Blayre Turnbull are at the forefront of this electrifying movement, inspiring both new and seasoned fans with their dedication and prowess on the ice.

Vancouver’s allure extends beyond its scenic landscapes. Its harmonious blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experience, and the fervor surrounding its PWHL team offers a diverse array of encounters that captivate both locals and visitors alike. Whether exploring its natural wonders or cheering at a thrilling game, Vancouver invites everyone to embrace its vibrant tapestry.

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LAST CALL

proper training environments, and an unwavering commitment to elevating women’s hockey.

Stars like Natalie Spooner, Laura Stacey, Emma Maltais and Sarah Fillier are already embracing the spotlight, and the next wave of draft talent, both now entering the league and coming in 2026 is adding a new level of excitement to the game.

THE BUSINESS SIDE: A HOT MARKET WITH NO SIGNS OF COOLING PHOTO COURTESY OF PWHL

A NEW ERA BEGINS:

THE PWHL EXPANDS, ELEVATES,

BY DALLAS KNOWLES AND ELECTRIFIES

BY DALLAS KNOWLES

he Professional Women’s Hockey League is stepping into its most ambitious chapter yet, and fans across North America can feel the shift. With the additions of the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes, the PWHL’s momentum has officially moved from “rising” to unmistakably unstoppable.

After back-to-back seasons defined by sold out arenas, fierce rivalries and record-breaking viewership, the league’s expansion feels less like an experiment and more like an evolution. This is what growth looks like when a league is built on elite talent, powerful storytelling, and the energy of a fanbase that’s been waiting far too long for this moment.

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NEW CITIES, NEW RIVALRIES, NEW POSSIBILITIES The addition of two new PWHL markets has instantly reshaped the map of women’s hockey. Both Seattle and Vancouver bring a unique identity, a new fan culture, and fresh opportunities to show what professional women’s hockey can look like when it thrives at the highest level.

With the anticipation of more expansion around the corner, fans are preparing to welcome new teams with open arms (and loud arenas).

A LEAGUE BUILT ON TALENT AND PURPOSE The PWHL’s success has never been accidental. It’s the product of worldclass athletes who have dominated the international stage, combined with a league structure built to last: fair pay,

Expansion isn’t just a win for sports fans, it’s a win for the business community. New teams mean new partnerships, new media opportunities, and new attention on markets that are embracing women’s sports like never before.

Merch is selling out. Season tickets are climbing. Social channels are exploding. The PWHL brand is becoming culturally relevant – not just sport relevant – and that’s the kind of momentum that changes leagues forever.

WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS This isn’t simply expansion, it’s validation. Proof that when women’s sports are properly invested in, supported, and marketed, the demand is undeniable.

The PWHL’s next chapter will be competitive, loud and gamechanging. New cities. New stars.

New fans. A bigger stage for athletes who have earned every inch of it.

And for everyone watching, one thing is crystal clear: Women’s hockey isn’t the future, it’s the now. And it’s never been brighter.

YOUR GAME DAY DESTINATION IS ONLY A SLAP SHOT AWAY. T-Mobile ® Arena’s closest neighbor, Park MGM, is the hockey destination to sleep, eat, drink and watch your favorite team.

Book your stay at parkmgm.com

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