Where passion meets power— driving the game forward with the PWHL.
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to a truly groundbreaking moment in Welcome ICE WARRIORS history.
For the first time ever, we’re having a company takeover an entire issue — and who better than CCM, the true pioneers of our game.
In this special summer edition, CCM takes center stage with exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else. Be the first to see their revolutionary Made For Her line — the first-ever full head-to-toe equipment designed specifically for female hockey players. This isn’t just a milestone for CCM; it’s a milestone for the sport.
But that’s not all. Inside, you’ll get an early look at two new expansion cities — Seattle and Vancouver — where fresh rivalries and electric fan energy promise to take the league to new heights.
We’re also shining a spotlight on stories that inspire far beyond the ice. Learn about Erin Ambrose’s new Pride collection celebrating inclusivity and love, and check out Taylor Heise’s brand-new line of workout gear built to empower athletes all year long.
This issue is about evolution, representation, and celebrating the fearless spirit that drives us forward.
Thank you for being part of the ICE WARRIORS family. Here’s to a summer of trailblazing gear, new cities, bold stories — and above all, staying connected to the game we all love.
Stay cool, stay fierce, and enjoy this historic issue.
AMY KNOWLES PRESIDENT, ICE WARRIORS
Learn more about the PWHL’s newest markets, Seattle and Vancouver.
Take your summer pregame meal to another level with some of these products from Ninja.
Find out why CCM’s Jetspeed FTW line puts protection at the forefront of hockey gear. Erin Ambrose.
Check out Taylor Heise’s brand new apparel collab with CCM, powered by FTW.
Looking back at the 2025 PWHL Draft, with new stars emerging in Ottawa.
RACHEL FLANAGAN
Toronto Sceptres assistant coach Rachel Flanagan discusses her journey into hockey.
JETSPEED FTW
Go inside CCM’s Jetspeed FTW line and find out more about their new gloves, shoulder pads, pants, helmets, skates and sticks.
PRIDE COLLECTION
Erin Ambrose has unveiled the second iteration of her CCM pride apparel collection.
PUTTING PROTECTION FIRST
Olympic gold medalist Cat Ward is leading the charge to ensure female hockey players are set up for success.
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
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OLYMPIANS AND HOMETOWN HEROES PWHL STARS SHAKE UP THE SUMMER
This PWHL offseason is sizzling with excitement—and making waves far beyond the rink. Just days ago, 31-year-old two-time Olympic silver medalist Alex Carpenter stunned the hockey world by signing a one-year contract with the newly minted Seattle team. Fresh off a dominant stint with the New York Sirens—where she racked up 43 points in 50 games—Carpenter brings elite two-way play and veteran leadership to Climate Pledge Arena. Seattle GM Meghan Turner called her “a true competitor… hungry to win,” and fans are already buzzing about her role in Seattle’s inaugural roster.
Meanwhile, closer to home in Vancouver, fan favorite Hannah Miller is enjoying a full-circle moment after signing with her hometown team. The 29-year-old returned to North Vancouver following a strong season in Toronto, where she netted 10 goals and 14 assists. Ranking seventh in all-time PWHL scoring, Miller is ready to electrify her local supporters and help anchor Vancouver’s identity on and off the ice.
These signings aren’t just impressive roster moves—they’re signals of a league growing deeper, more connected, and brimming with compelling storylines. As the PWHL enters its third offseason, Olympic pedigree mixes with hometown pride, setting the stage for a thrilling 2025–26 season.
PHOTO BY JUSTN WOLFORD
FRESH FACES & FRANCHISE FUTURES
PWHL DRAFT DELIVERS DRAMATIC UPSETS
The 2025 PWHL Draft in Ottawa on June 24th was nothing short of electric, reshaping rosters and inspiring buzz across the league. With the top overall pick, the New York Sirens made a bold statement by selecting Czech sharpshooter Kristýna Kaltounková, fresh off a historic 111-goal career at Colgate—already the program’s all-time leader . Her blend of scoring prowess and size makes her a perfect fit for the Sirens’ revamped attack.
But the night’s homecoming moment arrived when New York traded up to the third overall pick for hometown hero Casey O’Brien. The Wisconsin product, fresh off a stunning 88-point season and a Patty Kazmaier Award, lit up the stage—her elation echoing across the room as she celebrated joining the Sirens.
Across the league, Montreal stunned observers by grabbing Clarkson’s top blueliner Nicole Gosling fourth overall. A stalwart of disciplined two-way defense, she brings NCAA dominance and international pedigree to the Victoire blue line.
Expansion teams also made waves: Vancouver picked veteran Finnish winger Michelle Karvinen seventh overall, aiming to mix leadership with immediate offense. As the 48-player draft concludes, each pick feels like a calculated gamble, packed with promise. With youth, toughness, and star power entering rosters, the PWHL is gearing up for a pulse-pounding season.
SEATTLE A DYNAMIC
FUSION OF CULTURE, NATURE, AND SPORTS
Seattle, 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.
VANCOUVER
A HARMONIOUS BLEND OF NATURE, INNOVATION, AND PWHL EXCITEMENT
Nestled 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.
Adding a thrilling dimension to Seattle’s sports scene is the new excitement around the PWHL team. Playing at the refurbished Climate 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.
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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STEALING THE SHOW
THE
NEXT BIG THING
CCM X ERIN AMBROSE PRIDE COLLECTION
The second iteration of the CCM x Erin Ambrose Pride apparel Collection drives acceptance in a sport that has never been defined by inclusivity. This limited-edition collection, co-created by Erin Ambrose of the PWHL Montreal Victoire, celebrates the evolution of hockey and the connection between the players, the game, and the fans.
For Ambrose, creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong is paramount.
“CCM x EA 23 is about inspiring new dynamics, where authenticity is a strength,” said Ambrose. “Women’s sports are drawing fans who’ve never felt the rink was for them. This collection is for them. It’s where I can be myself, and they can too.”
With this collection, CCM is determined to propel hockey forward, by going beyond the rink and showcasing authenticity, style, and a sense of belonging. Available in limited quantities in Canada and Europe, and in select stores, the collection offers a chance for fans to express what hockey means to them and show their support, and it’s never felt this real.
CAT WARD
In 2024, CCM Hockey introduced a revolutionary line of equipment – JetSpeed FTW – engineered and designed for female hockey players. With the launch of new JetSpeed FTW skates and helmet this summer, CCM will officially be the first company to offer head-to toe hockey equipment developed specifically for women and girls.
I was sacrificing protection so that I could be more comfortable.”
“With the growth of women’s hockey, we had been thinking about what we could do to support these athletes,” said Catherine Ward, Vice President of Product Commercialization and Innovation at CCM, and twotime Olympic Gold Medalist.
“We created a women’s task force, who understood the difficulties that women face in finding hockey equipment that fits them and protects them correctly.”
Drawing on her impressive hockey career, Ward led a team of CCM designers and engineers who researched and developed the first full line of hockey equipment made for female hockey players.
“When I played, I would always have to buy junior sized equipment, or gear that had much less protection just so that it would fit better on my body,” Explained Ward. “I was sacrificing protection so that I could be more comfortable.”
As the women’s game evolves and the Professional Women’s Hockey League shows greater speed and physicality, CCM’s developers recognize the need to protect these athletes at an elite level, while still maintaining the light, adjustable comfort they seek from smaller sized gear.
Ward is a strong advocate for the women’s game and works to ensure that all female hockey players are set up for success.
“The anatomy of women’s bodies is so different from men’s, and women deserve the same type of energy and development put into their products so they too can perform at their best,” she says.
FTW JETSPEED
CCM is not new to the game when it comes to creating protective equipment built to better fit the female form.
“A few years ago, CCM launched shoulder pads and pants made for women. They were different than traditional equipment, just not optimized for every female body,” says Audrey Malka, Manager of Head & Face Business Unit at CCM, as well as the lead on all FTW products.
After extensive research and development and working closely with female hockey players of all ages, sizes, and levels, CCM began the journey in revolutionizing their protective equipment for women.
“We identified the various equipment needs of female hockey players, and what would best suit their style of play,” said Malka, “it became very clear that we needed to create a full line of protective JetSpeed FTW equipment that would be capable of adapting to female players of all proportions.”
Not only did CCM discover the distinct anatomical differences between men and women, but they also saw how much female anatomy varies from one woman to the next.
“That was a key lightbulb moment in designing the adjustability of the gear,” Malka continued.
JETSPEED FTW GLOVES
Understanding the way that women’s hands are shaped was vital to the development of the Jetspeed FTW glove.
“We found that female hands were generally narrower than males’, and had shorter palms and longer, narrower fingers too,” says Malka, “it was essential that we optimize the fit of the glove to give these athletes better feel and response when stick handling and shooting.”
Focused on maximizing comfort and enhancing performance, CCM set out to improve glove fit and integrate pro-level technology – without compromising protection. This commitment carries through the Jetspeed FTW line, where fit, comfort, performance and protection remain CCM’s top priorities.
JETSPEED FTW SHOULDER PADS
Featuring CCM’s cutting-edge patent-pending ADPTFIT 3D adjustability system, the JetSpeed FTW shoulder pads were built to fit all shapes and sizes. This three-way system allows women to customize the width, the length, and the volume of the chest panels to their comfort level. The lower-volume shoulder caps reduce unnecessary bulk that can slow players down and are positioned to best protect women in game play. With elite features like the AER-TEC Thermoregulation System to maximize breathability, and keep players light and cool, the JetSpeed FTW shoulder pads pack pro-level tech into fully adjustable protective.
“My favourite pieces are the shoulder pads and the elbow pads. They fit so nice, nothing is bulky. I feel so fast in them,” says Emma Maltais, a forward for the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL. “They’re light, but still very protective. I usually have to size down in equipment, being a smaller player, but with the JetSpeed FTW line I can actually wear my proper size.”
JETSPEED FTW ELBOW PADS & SHINS
With a history of being too bulky and large, elbow pads were a female hockey player’s worst enemy. By adapting the proportions and adding elite protection where needed, CCM designed an elbow pad to fit women
right and stay in place. With the introduction of the JetSpeed FTW elbow pad, women can experience greater mobility through the shorter and narrower forearm design.
“The key is having the right proportions, in a close-to-the-body fit that movies with you,” explains Malka.
In terms of shin pads, research has shown that most women and girls have narrower and longer shins than men and boys, making it difficult to find well-fitted gear. Traditional shin pads have often been too bulky and large for women to wear comfortably.
“It’s common for women to size down to junior sized shin guards, which do not have the appropriate protection level for young women as they evolve in the game. With the JetSpeed FTW shin guards, they don’t have to sacrifice protection for comfort any longer,” Malka continues.
JETSPEED FTW PANTS
With an ultra-stretch expandable opening, adapted proportions and an adjustable design, the JetSpeed FTW pants allow women to select their pants by waist size, regardless of body type or shape.
CCM noticed women’s habits and men’s habits are different when dressing. “Women would hike their pants quite high, but when doing this their spine protector and hip pads ended up in the wrong place, putting them at risk of injury,” says Malka. With the JetSpeed FTW pants, this is no longer the case.
“Since I’m so short, I always had issues finding equipment. I would squeeze into smaller sizes and end up with big bruises because I wasn’t protected properly,” says Maltais.
Ensuring pro-level impact protection while providing unparalleled comfort and a less cumbersome fit were paramount to the JetSpeed FTW designers.
JETSPEED FTW STICK
Launched in 2024, the JetSpeed FTW stick was engineered to provide ultimate feel and response in the most crucial moments of the game with a unique offering of lengths and flexes to fit women’s needs.
When looking at the use of sticks across men, women, boys and girls, our research showed that everyone uses them in the same way. However, girls and boys experience growth spurts at different rates, which translates to girls not receiving an ideal fit – as sticks have been historically built to prioritize boys.
“Properly tailoring the stick to the growth spurts of women and girls is what was crucial in developing the JetSpeed FTW stick,” said Mathieu Gatien, Manager of the Stick Business Unit at CCM.
With this knowledge, and through analyzing the commonly requested pro construction of CCM’s female players, the CCM Stick Business Unit was able to identify new lengths and flex combinations that were preferred by most women. This data became the base of the newly developed JetSpeed FTW stick.
“We noticed many women were buying sticks that were too stiff, because they were tall and needed more length in the stick, or they were buying sticks that were too short because they needed the softness of a lower flex,” Gatien continued. “In both cases, this led to sub-par performance on the ice, which is what we wanted to correct.”
“The JetSpeed FTW stick just fits – finally a stick built for women that brings power, control, and can get the puck off quick,” expressed Abbey Murphy, captain of the Minnesota Gophers, who used the JetSpeed FTW stick throughout her most recent NCAA hockey season.
CCM is proud to release the first hockey skate designed and built specifically for women and the way they play the game. Understanding the anatomical foot shape variances, fit preferences, and performance requirements of female players of all levels and ages was critical in the creation of the new JetSpeed FTW skate.
After analyzing thousands of foot scans comparing male and female feet, CCM created this new skate in a modified shape to better fit a woman’s foot, focusing on the key difference areas of the forefoot, the heel, and the arch.
“All too often, women wear wider or bigger skates than necessary, which can lead to discomfort and loss of performance, not to mention a much bulkier skate that tends to get in their way as they crossover,” explains Audrey Malka.
“NOW, WOMEN HAVE A SKATE MADE TO BETTER SUIT THEIR FEET, THAT PROVIDES A TAPERED LOOK AND FEEL, AND A SNUG FIT, WHICH TRANSLATES TO OPTIMAL POWER TRANSFER.”
Providing women and girls with a skate that is a good balance between stiffness and flexibility was the goal for the CCM skate team when developing the boot of the JetSpeed
“We developed the skate to provide maximum on-ice performance and optimal flex for women,” continues Malka. “It offers many elite features from the JetSpeed FT8 Pro skate, such as the tongue and tendon guard and high-performance STEP Steel runners. With a new, unique FTW footbed so their feet are better supported inside the skate, women are able to get much stronger power transfer without compromising on sizing and fit.”
With these impactful changes made to the skate, Malka assures that, “the response has been incredible from the moment these athletes tried them on.”
“I got into the JetSpeed FTW skates quickly, and I wore them at Worlds,” said Haley Winn, USA National Team player, who was recently drafted 2nd overall to the PWHL Boston Fleet. “They’re extremely comfortable, and it’s super easy to adjust to them.”
When told that CCM was releasing a skate designed specifically for women, Kendall Coyne Schofield, captain of the
JETSPEED FTW SKATE
PWHL Minnesota Frost and the USA National Team said three words came to mind: “Remarkable, special, and a long time coming.”
“Most of us have worn skates that are too big, that are hand-medowns, but we made it work because we love this game more than anything,” Coyne Schofield continued. “To now have a skate that’s going to fit us the right way, not only includes us in this game, but is going to propel us forward in this game.”
The JetSpeed FTW skate will be available for purchase later this summer.
Rounding out CCM’s full head-to-toe JetSpeed FTW lineup is the FTW helmet – the first of its kind on the market –specifically designed with an interior fit tailored to the female head.
Following extensive scientific research revealing distinct differences in head shape between males and females after age twelve, CCM designed a new fit and size range enabling women to play with greater comfort and protection than ever before.
“We saw that female heads are generally smaller in overall volume than male heads, and they also develop differently in certain areas as the head matures,” explained Malka. “Most female players shared common pain points in their hockey helmets, including often feeling pressure on the sides of the head, where science also shows women tend to have heightened sensitivity. Many wear a junior size helmet because it seems to fit better, but junior helmets are not tested to the same standards as senior models, which leaves those players vulnerable to potential injury at their level of play.”
Developing the FTW helmet so that female players no longer needed to compromise comfort, safety or style was a top priority for the Head & Face team at CCM.
The FTW helmet is packed with elite features, including CCM’s new 3-in-1 R3FLEX Protection foam that wraps the head in all around comfort, while providing dynamic impact protection. The full AER-TEC Thermoregulation System with 3D printed Nest Tech and ventilation channels optimizes air circulation and sweat evaporation to regulate body temperature, keeping players cool and at their peak performance on the ice. new ADPTFIT 360 adjustment system ensures a perfectly snug fit and the OCCIPITAL+ rear comfort cushion, featuring an integrated hair groove,
helps reduce pressure and pulling common with longer hair.
“I never realized how a helmet should fit until right now. This is so exciting,” says Kendall Coyne Schofield. “Seeing how the helmet adjusts in width rather than just front-to-back is so unique and great to fit different sized heads,” Coyne continued, when trying on the FTW helmet for the first time.
CCM was determined to maintain a streamlined look for the FTW helmet, matching the shell of their latest helmet, the Tacks 920. “This helmet doesn’t look different from traditional male helmets. We want our equipment to look the same, but fit differently, which is key with the FTW line,” Kendall Coyne Schofield mentions.
The FTW helmet will be available for purchase later in 2025.
FTW HELMET
“I NEVER REALIZED HOW A HELMET SHOULD FIT UNTIL RIGHT NOW.”
has redefined what it means to support not just the women’s game, but the individual athletes driving its evolution. By dedicating countless hours to developing gear that allows women to perform with confidence at every level, CCM has set a new standard for inclusion in hockey.
"CCM is so proud to support the growth of women’s hockey and help drive meaningful change in the sport,” said Marrouane Nabih, CEO of CCM Hockey. “Our commitment goes beyond the products we develop. We’re investing in innovation and opportunity, to ensure all female athletes have the gear, visibility, and respect they deserve at every level of the game."
“I’m so honoured to be a part of a family that has made a commitment to women’s hockey like this. To have a head-to-toe line for her is so special, and I never thought I would see this when I started in hockey,” expressed Kendall Coyne Schofield.
“Girls would feel more comfortable if they had gear that actually fits them. When you try hockey, it’s uncomfortable to be equipped head to toe in equipment for the first time, especially if it doesn’t fit correctly,” Emma Maltais stated. “I think the key to getting girls to stay in the sport is them having gear that makes them feel comfortable enough to want to continue.”
FLAN AGAN RACHEL
BY DALLAS KNOWLES
Ice Warriors magazine recently had an opportunity to sit down and talk hockey with Toronto Sceptres’ assistant coach, Rachel Flanagan. For Flanagan, her love for hockey started at a young age, but her journey began on the ice with another sport.
“My parents are from England, so I started out as figure skater. My brother was playing hockey, and I told my parents, if he gets to play hockey, then I do too. Figure skating wasn’t for me, so my parents put me in it without thinking much about it.”
Like a lot of female players in Ontario growing up in the 1980s and 90s, Flanagan started off playing with boys because there weren’t many girls organizations at that time, especially in the smaller cities and towns. In those days, road hockey was one of the most popular pasttimes and playing on the street allowed Rachel to have fun, improve her skills and ultimately fall in love with the game. She ended up playing with the boys until she was 12 or 13 when she joined the Peterborough girl’s organization.
“I played with the boys until I was 12 or 13 and then transitioned to Peterborough Girls hockey.
Growing up we played a tonne of road hockey which is something that we don't see as many kids doing anymore, but it's probably what allowed me to be in love with the game. I was playing it not because it was about winning all the time, it was just playing for fun then and trying things.”
By the time she was 15, there wasn’t enough players to ice a competitive girl’s
team in Peterborough, so she had to join a senior women’s team comprised of players who were between 25-40 years old. It was an eye-opening experience for Flanagan, but looking back it was one of her fondest memories playing minor hockey. While playing for the senior team, she had an influential coach who taught her more about the game and what it takes to be successful.
Playing with older women and having an experienced coach allowed her to become a student of the game and develop knowledge that would help her later as a coach.
When her minor hockey career wrapped up, Flanagan attended the University of Guelph where she played for the Varsity Women’s hockey team for five seasons and was named an OUA all-star. She was also the team captain for two of her five seasons at Guelph. After finishing her Bachelor of Science degree and playing career at the University of Guelph in 2003, she went on to complete a Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University and a Masters in Leadership at the University of Guelph’s Lang School of Business and Economics.
After university, her hockey path led her to England Div. 1 English Premier Women’s Hockey team as well as playing for the Great Britain Women’s National Team. In 2010-2011, Rachel was named assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Under-22 Team and attended 2 International events with the team (MLP Cup 2010, MECO Cup 2011). In 2013 she was an assistant coach for the gold medalwinning Canadian FISU team (Italy) and in February of 2017 served as Canada's head coach at the FISU games in Kazakhstan, leading the team to a silver medal.
Her transition from player to coach started during her university playing years, when she started to coach at hockey camps and spending a lot of time with her coaches talking hockey. While she was in England, she had the opportunity to take on the role of
player/coach.
“When I like I played in England after teachers college there was a women's team there. Hockey is still a growing sport in England but the people who play it are very passionate about it. I actually ended up being a player coach for their women's team at that time.”
After finishing her stint in England Rachel moved back to Ontario where her former university was looking for a new assistant coach.
“My old university coach asked if I would join Guelph as an assistant as he was really struggling to find a female assistant coach and that I could help balance some of the challenges he was having with the team. They were making the position full-time and he encouraged me just to apply to go
through the interview process.”
The initial offer was to come to back to Guelph as an assistant, but that situation changed and after being hired she quickly found herself in the head coach role.
“I ended up being the head coach that year, which was tough for me because it was my old coach and he ended up not getting his job back. It was supposed to be a contract position but changed to full time and I was kind of in the right place at the right time and the director at the time kind of took a chance.”
Guelph’s decision to hire Rachel Flanagan turned out to be a good one as she ended up staying for 17 seasons where she had tremendous success. During her time as head coach, Flanagan led the Gryphons women's hockey program to a national title in 2018-19. She also won
three OUA titles (2018-19, 2016-17 & 201516) and was also named OUA Coach of the Year 5 times.
Coaching at the university-level shaped Rachel as a coach and she valued the time she got to spend with her players developing relationships.
“My favourite time at the university was watching the women really grow as people and getting to be a part of that.
University is a pretty formative time in in people's lives, and my favourite time was always when athletes transitioned after their second year. Going into their third year and beyond was always really neat.”
To be continued. To read the rest of Rachel’s story, including her move from university to the PWHL visit our website.
CCM X TH27 POWERED BY FTW
APPAREL COLLECTION
Created in collaboration with star PWHL Minnesota Frost player
Taylor Heise, CCM is excited to announce their new apparel collab: TH27 Powered by FTW. From gruelling gym days to long days on the ice, this collection is built for mobility, fit, and comfort.
Designed for women by CCM and perfected by Heise, this collection ensures confidence in every movement.
“I’ve been used to wearing under-gear that didn’t fit me right,” said Heise, “It either had a jock strap that I didn’t need, or the shirt was too loose, or the arms were too big. Being able to have my own line, and tailor it to the way that I and other women feel has been incredible.”
The collection consists of four staple pieces to complete your work-out ensemble. The first is a razor back sports bra with chest adjustment options to optimize support and comfort. Pair the bra with the TH27 2-in-1 training shorts, designed with highly breathable mesh, a spandex liner, and generous pockets.
Taylor Heise’s favourite piece, the long sleeve shirt, features technology built to keep you dry all game long. “I wear this shirt on the ice, and I wear it off the ice,” said Heise, “When I wear it on the ice, I can go straight to the gym after and feel perfectly dry due to the sweat wicking tech in the shirt.”
To complete the set, the TH27 high waisted leggings were designed with ultimate mobility and comfort in mind. With pockets for your phone, “or snacks”, mentions Heise, these leggings are suitable for a variety of activities.
The CCM TH27 Powered by FTW apparel collection will be available online and in select stores this summer.
PWHL DRAFT 2025
FIRST OVERALL: Kristýna Kaltounková, a Czech forward from Colgate, earned the top pick by the New York Sirens. A three-time 50-point scorer and NCAA’s all-time leading goal scorer (111), she brings size, scoring ability, and international flair.
SECOND PICK: Haley Winn, a dynamic twoway defender from Clarkson University, went to Boston Fleet. A standout at Clarkson with 131 career points, she’s expected to anchor Boston’s blue line.
THIRD PICK: Casey O’Brien, the NCAA’s leading scorer from Wisconsin and 2025 Patty Kazmaier Award winner, was drafted by the Sirens—New York secured her by trading Ella Shelton to Toronto. Hailing from New York, O’Brien shared her excitement, calling the moment “shock and excitement” as she realized she was staying home.
STANDOUT CAREERS CONFIRMED
Sirens’ managerial moves didn’t stop: alongside Kaltounková and O’Brien, New York added key NCAA talent like Anne Cherkowski, Makenna Webster, Dayle Ross, and goalie Callie Shanahan, aiming to revitalize their offense and deepen their roster.
Boston welcomed Winn as the centerpiece of its defensive strategy. Meanwhile, Canada’s future was represented as the draft saw 16 Canadians selected across all rounds, beginning with defender Nicole Gosling at fourth overall to Montréal . Expansion teams Vancouver and Seattle also made headline steals— Seattle’s first-ever pick was center Jenna Buglioni (No. 8), while Vancouver secured veteran forward Michelle Karvinen at No. 7.
WHAT IT MEANS
BY DALLAS KNOWLES
NEW STARS EMERGE IN OTTAWA
On June 24, 2025, Ottawa’s Hard Rock Live hosted the third annual Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft, where eight teams selected 48 elite players. The event— broadcast on TSN and streamed via the PWHL’s YouTube channel—marked a pivotal moment in the league’s fastevolving landscape.
This draft reinforces the PWHL’s pipeline: 43 NCAA athletes, four European pros, and a U SPORTS talent were chosen . With international talent like Kaltounková and Karvinen joining the fray, the league’s depth and global profile keep expanding.
For fans of Ice Warrior Magazine, these top picks signal electrifying matchups ahead. The Sirens’ rebuilt roster may challenge Minnesota’s championship reign, while defence-first Boston and strategically drafted expansion squads hint at a tighter, more competitive 2025-26 season.
TORONTO SCEPTRES
EMMA MALTAIS