Hello ICE WARRIORS family,
I am genuinely excited to share some updates as we unveil our third issue. With one more issue to go this season, what a phenomenal year it has been for Ice Warriors and the PWHL! As we head towards the playoffs, there is a buzz of excitement and anticipation. I cannot help but be enthusiastic about what the next season will bring.
The upcoming PWHL Draft in June is another thrilling chapter. It is always inspiring to see new talent join the ranks and bring fresh energy to the game. This Draft promises to introduce the next group of exceptional players who will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s hockey.
We are also working on a special Summer issue that I am sure you will enjoy. It is a labour of love, and we are eager to share it with you.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, our subscribers, and our incredible team— Dallas, Danijela, Dave and Mike—for their unwavering support. A special shoutout to Rogue Media for coming onboard and believing in what we are building.
Thank you all for being such a vital part of this journey. Your support and enthusiasm mean everything to us
Warmest regards,
AMY KNOWLES PRESIDENT, ICE WARRIORS
PROUDLY CANADIAN OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 2010
PRO STOCK
GEAR IN OVER 30
COLOURWAYS
WORLD’S LARGEST SELECTION OF PRO STOCK STICKS
DEPARTMENTS
SHOE GAME
Elevate your shoe collection with the latest from Geox.
VACATION ESCAPE
Book your next trip to Fort Lauderdale and work on your tan lines at the Marriott Harbor Resort & Spa.
22
OPENING FACEOFF
Latest intel and tidbits from around the game.
HOME ICE ADVANTAGE
Upgrade your home with the latest from Shark for the ultimate home ice advantage.
24
PREGAME PREP
Take your pregame meal to another level with some of these products from Ninja.
SPORTS HAVEN
Embrace your sports desires and enjoy your next sports roadtrip in Denver. 30
SHINE ON!
An inside look at Bluboho’s spring jewelry collection. 56
58
LAST CALL
This season’s Takeover Tour could shed some light on which city is in line for a PWHL team.
TIKTOK MAGIC
Gabi Gibson, the TikTok Goalie from Alaska, is one of the hockey’s biggest influencers.
Natalie Spooner continues to dominate the game on and off the ice.
SPRING TRENDS
Stylist Sydney Weiner shares the ultimate spring fashion guide. 32
CELEBRITY
Canadian artist Dani Doucette explains why she is Fearless.
JOCKS IN JILLS
Tessa Bonhomme and Julia Tocheri have become household names across the PWHL.
PRESIDENT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT, BRAND
LEAD DESIGNER
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
AMY KNOWLES
DAVID PAGNOTTA
DALLAS KNOWLES
DANIJELA GRBAVAC
STEPHANIE PAGNOTTA
MIKE JACKSON
VICTORIA MATIASH
PARISA SHOBBAR
JACI SOLOMON
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
NICOLE DE KHORS
BRAULIO ROCHA
GETTY IMAGES
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
PUBLISHED BY
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cover: Natalie Spooner
Photographed by Nicole De Khors
Styled by Sydney Weiner
Location: Deer Lady, Toronto
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.
SALES@THEICEWARRIORS.CA
ICE WARRIORS MEDIA GROUP
MAGAZINE@THEICEWARRIORS.CA
Annual subscription rate: $24.95 Single copy cover price: $7.95
Subscriptions available at www.theicewarriors.ca
Ice Warriors™ is a registered trademark. Printed in Canada
© Ice Warriors Media Group
bauerhockey
BAUER Hockeyl
Stretching in style
@hannahbilka19 x @bauerhockey apparel
aerin.frankel
Aerin Frankel
I bet you can guess what I’m listening to Hint: It’s @hannahbrandt22's favorite song
oliviaknowles99
Olivia Knowles
Always a pleasure, Buffalo @buffalobills @nflcanada
FROM THE GRAM
anastasure
Anastasia Bucsis
Just 2 kids living their dream jobs #pwhl
grantmentis
Maggie Connors taking it out west
Taylor Heise roadtrip recap, honestly the opposite of R&R mconnors22
taylorheise9
Mikyla Grant-Mentis (Buckey) Recent Fits
cassiecampbell77
Cassie Campbell-Pascall
Thanks to @nhlflames for celebrating #IWD A pleasure to meet @calgarywildfc
Head Coach @lydiabedford87 and catch up with @rjohnst6
Celebrate each other every day. @northernsuperleague
TOP PERFORMERS
The 2024-25 season has produced some incredible moments, so let’s take a look at the top performers, thus far: NEW YORK SIRENS
MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE
The top draft pick in 2024 is living up to the hype and taking the PWHL by storm. Fillier is in the top-5 in the league in goals, assists and scoring and locks to be a lock to win the PWHL Rookie of the Year Award.
BOSTON FLEET
ANN-RENÉE DESBIENS
Desbiens leads the PWHL in every goaltending category and is one of the main reasons why the Victoire is on top of the league standings. Montréal will need Ann-Renée at her best if they want to make a long playoff run.
MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE
HILARY KNIGHT
Knight’s performance so far this season underscores her overall leadership and contribution to the game and solidifying herself as one of the top female players of all time. The league points leader had a career game in March, scoring her first hat trick and 4-point game. In addition, Knight will represent the USA in the Women’s World Championship for the 15th time.
MARIE-PHILIP POULIN
The Montréal captain has been red hot on the scoresheet this season leading the PWHL in goals. Poulin will be leading the charge for the Victoire in the final portion of the season and playoffs. She has also been a key member of national team and will once again represent Canada at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Cup.
SARAH FILLIER
2024-25 ATTENDANCE SURPASSES INAUGURAL SEASON
7,365
Average fans per game this season, up from 5,500 in the previous season
115,023
Total number of fans who have attended the 8 Takeover Tour games so far this season
14,018
Attendance total for Takeover Tour game in Denver, Colorado setting new US attendance record which was passed 2 months later in Detroit where 14,288 took in a game at Little Caesar’s Arena
9,142
Average number of fans per game in Toronto, who leads the PWHL in overall attendance
The inaugural season of the PWHL was a huge success in terms of attendance and fan involvement, and this season is already breaking new records.
SEASON ATTENDANCE HIGHLIGHTS:
19,038
Fans in attendance at Rogers Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia to watch Toronto and Montreal play
529,844
Total number of fans for the first 72 PWHL regular season games this season
1,001,648
The PWHL has surpassed the 1 million fan mark since its inception in January 2024
PURE PLAYMAKER
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Shark HydroDuo™ with DirtReveal Technology™ cordless hard floor cleaning system that picks up both wet and dry debris, mops, and scrubs – all at once, ideal for everyday, grab-and-go cleaning. Tackle stuck-on messes with the on-demand spray or pick up dry messes and debris without having to wet your floors.
PRO ROBOT
The PowerDetect™ NeverTouch™ Pro robot vacuum and mop is designed to capture more, reach farther, and need you less. After every cleaning run, the robot will return to the NeverTouch™ Pro base to empty debris, refill the water tank, and wash and dry the mopping pad so it’s always ready for its next clean – maintenance-free cleaning for up to a month.
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POWERDETECT
The Shark® PowerDetect™ Clean & Empty features the best debris pickup of any cordless vacuum with an Auto-Empty System that charges & empties after every clean.
STAINSTRIKER
The Shark StainStriker PX200C is a dual-action portable spot & stain eliminator that instantly & permanently removes tough odors. Dual-activated solution for 20X more stain-striking power throughout your home: carpets, area rugs, upholstery & more.
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BE YOUR OWN BARISTA
The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System allows you to brew with your favourite single-serve espresso capsules and coffee grounds. Brew a Classic, Rich, or Iced Coffee in up to 9 brew sizes from cup to carafe or brew an Espresso, Lungo, or Over Ice single-serve espresso with your favorite espresso capsules.
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Meet the Ninja Double Oven, the countertop toaster oven with the power of two ovens in the counter space of one. The FlexDoor™ creates 2 separate ovens so you can cook 2 meals, 2 ways at different temperatures and cooking times. Sync both independent ovens to cook a full meal that finishes at the same time with Smart Finish™ technology. $449.99
FEEL THE POWER
Ninja Foodi™ Power Blender & Processor System with Smoothie Bowl Maker and Nutrient Extractor has Variable Speed Control with smartTORQUE™ to power through. Power Blender & Processor Pitcher is a blender, bowl maker, food processor, and dough mixer.
TWO-ON-ONE
Meet the Ninja DoubleStack™ 2-Basket Air Fryer, the only stacked 2-basket air fryer that can cook up to 4 foods at once. Maximizing counter space and giving you the power and capacity of 2 air fryers in the footprint of one, you can cook more food in a smaller footprint – easily fits 2lbs of wings in each drawer.
ON THE GO
The Ninja Blast™ Portable Blender brings high-speed Ninja blending power on the go with a cordless, handheld design. The 18-oz. vessel is perfect for smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen drinks.
10-IN-1
Meet the Ninja® Foodi® Dual Heat Air Fry Oven: the air fry oven that sears, crisps, and flips up and away. Unlock up to 500°F with the directly heated high-density pan and $89.99
IMMERSION BLENDER
With the Ninja Foodi® Power Mixer System, you can tackle all your essential food prep tasks in no time. Simply connect the 650-watt PowerBase™ with one of two attachments to transform it into whatever you need it to be. Mix, whisk, and blend –all in one.
SIZZLING INDOOR ACTION
Meet the Ninja Sizzle™, the compact indoor grill that high-heat sears and sizzles your favourite meals right from your countertop. Reaching temps up to 500°F, achieve the perfect char-grilled marks with direct, edge-toedge even heat.
ESCAPETO
FORT LAUDERDALE
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA
ort Lauderdale is well-known for its fun-filled beaches, arts and culture, endless events, and its ever-growing hockey community, thanks in large part to the recent success of the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals to fine dining all over town, Fort Lauderdale is the ideal getaway destination. With 24 miles of golden sandy shores, the options here are endless.
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is an oasis situated right on its own private beach; you can easily spend your entire trip at this outstanding hotel resort. Located within minutes of Fort Lauderdale International Airport, this little piece of paradise boasts a lagoon-style pool, day-time activities such as jet skiing
and beach volleyball, multiple dining options – try the charred octopus – and a luxurious spa.
If you want to venture off property, you are minutes away from Las Olas Boulevard, multiple golf courses, amazing restaurants, a bright shopping district and 25 minutes from Amerant Bank Arena.
Fort Lauderdale was also home to this April’s Women’s CAN/AM Challenge Cup at the IceDen, which boasts three NHLsize rinks.
Whether you are booking your next vacation or heading down for hockey tournament, you can’t go wrong with trip to FLL. And make sure you lock in your accommodations at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and choose from one of their ocean view guest rooms or upgrade to one of their many suites.
SPORTS HEAVEN STARTS AT THE THOMSPON DENVER
Denver boasts some of the most passionate sports fans in the United States. Home to the Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Rapids, Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets, catching a sporting event in the Mile High City is quite the experience. A recordsetting (at the time) 14,018 fans also took in the Minnesota Frost’s 4-2 win over the Montreal Victoire in the third game of the PWHL Takeover Tour at Ball Arena in January.
But taking in a game or two is only part of your itinerary. Where you stay can make or break any trip. Without the proper accommodations, your excitement levels can drop from 100 to 0 in the snap of a finger. Luckily, when you book your next sportscation to Colorado,
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA
you need not stay anywhere else but Thomspon Denver.
Located in the heart of the city’s history LoDo neighbourhood, Thompson Denver is situated in a vibrant community within walking distance of both Coors Field and Ball Arena and countless restaurants and shops. The boutique hotel features exquisite French dining at Chez Maggy, a lively sixth-floor lounge called Reynard Social, delicious pastries and coffee at Duel Coffee, modernly luxurious rooms and suites, and fully equipped fitness studio.
If you are interested in taking your sports trip experience to the next level, booking your stay at Thomspon Denver is Step 1 of a lifetime of memories.
THOMPSON DENVER
1616 MARKET ST, DENVER, CO 80202 303-572-1321
CHEZ MAGGY CHEZMAGGYDENVER.COM
In a city that celebrates new experiences, treat yourself to a masterclass of French cuisine courtesy of internationally celebrated French chef Ludo Lefebvre. The baguettes are heavenly fresh, the escargots will blow you away, the scallops melt in your mouth, and the lamb chops have taken up residency in my memory.
REYNARD SOCIAL REYNARDSOCIAL.COM
With a wide array of cocktails, this fun and popular lounge has an excellent view of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. I started off with a dirty martini but explored their creative menu over the course of my stay. You won’t have to travel far to find the perfect pre or postgame spot.
STYLIST SYDNEY WEINER OFFERS
UP THIS SPRING'S HOTTEST LOOKS AND TRENDS
THE CORD NECKLACE
Biko
The resurgence of 90’s fashion is making its way into the jewelry world with the pendant cord necklace, but with a modern edge. The sculptural pebble shape is the new “it” centrepiece that gives your basics that extra oomph. With adjustable lengths, this necklace is one that can be constantly reinvented.
BUTTER YELLOW
Aligne
Pastels are a spring staple, but this season’s standout is butter yellow. A soft, creamy hue that acts as a neutral, it offers minimalists a subtle and sophisticated way to embrace color. Expect to see it popping into every on-trend category— tailored shirts, light knits, waisted blazers, ballet flats, and more.
THE CAPE
Sentaler
Perfect for that in-between weather, the cape has become the fashion superhero of the season. Its flowy silhouette makes it an effortless layering piece that embodies the quiet luxury aesthetic. From wool to leather and trench-inspired designs, this draped style shows its versatility across various fabrics and cuts.
Asymmetrical skirts are the hem of the season, adding a bold flair to your wardrobe. Whether it's a high-low hem, angled cut, or unexpected draping, this shape brings a dynamic silhouette that plays with movement and dimension. From solid and plaids to pleated and ruffled, this more whimsical style is a day-to-night favourite.
THE ASYMMETRICAL SKIRT
Beaufille
A nautical-inspired palette is a classic signal of spring, but this year we’re embracing the maritime look with fresh takes on the Breton striped top. From bold to thin stripes, and navy, white, and beyond, the relaxed, less preppy Breton tee evokes a coastal vibe and seaside charm, no matter your locale.
THE SHORT SLEEVE BLAZER SET 5
Bringing a sharp twist to warmer-weather dressing, the short-sleeve blazer set dials into the suiting era. A nod to structured sophistication, this trend blends tailored elegance with breezy short sleeves for a cool, contemporary update. Pair with matching shorts or wideleg trousers for a polished yet playful and comfortable look.
Doen CHECKS AND
PLAIDS
While often associated with fall, checks, plaids, and geometric patterns are entering spring with a softer touch. Moving past traditional flannel, lighter fabrics, voluminous cuts and countryside-chic color palettes transform these prints into more feminine pieces that can be styled with contrasting patterns to add personality.
Adding to the spring outerwear collection, the timeless trench coat has been reimagined in a shorter shape—though shorter, its impact is big. Trimming a few inches off the traditional length gives it a sportier, more casual look with extra volume up top, while the tie waist balances proportions.
Smythe
Geox® SPHERICA PLUS WOMAN: Light Taupe/Light gold fabric sneakers | Geox®
The Anyweco Trench is the ultimate piece for city life! This 2-1 trench has it all: a sleek silhouette crafted from a cottonnylon blend and features a detachable quilted inner vest, filled with EcologicWARM down – a nod to Geox’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. It offers extraordinary levels of breathability and comfort whatever the weather thanks to an aeration tape on the shoulders and the waterproof windproof lining. The perfect plus-one to any Spring look.
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Geox® ANYWECO WOMAN: Oxford tan trench coat | Geox®
The Spherica™ Sneaker was originally introduced in 2021 and quickly become a worldwide icon due to its ultra-cushioning soles and sport-chic styling. This SS25 season, Geox introduces the newest evolution, Spherica™ Plus. Now featuring Fast-In Heel Technology enhanced by elasticized laces, you can quickly and easily put these sneakers on without using your hands. Just slip on and go!
THE SPHERICA™ ECUB-1 SNEAKER
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The Spherica™ Ecub-1 Sneaker has all the classic comfort benefits of Spherica™ technology but now takes on the style of a chic city sneaker! Crafted in a super supple tumbled leather, this lightweight sneaker features Geox’s revolutionary Zero Shock System sole – meaning the utmost flexibility and comfort as you walk, while always guaranteeing breathability. It’s perfect go-to shoe for any off-duty occasion.
THE SPHERICA EC4.1 S WEDGE SANDAL
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This chic platform sandal is minimal yet impactful: featuring a metallic-leather upper, with crossover detailing at the toe, it rests on a super light chunky sole. Guaranteed to offer enhanced comfort due to the Zero Shock System sole, the adjustable strap allows you to always have the perfect fit. Breathable & ultra-cushioning, this sandal is the ultimate in summer style!
4 2 3
THE SPHERICA™ EC1 LOAFER
Geox® SPHERICA EC1 WOMAN: Papyrus leather loafers | Geox®
The comfort of a sneaker dressed in the style of a loafer! Not to be outdone, the Spherica™ EC1 puts a modern spin on the classic loafer. Featuring the same Zero Shock System ultra-cushioning sole, the slim profile paired with a tumbled leather upper offers a chic and elevated look. And as always, Geox's patented Respira™ Technology provides breathability and a comfortable climate for the foot all day.
JOCK JILLS
THE PODCAST OF THE WOMEN'S GAME
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAULIO ROCHA
he Jocks In Jills podcast has taken the PWHL community by storm since Tessa Bonhomme and Julia Tocheri first brainstormed the idea and brought it to life in early-2024. Generating millions of views on TikTok and expanding its reach across YouTube, X, Instagram and other platforms, it continues to rank among Canada’s Top 10 Hockey Podcasts and is the premier podcast in women’s hockey.
Julia and Tessa took the time to chat with us about the podcast’s growth, jumping on with the PWHL, the growth of the League and women’s hockey, and so much more.
1. How did the concept for the Jocks In Jills podcast originate? Who came up with the idea to put this in motion and how did you team up?
Julia: Tess and I have loved talking hockey together since we covered the 2021 Worlds in Calgary for TSN. It was a bubble and Tessa was pregnant, but somehow we managed to have a bunch of fun. We’ve both always felt that women’s hockey needed to be covered a little bit differently – we wanted something that helped fans get to know players on a human level and felt a little less formal. Tessa called me when the league was launched with the idea of starting a podcast. Honestly, my first thought was, “everyone has a podcast.” We’ve kept that in mind as we’ve built to try and set ourselves apart from everything else on the market.
Tessa: Julia and I were both a bit frustrated with the lack of and type of coverage of the PWHL and wanted to do something about it. I had tossed Julia a text wanting to chat about PWHL and she responded with “what you want to do a podcast?” From there it took no time for us to figure out the name and a concept and the rest is history. I do have to say though, we owe a lot of thanks to the women who play. They took time out of their days to record with us even when we had
zero followers and no likes. As far as teaming up, Julia and I hit it off from day one. I noticed just how hard she worked, and how much she cared about the game and the players. Her knowledge was impressive, plus she’s from Northern Ontario so she earned massive points there.
2. Did you expect the podcast to be an immediate success, like it was?
Julia: The more we talked about it and the more market research we did, yes. This wasn’t another hockey podcast, this was going to be the only show in the space doing what we’re doing, and people were hungry for it. Even now, when people discover the show, we’ll often hear, ‘wow, this is exactly what I was looking for!’ so we’ve really been able to fulfill a need for fans.
Tessa: We weren’t sure, but to us it didn’t matter. We just wanted to give the women and the game the coverage it deserved. We always knew there was an appetite for the women’s game out there. It would just take time for people to find us.
3. As all things evolve, including women's hockey, so did Jocks In Jills, now under the PWHL umbrella. How did that come to fruition, and did you ever anticipate not only that happening, but effectively becoming the media faces of the League?
Julia: We definitely never anticipated being part of the League. As the show started to gain momentum last season, there was a thought of, ‘oh, maybe we can make this more of a full time thing’. At the time, my job was more 9-5 with TSN’s content team at BarDown, and Tessa’s schedule was the exact opposite grinding the 6-2 night shift on SportsCentre. Mix in the fact that I was also doing games in the evening and Tessa’s family... we were recording at some hilarious times but still getting out content people were enjoying. We were approached by a couple of different interested parties over the summer, but conversations with the League happened organically. They wanted to know how they could help make coverage easier for us
and how they could get involved, and it eventually led to this really incredible partnership.
Tessa: It honestly happened over a beer. I was chatting with Amy Scheer about life and mental health and work life balance, and we ended up in conversation about the podcast being a league entity. We assumed eventually someone would want to acquire us, but not after the first year. So, it was a nice boost in confidence that there was interest there.
4. What have you both witnessed over the first two seasons of the PWHL with respect to the growth of the game, the sellout crowds, the tour? What does that say about the desire for more women's coverage?
Julia: The demand for Jocks in Jills/women’s hockey content and how much people know about us in arena will never not be shocking to me! We had people quoting Shoresy to Tessa in Seattle! The excitement over expansion has also been really promising for me. The Takeover Tour make it very obvious that desire is there, but the thirst for more teams already has been wild to me.
Tessa:
“FOR MYSELF, THE DESIRE AND APPETITE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE, IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF HAVING THE RIGHT PLATFORM AND BUSINESS PLAN IN PLACE TO EXECUTE THESE THINGS SO THE FANS COULD ENJOY IT.”
It does nothing but make me smile ear to ear. My heart is full seeing rinks sell out, kids wearing the jerseys, seeing the highlights from the games in the morning. All things that should have been commonplace years back, are finally commonplace now.
5. Tessa, reflecting back on your playing days from college to Team Canada and all in between, what are some of your top highlights from your playing career?
Tessa: I feel like I categorize them
...it really does feel like I’ve landed exactly where I was meant to be...”
because they each hold a special place in my hockey journey. From playing outdoor hockey with the boys, to playing with girls for the Lady Wolves, to The Ohio State University, the Toronto Furies in the PWHL and of course Team Canada, they all have their moments. I think the most beautiful thing about them is that I keep in touch with a lot of friends from every team. But winning the Clarkson Cup in 2014 with the Toronto Furies and Vancouver 2010 definitely hold top spot.
6. As a follow up, did you envision a league dedicated to the women's game to have the amount of immediate success as we are witnessing in the PWHL?
Tessa: I knew a true professional league would have success, I just wasn’t sure if it would be immediate like it was. But then again, we all knew there was an appetite, the game just needed the proper platform and backing.
7. Julia, since jumping into the media landscape with TSN & BarDown, can you touch on your trajectory and how it has lead to being part of such an amazing podcast and being part of the PWHL?
Julia: I started at TSN as a social media intern and at the time, the CWHL was still in its final years of operation. I remember covering the last CWHL final from TSN’s office
and really feeling good that I was making sure the network was giving women’s hockey its airtime, and we were really lucky at the BarDown team for the freedom we had to create and cover what we wanted. My original dream was to be an SC anchor or Leafs reporter and I was so lucky to host SC, work multiple World Championships, World Juniors, Memorial Cups, and even have my own Leafs show during my time at TSN. My proudest point from those years, though, was the brand that we built with BarDown. I’ve applied similar principles when building Jocks in Jills and it really does feel like I’ve landed exactly where I was meant to be and all the experiences I’ve had have led me to this.
8. Follow up: Any exciting concepts you are putting together for the PWHL fans from a coverage perspective (you don't need to go into specifics)?
Julia: Fans can expect the Jocks in Jills + PWHL Media House network to grow! Expect in-depth coverage from
each individual market and more personalities soon.
9. With expansion on the horizon in the PWHL, where would you both like to see the League in the next five years?
Julia:
“IN FIVE YEARS, I’D LOVE TO SEE THE LEAGUE AROUND EIGHT TEAMS WITH A FEEDER SYSTEM IN PLACE AND A NATIONAL TV RIGHTS DEALS IN BOTH CANADA AND THE USA.”
Tessa: In Oahu, with a team named the Orca’s, obviously. All jokes aside, I’d like to see the League thriving, with the salary cap growing and the pace of play continuing to climb year after year.
10. Finally, best chirp you’ve ever dished out or received on the pod?
Julia: So, I’m really short and I have huge feet. Like, size-9 girls. Anytime the boots get chirped, it kills me.
Tessa: Ouuuu we do have fun… but there are too many to choose, you’ll have to listen to pick your own.
BALANCING ACT
NATALIE SPOONER IS MASTERING SUCCESS AT HOME AND AT THE RINK
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DE KHORS
STYLED BY SYDNEY WEINER HAIR & MAKEUP BY SANDRA YANG
...there’s so many people that want to support women’s hockey...”
Coming out of college, where she spent her time playing hockey at The Ohio State University, Natalie Spooner had a decision to make: continue down the path of pursuing her hockey dream or shift her focus to another passion and go to med school.
Two
Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, three World Championship gold medals, the inaugural PWHL Billie Jean King MVP, and many additional accolades and records later, it is clear Spooner chose the right direction.
But at the time of writing the next chapter of her career, the professional hockey avenue was not very concrete and a tough call had to be made.
“I think, for me, coming out of university, there was a CWHL, but it really wasn’t a full-time job, and I think that was probably a pretty pivotal moment in my career –whether I was going to continue playing hockey or go on and get a job,” Spooner explained. “I went to school for nutritional pre-med, so thinking I may want to go to med school. So, it’s kind of like, ‘Okay, let’s give it a shot, see if I can make the Olympic team.’ If that happens, then who knows? And if I don't make it, then maybe I go to school route.
“Luckily, I made the team in 2014 and just kept playing hockey from there, but it’s kind of been a whirlwind, but a lot of fun.”
The evolution of the women’s game has been well documented. The growth and popularity of the PWHL has been evident from Day 1 and with expansion on the horizon, it’s only going to continue to climb upward.
With such a large spotlight placed on the PWHL and its players, the ability to highlight the personalities of the athletes is something the teams are taking advantage of, and it is something Spooner has continued to embrace since it first dawned on her when she was part of the second season of The Amazing Race Canada.
“After the 2014 Olympics, I got to go on Amazing Race and I think with where women’s hockey was, it was really a cool experience for me and it’s amazing that people get to see, who we are behind the mask and our personalities, what other things we’re into other than just hockey – because I don’t think people really got to know us or see us other than every four years at the Olympics. So, for me that that was a huge moment and then going into the 2018 Olympics, being able to show us wearing dresses and wearing all these different things was a pretty quick and fun experience.”
WITH THE LEAGUE SUPPORTING ITS ATHLETES PERSONAL PROMOTION, WHICH TIES INTO THE PROMOTION OF THE GAME ITSELF, IT’S NO WONDER WHY PEOPLE ARE SELLING OUT EVERY ARENA.
“I think the PWHL was something that we wanted, and we pushed for so long – kind of the reason why we did all these extra things to try to promote ourselves but also try to promote women’s hockey in general and push the sport forward,” Spooner said. “It was pretty amazing that I am still here and get to play in this amazing league that we
wanted for so long, and that all those little girls can have that dream of playing professional women’s hockey and I think we saw from Year One that it was bigger and better than any of us would have thought. In Year Two, I think it’s exceeding that, still. It’s pretty cool to see where this league can go. And that we’re only at the beginning of it.”
With
how successful the 2024-25 Takeover Tour was – and the likelihood the PWHL expands to two of those markets for next season – the PWHL has captivated an audience that thirsts for more of the women’s game. While Spooner wasn’t able to participate in any of Toronto’s games on the tour, as she was rehabbing her knee injury, she still watched how special the games meant to the fans across North America.
“Just getting to watch the games on T.V. and see the turnouts and there’s so many people, it just shows that there’s so many people that want to support women’s hockey and want to come out and watch women’s hockey,” she said. “I think probably in like 10-15 years, we’ll
look back at some of those little girls that got to come out and watch those games – they might have been inspired to want to play in the PWHL – and I’m sure we’re going to have one of those girls back dressed up, maybe as a hometown team in that market, maybe for the Sceptres or the Victoire, who knows?”
wasn’t until the first game Spooner played inside the Mattamy Centre in Toronto in Year One that she started to understand how special the PWHL already was.
“I think we all hoped for the best, but you don’t really know when you’re starting something new, how it’s going to go and it did come together so quickly,” she said. “I think in that first game when the crowd we had at Mattamy and Billy Jean King coming out and dropping the punk and just the energy that was in that building, for me, that moment was like, ‘wow, this is really happening.’ I think after that first game I knew it was going to be something really special, but then it was like the wild thing was every single game it was like something new.”
With broken attendance record after broken attendance record over the first two seasons, the opportunity for continued growth is more than apparent. New teams, new sponsors, new fans – it is all leading to new and exciting moments.
“I think it’s slowly turning into that dream league that everyone has always wanted and eventually we’re going to be able to play more games because there’s going to be more teams,” Spooner said. “I think it’s only going to just keep growing and building that fan base, connecting with our fans. I feel like in Toronto, it’s such a community around our team and it makes it so special.”
As the leagues enters its stretch run towards the playoffs after the World Championships, players on both the Canadian and American national rosters have also suited up alongside each other in the PWHL. With new relationships being formed, has that taken away any of the allure of the rivalry between Canada and the U.S. when it comes to the Worlds or next year’s Winter Olympics?
“I don’t think so,” Spooner quickly an-
swered. “I think every time you put on that Canada jersey, it’s like you just remember all those times when you were on that blueline and you didn’t hear your anthem. I think that rivalry is always there. We’ve played so many times in those big games – those gold medal games – you always think of those moments and how you never want to feel that feeling again. I don’t think it’s really changed –whatever team you’re putting that jersey on for that’s like the team you’re going to go through a brick wall for. I think that rivalry is just as strong still.”
From dancing and singing on reality television shows and in the locker room, rocking out to Taylor Swift and Celine Dion, and traveling different parts of the globe, Spooner’s off ice game has changed over the years, as well.
It also makes it pretty cool that he only thinks that women play hockey...”
Becoming a mother in December 2022 certainly changed her daily routine away from the arena
BECOMING A MOTHER IN DECEMBER 2022 CERTAINLY CHANGED HER DAILY ROUTINE AWAY FROM THE ARENA
– and her choice in music throughout the day – but bringing her son Rory to the rink with her and her husband Adam is building core memories for their entire family.
“I love just really spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel in the offseason, eat good food. I think what most people like to do, but now with my son, I think it makes it all a little bit sweeter and it’s pretty special,” she said. “I think to have him now involved in hockey, coming to watch me play, it’s great that he is obsessed with hockey. I think it
would be so much harder for me to be away from him and planning hockey if he was like, ‘I don’t like hockey,’ but he loves it and he absolutely is like obsessed with the girls. Soupy (Toronto goalie Kristen Campbell) is
his favourite player and he doesn’t want talk to me ever (at the rink), he only wants to talk to Soupy. It also makes it pretty cool that he only thinks that women play hockey and that I play I’m on the screen every single time there’s a hockey game on.”
though, when the karaoke machine comes out, Spooner is one of the first to run to the microphone.
“I love Celine Dion,” she exclaimed, “my go-
to karaoke song would be ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion. I used to listen to so much more music and lately it’s been a lot of kids music, but I mean, this past summer me and Soupy went to the Taylor Swift concert in Toronto, so that was that was pretty cool. I’m also super into country music. I met my husband at the Calgary Stampede. My husband’s a Western boy and got me really into country music.
“I love going to musicals. When I was little, I had a dream of like being in a play and I
auditioned for my school play and I got the part of like a flower that didn’t say a word. So now I love to watch them and pretend, you know, maybe I could have been that one day. I love to sing, so anything I can sing along to. I love the Little Mermaid. Wicked, I love the Wicked. The Sound of Music.”
Spooner and her Sceptres teammates will get their game faces ready for the PWHL Playoffs in May, and with their sights set on the Walter Cup, Canada will look to defend its title at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, something the 34-year-old is looking forward to.
“I think Italy will be amazing,” Spooner expressed. “I mean every Olympics is different and I think this one is also going to be very different than the last ones, especially now that we have a pro league, we’re not centralizing per se, we’re not spending a whole bunch of time together leading up to the Olympics. So, that would be a lot more interesting with the camps we’re able to have and how we kind of build that chemistry leading into those games. But I mean, just looking forward to that and kind of getting prepared for that.”
Going from the PWHL season to the World Championships to the PWHL playoffs, with next year’s Olympics in the mix, and home life all in between, it can not only take a toll on the
Forbody but also on the minds of these athletes. Spooner, mastering the art of balance is key to her success and ultimately the success of her teams.
“I think it’s just really being present with wherever you are and I would say becoming a mom has helped me a lot with that because like when I’m at home, I had to be like full mom mode, but when I’m at the rink I’m ‘Natalie the hockey player’ so I think like while you’re here, it’s like we’re all in for the World Championships and obviously when we go back to play for Toronto, like those next three games we have a job to do to secure a spot in the playoffs and be the best team we can.”
... I think this one is also going to be very different than the last ones, especially now that we have a pro league...”
GIBSON
ONE OF HOCKEY’S BIGGEST TIKTOK INFLUENCERS DISCUSSES HER PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA
GABI GIBSON
first laced up her skates at the age of three, but it wasn’t until she was nine before she found her passion between the pipes. Growing up loving hockey helped pave the way to becoming one of the biggest hockey influencers on the internet, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic when she began dishing out fun content on TikTok.
What started as a way to keep busy and let her creatives juices flow during lockdown has grown into over 5.3 million likes and nearly 200,000 followers continuously entertained by her content.
Gabi took the time to chat with Ice Warriors about her massive following, her passion for photography, the PWHL and so much more.
1 You are the ‘TikTok goalie from Alaska.’ How did that come about, how did you start producing content, and when did you realize you were a hit?
GG: The day I decided to download the TikTok app was the day I was influenced to become something big to inspire the world, but I wasn’t sure what that was quite yet. After about a week of brainstorming, I decided to focus my platform on hockey-related content as this was the sport I grew up playing as a child. It only took a little bit of time during the hunker down for my platform to grow. In this moment, I knew I needed to be an inspiration for not just hockey players, but any athletes on the TikTok platform. My main focus was to create content that others would relate to but also focus on ways to keep my platform on a hockey niche. This is how I got my nickname ‘the TikTok Goalie from Alaska.’ There wasn’t any big girl goalie TikTokers,
especially from Alaska, so this was the given name for myself to allow others to recognize me. Once my platform grew, the hockey rinks started to open up. Slowly, hockey players were able to recognize who I was and reference me as the ‘TikTok Goalie from Alaska’ or say, ‘Hey, look, it’s Gabi Gibson!’ This is when I knew my platform was becoming something big and my content was making a mark in the hockey world.
2 How did you get into hockey, and what drove you to playing goal?
GG: I didn’t try goalie until nine years old. I decided to try goalie out when goalie
rotation was an option, however, I was not skilled in this position during this time. When I was 10 years old, I decided to take on a full season of goaltending, however, it did require me to spend countless hours at the rink utilizing private goalie lessons, attending goalie camps, and working with the goalie coach during team practice practices. The reason why I decided to play goalie was because I could create my own look through customization of my helmet. My very first paint job was ultrasonic on the front and a brick wall painted in the background. I decided to go with this look because it
described me as a fast goalie and playing like a brick wall. I love the idea of the goalie being different than everyone else on the ice, which is why this position caught my attention.
3 You've attended some pretty cool events thus far. What are some of your top takeaways and experiences from some of the events you've attended?
GG: I am very fortunate enough to be involved in several events with Bauer, invited to the Winter Classic in Boston, working with Warrior this year, and meeting some amazing people from all around the world in several other events! Some of my major takeaways from these events is that everyone is in the same boat, one way or another. Being an influencer can be fine and allows you to build new connections with any brands and people, however, behind closed doors people don’t understand the stress that influencers go through. It is very difficult to maintain a platform on your own while balancing a personal life.
BEING ABLE TO CONNECT WITH OTHER INFLUENCERS TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK AND BUILD CONNECTIONS TO EITHER HELP YOURSELF OR HELP EACH OTHER GROW IS THE BEST THING I HAVE TAKEN AWAY FROM THESE EVENTS.
4 The PWHL continues to set records and is on the verge of growth. What has caught your attention
of the PWHL so far, and how exciting is to see a professional women's league doing this well in only its second season?
GG: It’s caught my attention in several different ways. I have attended a few games in Boston and let me tell you these were the most electric games I have ever been to. The fans are very involved, very supportive, and the attendance to each game doesn’t disappoint. It is so heartwarming to see women’s hockey grow as the years go on, and now seeing an extension to Vancouver is super exciting! Looking back at a handful years ago when I was being scouted for college, I remember when women’s hockey was so small that there were only a few professional women’s hockey teams, for example the Buffalo Beauts and a few other teams. The fact that there are women’s teams expanding all over the United States and Canada is amazing and allows other talented women to play in the professional league, other than retiring after college or forced to play in Europe. I have a few friends who are playing in the PWHL and it is so cool to see them succeed and play competitively still to this day. As I know, I will not be able to play professionally, I hope that I can coach young goalies to pursue their dreams while creating content on my platforms to influence them to follow their dreams.
5 What type of fun content would you like to create that is on your bucket list?
GG: A few that come to mind would be skating with the PWHL for a practice,
creating content with a professional team, such as in the NHL, meeting NHL players, trying a new sport with a professional athlete, or capturing photos of a professional sports team.
6 Photography is a passion of yours. What attracted you to photography and what are some locations or events you would like capture?
GG: I have always had a love for taking photos, whether it was selfies, of nature, of other people, or sports related. When I was 13, I had a friend who owned a camera, and I always talked about learning photography and the desires to own my own camera one day. Personally, I feel as though photography allows someone to be creative in their own ways, which is why I also became a content creator. Becoming a photographer has allowed me to meet several new people, make new connections, and capture moments in several different variations. If I were to choose some locations or events to capture, I would want to become a professional photographer for the NHL, MLB, NBA or the NFL. I also want to expand on my horizons and learn to do videography. However, at this time, photography is my main focus as I want to grow in that department. I haven’t built enough connections to photograph professionally, but if the opportunity were to ever appear, I would definitely take it. I am in hopes that something lands in front of me in the near future, but for now I will continue content creating
with photography as a side hobby.
7 Be it hockey or photography, do you have any advice for young girls looking to follow their passions?
GG: The best advice I could give is to keep trying. For me, photography was out of my comfort zone, however, I built connections by attending events for free. I was able to build connections with parents, friends, and other athletes by attending events on my own. As for the sports realm, I would say don’t overwork yourself in a way you fall out of love for the sport. Don’t let a coach or a teammate ruin a sport for you; focus on yourself and work for what you want. It is important to love the sport you play and have fun doing it. Build those connections with coaches and mend those friendships because when you’re older, and you look back on your career, you want to look back without regret. Thank your parents and your friends for the support they have given you, the time they have put in for you to succeed, and the money they have invested in a sport for you to love and to remember.
Dani
FEARLESS
BY DAVID PAGNOTTA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MATT REID
ecording artist Dani Doucette has put the music industry on notice. Growing up with a musician as a father, the rising Canadian star is not afraid to showcase raw emotion in her songs or her performances. With the recent release of her new single, Fearless, Dani has been doing the media rounds in Los Angeles and Toronto, and took some time to chat with us about her growing career, new music, feminine energy, and so much more, including being a diehard hockey fan.
IW: When did you realize your affinity for music was more than just a passion?
DD: I think from the very beginning music was always a form of language; something I loved and used to communicate. Sitting at a piano with my father playing guitar, being in a studio with my brother, it was our love language. I dove in hard whenever I felt like I wasn’t being heard or seen as I wanted. A form of journaling. A lot of that stemmed from my modelling career past and travels abroad alone.
IW: There is storytelling and plenty of emotions that comes with songwriting and performing. How do you tie your passions into your work?
DD: EVERY SONG IS A TALE. SOME ARE SPRINKLED WITH TRUTHS AND REAL STORIES, OTHERS ARE MAYBE AN INFLATION OF WHO I AM. ALL OF THEM, HOWEVER, ARE BITS OF ME AS I WRITE MY OWN LYRICAL CONTENT.
And when I perform them live, I am all of them – I’ve always considered myself a chameleon, in fashion and in music.
IW: You recently released your new single, Fearless. What went into that and how cool is it to listen to your work come to life?
DD: Fearless is an anthem to trying and never giving up. Trying in love and in life, knowing it can be messy and real. I love this song, and it is one I’m really proud of.
IW: You also are the new vocalist for the new release of Cry For You by the Cat Dealers. How fun was that experience?
DD: The Cat Dealers are two cool cats. Haha! Honestly, I am so thankful
to my friend Andrew Polly for the introduction. This all happened virtually and turned out better than imagined. The song is flying on all platforms, and I look to join them on some dates soon to perform it live.
IW: Which artists have you resonated most with and who, if anyone, have you drawn inspiration from?
DD: I honestly don’t draw ‘inspo’ from anyone. I think I’m very true to my own form of art. There are women in music I have long respected, like Amanda Marshall, Alicia Keys, Whitney and Madonna. However, I don’t look to them for inspiration.
IW: Fans may only know and appreciate the finished product, but how intense can the process of creating music be? From the writing, to the recording sessions, to the videos and photo shoots, press, and so on... There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes, isn't there?
DD: YES! The music is the easy part. Usually. Honestly the grind is now having multiple platforms and trying to figure out how to move people on the other side of the screen or want to visit your music. The Indy artist has a lot of caps to wear. Videos, shoots, album artwork, and thennnnn having to market it out, which can require a lot of energy and spend. It’s gruelling, but when it works, rewarding.
IW: What has the Toronto music community meant for your career, thus far?
DD: In Toronto I found passionate people, and for that I’m thankful. Also, the talent here is amazing. However, I do find that Canada in general is a harder place to get things actually done. A lot of artists are a lot of talk and no dates, lol. But maybe that’s just artists everywhere. We are
...I am proudly a very multi dimensional, strong and daring woman.”
a funny sort… I’m also maybe too highly motivated lol.
IW: What have been some of your coolest or most favourite performance experiences so far in your career?
DD: A few years ago, I had the opportunity to open for Rick Ross in Chicago for tens of thousands of people. Rap is not my genre (lol) so to go out knowing the crowd may not respond with excitement was a definite hurdle I had to take.
I HAD TO BE BRAVE AND JUST BE AUTHENTIC, AND I WAS REALLY HAPPY WITH HOW I WAS RECEIVED.
Also, I’ve opened for Serena Ryder, whom I love, and Kiesza, who is a total rockstar herself.
IW: You are a big proponent to feminine energy. How important is it for you to showcase your energy in your work and your performances?
A: Honestly, HONEST representation of who I am is important, and I am proudly a very multi dimensional, strong and daring woman. However, making music to me is the ultimate language, and how I showcase that needs to have a strength and determination to it. Or it wouldn’t be me. I’m in it for the long haul, so I just tell everyone to buckle up…
Q: Can't let you go without a hockey question... Are you a fan and if so, of which team and when did you get into the sport?
A: I’m a Leafs fan. And this year is ours! Go Leafs Go!!!!
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5
ALL THE WAY UP
BY DALLAS KNOWLES
omen’s sports are experiencing an unprecedented period of progress and development.
In the hockey world, the rise of the PWHL has created a new generation of fans, where attendance records are seemingly shattered every week.
The PWHL has experienced a 30% increase in attendance in its second year with an average of over 7,000 fans per game. In addition, the 2024-25 Takeover Tour games, hosted at neutral sites in Canada and the U.S., has been a key test to see which cities will be part of the league’s expansion plans. The Takeover Tour has been a huge success so far this season attracting almost 90,000 fans in six games,
including 19,038 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver. With PWHL expansion announcements expected this spring, there are multiple cities in the mix, including the nine that are hosting games this year.
One of the key elements of the PWHL’s success is its expanding broadcast reach, bringing greater exposure and financial benefits. In Canada, all 90 regular season games are available to fans through TSN, RDS, and CBC/Radio-Canada. The PWHL has added Amazon Prime to its broadcast partners, who are covering all 16 Tuesday night games this season. For American fans, all PWHL games are available on FanDuel and YouTube with regional
games on NESN and MSG.
In terms of long-term growth, the PWHL’s expanding broadcast reach represents a solid foundation for future success. More exposure leads to greater sponsorship opportunities, as brands are increasingly eager to tap into the growing popularity of women’s sports.
With the attendance and broadcast numbers up, the PWHL has become a major player in the world of sponsorships and partnerships. Brands are increasingly eager to align themselves with women's sports and the PWHL has tapped into a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial stability. Historically, professional women’s leagues have struggled to compete with their male counterparts when it comes to corporate sponsors, but there has been a major shift in recent years. The PWHL has benefitted from this momentum, attracting a range of sponsorships from major brands. These deals are crucial when it comes to player compensation, fan experience, and expanding marketing efforts to a larger audience. They are also helping to elevate the status of women’s hockey in terms of visibility and credibility. Some of the notable sponsors include Shark Beauty, Scotiabank, Canadian Tire, Air Canada, Intact Insurance and Woody Creek Distillers.
While the PWHL’s expansion in attendance, broadcast reach, and sponsorships has made significant gains in the first two seasons, the journey is just beginning. The league will continue to build on the momentum by finding new partnerships which will improve accessibility and create new and innovative ways for fans to interact with the league.
