The Rundown - National Finals

There isn't much to say today other than "good luck" to the six teams who will close out the 2025-26 U SPORTS women's hockey season. One team from Quebec will celebrate loudly into the evening after capturing gold while an OUA team and an AUS team will duke it out for the bronze medal. A Canada West team and an OUA team have the chance to close out their seasons with a win in the consolation final, so let's not waste anymore time as we look at this last day of championship games from Elmira, Ontario here on The Rundown!

Consolation Final

The UBC Thunderbirds may have dropped their opening game against Montreal, but they bounced back with a win over Ottawa to earn a spot in the Consolation Final. On the other side, the Waterloo Warriors lost to the Guelph Gryphons before handing the Manitoba Bisons a loss to land in the Consolation Final. This was the first meeting between these two teams at a National Championship despite both being at the last three tournaments - who would prevail?



Warriors goals: Nikki McDonald (3), Keiara Raitt (1)
Warriors assists: Carly Orth (1)
Warriors netminder: Kara Mark (33/40)

Thunderbirds goals: Olivia Buckley (1), Jaylyn Morris (2), Ilona Markova (1), Vanessa Schaefer (1), Ilona Markova (2), Presley Zinger (1), Jacquelyn Fleming (2)
Thunderbirds assists: Ilona Markova (1), Hanna Perrier (1), Grace Elliott (1), Mia Bierd (1), Grace Elliott (2), Cassidy Rhodes (2), Ilona Markova (2), Vanessa Schaefer (1), Hanna Perrier (2)
Thunderbirds netminder: Elise Hugens (17/19)

Result: 7-2 victory for UBC over Waterloo.

Bronze Medal Game

The Guelph Gryphons found themselves in the bronze medal game after defeating Waterloo and falling to Concordia. The UNB Reds got by Ottawa in a shootout before Montreal scored more than they did. These two teams were meeting for the first time in a National Championship as Guelph attempted to win its second medal ever while UNB looked to capture its first medal in program history!



Reds goals: Katelyn Scott (1), Avery Thurston (1)
Reds assists: Lauren Carter (1), Rylee Strohm (1)
Reds netminder: Cassie McCallum (28/29)

Gryphons goals: Katherine Heard (2)
Gryphons assists: Reese Coffey (1)
Gryphons netminder: Martina Fedel (16/18)

Result: 2-1 victory for UNB over Guelph.

Gold Medal Game

The Concordia Stingers advanced to the gold medal game by defeating the Manitoba Bisons and the Guelph Gryphons. The Montreal Carabins found themselves in the gold medal final after upsetting the UBC Thunderbirds and the UNB Reds. Montreal was trying to become the second eighth-seeded team to capture gold after the 2023 Mount Royal Cougars while Concordia was hunting for its fifth gold medal and third in five years. The first all-Quebec final since 2014 looked like it would be entertaining, so which Montreal-based team would be crowned as the 2026 U SPORTS champions?



Carabins goals: Audrey-Anne Veillette (3), Ann-Sophie Bedard (1), Jade Picard (2), Catherine Proulx (1), Laurie-Anne Ethier (2)
Carabins assists: Sophie Ledain (1), Lea Salem (1), Meghan Lesage (1)
Carabins netminder: Maude Desroches (40/42)

Stingers goals: Audrey Clavette (2), Emilie Lavoie (1)
Stingers assists: Juliette Leroux(2), Zoe Thibault (3)
Stingers netminder: Jordyn Verbeek (30/33)

Result: 5-2 victory for Montreal over Concordia.

There are no standings to worry about, but the there is one team who stood taller than the rest this weekend as U SPORTS champions!

Les Carabins de Montreal are your 2026 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Champions after defeating the Concordia Stingers for the first time in eleven tries this season, and they become the second eighth-ranked team to capture the gold medal after starting the tournament as the lowest-seeded team. This is Montreal's third gold medal in program history, and its first gold medal since 2016. Netminder Maude Desroches was named the tournament MVP after the game!

Félicitations aux Carabins de Montréal pour avoir remporté la médaille d'or aux championnats U SPORTS! Savourez la victoire!

Words Of Gratitude

There's nothing to analyze here as the season is over, but I do want to show some gratitude to a handful of people and organizations. You may disagree with me on some of these, but that's your ball to kick. I'll be over here thanking these people for making the season fun and informative. They deserve some thanks for their efforts as well.

I want to thank CBC for their continued efforts in bringing amateur sports to Canadians via their online streams and network channels. I don't know if there will be regular airing of U SPORTS hockey anytime soon, but having all the games and features from both U SPORTS hockey championships available via their streaming options is simply awesome. CBC also had a number of Canada West games on their streams this past winter as well, so CBC gets a big "thank you"! Perhaps this could be the new "Hockey Night In Canada" on CBC?

The Waterloo Warriors and the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira, Ontario deserve some thanks for putting on a second-straight U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship that seemingly went off without any issues. I'm sure there were some bumps along the road, but the games looked good and sounded good at every point. Hosting this event is a massive undertaking, and you've set the bar high for the UNB Reds and the city of Fredericton next year!

The parents, families, friends, and fans of U SPORTS players and teams are deserving of some gratitude as well. These are the people that sacrificed time, spent oodles of money, booked time off work, and were there to cheer on their daughters, sisters, granddaughters, nieces, best friends, former teammates, and the amazing women that make up the teams in U SPORTS women's hockey. They may not get enough thanks, but these people are there during the times of sadness, the times of frustration, and, ultimately, the time of joy in these women's lives. Thank you for helping these women achieve their dreams of getting a high-level education while playing hockey!

A big thank-you goes out to the coaches, athletic therapists, nutritionists, equipment people, and everyone behind the scenes that keep these women healthy, happy, and on the ice. All of these people invest their time and energy into their programs with the hope that it will pay off with a celebration at the end of games and seasons, and they put in countless hours preparing and making sure their teams are ready to go wherever a game is being played. Thank you for your dedication to women's hockey, to keeping players healthy in both mind and body, and for preparing them for any challenge they may face, both on and off the ice. The game is better because of you.

You can't play a game without officials, and, despite complaining or disagreeing with calls made, the effort these men and women put in to keep order in the game can't go unmentioned. Officiating means someone will always be unhappy with you, and these people have shown that they're willing to take a little heat to ensure the games remain safe for all to play. Thanks to the stripes on the ice and off-ice officials who do a great job in making sure the women's game remains awesome, and sports in general remain friendly competition.

A big shoutout goes to all the broadcasters who put in countless hours reading and memorizing facts and stats about players and teams to bring you the best broadcasts they can. Most of these broadcasts don't have a Sportsnet truck outside the arena and a dozen cameras inside, but the people who call the games make it sound just as good with their passion for and knowledge of the game. Thanks to everyone across the four conferences who picked up a microphone this year to add some chatter and insight to the games!

Finally, to the players, another season has come and gone and I know a lot of you will say that the time passed by too quickly. That's a truth about life: time is one of the most valuable commodities you'll have that will always seem like it's being spent too quickly, so I hope you used it wisely. I'm not talking about scoring goals or making saves, but about making life-long friendships and lasting memories. Every moment you spent in the community meant something to someone you met. Every second you spent on the bus rides complaining about school work was something over which you bonded with someone else. You made an impact on lives, especially with all the high-fives given to youth hockey players at your games. Those matter to them.

Thank you, players, for entertaining us every weekend. For always being good role models. For being brilliant students and better people. For your charitable work. For the time you spent making lives better. For being incredible teammates, cherished friends, and unforgettable icons. For being coachable and pushing your athletic limits. For sacrificing social opportunities to do homework. For welcoming challenges and embracing opportunities. For simply being awesome people that touched the lives of many. Thank you so much.

This game will push forward without reflection just as time does, but your impact on the game will be felt for years. History was made, victories were earned, friendships were forged, and smiles were seen. Yes, big goals and big saves will get remembered, but your legacy at your school and in the university game will be marked by the relationships and friendships formed over the time you played.

Thank you to everyone listed above who made the 2025-26 U SPORTS hockey season fun, and here's hoping next season is just as good!

The Last Word

That will close this chapter of The Rundown, and I don't know if it will return next season. I know I said that last year and I ultimately went ahead and did another season, but I can't be the only person talking about Canada West and U SPORTS women's hockey all the time. Making matters worse is that fact that no one who has the power to do so wants to see it get better. It's honestly frustrating.

There will be two new schools added in Quebec next season, so the number of women playing university hockey will grow. You would think that having options like CBC internet streams would be something that U SPORTS would want to capitalize on with the explosion of growth in women's hockey thanks to the Olympics this year, but I guess my lack of marketing and business degrees say that following an easily-sourced statistical trend is a bad idea.

I have been dedicated to this game, specifically in western Canada, for a long time. I have meticulous records for U SPORTS National Championships because that information isn't readily or easily found online anywhere. I have reached out to leaders in the university women's hockey game, and I haven't received a single response to my questions. I know I'm not the only person who cares, but I also feel like I can't keep doing this alone. I'm honestly frustrated.

What I do know is that a new wave of incoming students will join teams where renewed hope for immediate and long-term successes will be fostered. Teams will play, players will score, goalies will stop, and coaches will strategize as everyone aims to follow in Montreal's footsteps this season with a massive celebration in March. Just remember that time will fly by, so use your time as best as one can to build those friendships, foster those relationships, and create those life-long memories. And for heaven's sake, have some fun too!

Enjoy your summers, hockey fans. October is closer than you think!

Until next season, keep your sticks on the ice!

The Hockey Show - Episode 697

The Hockey Show, Canada's only campus-produced radio show that strictly talks hockey, is back in the cozy confines of the UMFM studio tonight where it will be a normal temperature unlike our rink setting last week. Obviously, our hosts had a blast seeing some of the best women's hockey action this province has to offer at the 2026 Female World Sport School Challenge, and they'll wrap up that experience with some well-deserved thank-yous, a recap of what happened, and a discussion on where the tournament may go from here. And then they'll talk other hockey stuff too! It's a fun episode with looks at hockey from across the globe tonight on The Hockey Show at 5:30pm CT!

Tonight, Teebz and Jason show a little gratitude in thanking at all the people who made the 2026 Female World Sport School Challenge memorable, entertaining, and fun. Beyond that discussion, they'll also chat about the results and who finished where, highlights for each of the two radio voices, and where they may see the tournament going in 2027. They'll also discuss a former Bisons coach getting the bump to head coach in another league, an SDHL team that is making a hard decision on its future, the KHL being the KHL with some of the news coming out of that league, and there's an exciting development coming out of the University of Waterloo about concussion detection! It should be an interesting show based on those stories and more, so make sure you're listening tonight to The Hockey Show at 5:30pm CT on one of 101.5 FM, Channel 718 on MTS TV, or via UMFM.com!

If you live outside Winnipeg and want to listen, we have options! The UMFM website's streaming player works well if you want to listen online. We also recommend Radio Garden if you need an easy-to-use online stream. If you're more of an app person, we recommend you use the TuneIn app found on the App Store or Google Play Store.

If you have questions, you can email all show queries and comments to hockeyshow@umfm.com! Tweet me anytime with questions you may have by hitting me up at @TeebzHBIC on Twitter! I'm here to listen to you, so make your voice heard! And because both Teebz and Jason are on the butterfly app where things are less noisy, you can find Teebz here and Jason here on Bluesky!

Tonight, Teebz and Jason chat about great people, great moments, big wins, new jobs, less teams, questionable hires, former stars, brain care, and much more exclusively on 101.5 UMFM and on the UMFM.com web stream!

PODCAST: January 29, 2026: Episode 697

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

Grateful And Thankful

After a night of well-needed sleep under a stack of blankets to warm up, it's time for some reflection on the 2026 Female World Sport School Challenge. This isn't going to be some autopsy on the event; rather, it's more of a showing of gratitude for allowing myself and UMFM to take part when both Balmoral Hall School and the Balmoral Hall Blazers could have opted to go with any radio station or have no radio broadcasts at all. As we said on the broadcasts, we are honoured to have been given the opportunity and we were privileged to bring the action to any and all who tuned into the broadcasts. That being said, allow me to say thanks a little more.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it's very clear that it takes an incredible team of people to pull off a tournament like the Female World Sport School Challenge. Balmoral Hall showed they are a close-knit team by banding together, finding solutions to problems, welcoming goofballs like me, and keeping the tournament rolling through four days of action. To the parents, the staff, and the students who volunteered in some capacity over the four days, you are the key to this tournament's success, and you deserve infinite thank-yous for your time and efforts. Thank you for everything!

To the players, staff, and coaches of the nine teams who brought boundless energy, incredible skills and talents, and unrelenting competitive spirits, thank you for the fantastic hockey all weekend long. Yes, the Winnipeg Ice may have gone home with the gold medals, but there was no shortage of amazing hockey played in each of the nine games we called. Beyond that, the abundance of talent shown at the Skills Competition was unforgettable, and we are excited to see where everyone lands, whether it be in hockey or beyond the rink. Thank you for making the hockey so great!

To Aaron, Chelsea, Bryan, Geneviève, Erin, Jennifer, and Jennifer Armstrong, thank you so much for allowing UMFM to be the voice of the tournament once again this year. We are always proud to be able to broadcast this tournament so that parents, families, friends, and fans can hear their favorite players and teams play, and we hope that we'll be a part of the tournament again next year and beyond. You guys did a phenomenal job in organizing and running the tournament, and I hope we were able to rise to the occasion with our broadcasts to meet the standard you all set! Thank you for your leadership!

To the many sponsors who supported this tournament, we are extremely grateful for your generosity! UMFM ran ads before, during, and after every game in order to recognize your efforts in supporting this tournament, and I hope the commercials we found and created for all the sponsors were as helpful as each business was in supporting this tournament. If you're reading this, please try to frequent this amazing group of businesses as they're putting women's hockey on the map in Manitoba! Thank you for your support!

Finally, I want to say thank you to all the parents, families, and fans who trekked to the Hockey For All Centre this weekend in the brutal cold to cheer on daughters, granddaughters, sisters, friends, and teams. From the moment they put skates on for the first time to the final whistle this weekend, you've been there to cheer them on, push them higher, give them comfort when things get bumpy, and celebrate all their successes. If you couldn't make it to the rink, my hope is that we did a good enough job describing the game via the UMFM broadcasts so that it felt like you were there watching. It goes without saying, but thank you for being their biggest fans!

In showing gratitude, I also want to say thanks to both Jason Pchajek and Eugene Pelland for throwing on a headset this weekend and providing great commentary. I called a number of games, but you guys elevated the broadcasts with your insights, expertise, and knowledge, and I will always be proud to sit next to you while calling a game. Thank you for your excellent broadcasting skills while making the games sound more intelligent and exciting than I ever could!

Another incredibly successful tournament is in the books with the Winnipeg Ice bringing home their second-straight gold medal. The Rink Hockey Academy are the silver medalists and the host Balmoral Hall Blazers are the bronze medalists with the Westman Wildcats falling just short at fourth-place. The Winnipeg Avros defeated the Pembina Valley Hawks in the fifth-place game, and the Yellowhead Chiefs defeated the Pilot Mound Buffaloes in the seventh-place game. The Interlake Lightning finished the tournament in ninth-place.

The Skills Competition saw Balmoral Hall's Brannagh Rae win the Fastest Skater event. The Avros had three players take home awards as Addilyn Nohlgren won the Accuracy Shooting event, defender Leah Claussen won the Hardest Shot event, and Cali Lavallee won the Breakaway Shootout event. The Ice saw defender Aliyah Texeira win the Sauce Passing event while goaltender Gina Plett was named the top netminder in the Breakaway Shootout event. Honestly, all the players who took part in these events were outstanding, and we saw some incredible performances that didn't win from players like Ivy Perkin, Rowyn Street, Joslyn Tetlock, and Kate Chuback.

With this being Balmoral Hall's first attempt at hosting, they've set a lofty standard to meet next season if they plan on hosting this tournament again. From the awesome volunteers to the talented players to the incredible action on the ice, this was an excellent event. I can only hope we'll be back again next year to see the fantastic hockey once more, so thank you to Balmoral Hall School and the Balmoral Hall Blazers for all the fun we had this year!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

His Better Half

A lot of people likely recognize the guy to the right as Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie. Beside him stands his beautiful wife, Haley, who has to deal with all of Eric's career twists and turns including moving when Eric is traded or signs elsewhere, keeping daily distractions from Eric when he's scheduled to play, and dealing with an unhappy goaltender if he has an off night. I'm not a professional athlete so I'm sure I've left a few details out about some of the stuff Haley does for Eric, but an article filed late last night by Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press about Eric and Haley Comrie has stuck with me all day.

There's no doubt in my mind that NHL hockey wives deal with all sorts of stuff that a two-parent household usually splits thanks to their husbands being on the road all the time. Eric Comrie, for his part, seems like a really good guy who always tries to be present at home for big moments and family time, but, sometimes, his job gets in the way. McIntyre's story shows just how important Haley is to Team Comrie, and I'm thinking she's the MVP of that team if Eric is voting.

"After last game, I wasn't in the best mental space that I've ever been in my life," Comrie told McIntyre last night after helping the Jets snap their eleven game losing streak. "My wife actually helped me get out of it. It was unbelievable today what she did."

Comrie, if you recall, had a very rough outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs on New Year's Day, surrendering six goals on 30 shots as the Jets fell to the Maple Leafs by a 6-5 score. It was a game where Winnipeg held a 4-1 lead going into the third period before the roof caved in on the likeable netminder and his team as the Leafs rallied.

With Comrie slated to start against Los Angeles, it seems the biggest assist in the 5-1 victory didn't come on the ice, but at the Comrie household as Haley did something to calm her husband's nerves.

"She put a couple pictures of my kids in my car, both playing hockey. It showed me why I play the game and why I love the game," said Comrie, who got visibly choked up as he spoke. "It kind of got me back into the mindset of playing hockey again and being a kid and having fun out there. It was pretty special for me out there."

To quote Moneyball: "How can you not be romantic about hockey?"

I completely understand the idea of Comrie thinking and overthinking every play and every shot in his mind after a bad game. I used to take that same mentality home with me after I finished playing a game, and it took a lot of reflection to break that way of thinking. For Comrie, all it took was a reminder from his wife that this game is supposed to be played for fun no matter what age one is.

"It's hard to stay angry coming home to my daughter yelling, 'Daddy, daddy, daddy, come give me big hug and a big kiss.' She wants to show what she's done all day, and then I've got two dogs jumping all over me," he said about coming home after games.

If that doesn't tug at the ol' heartstrings a little, you may want to see a doctor about whether your heart is indeed beating in your chest.

I have made it a point on this blog to never write about a player's personal life away from the rink. I truly believe they are entitled to as much of a private life as anyone reading this blog. This story, while personal, feels different because it's a stark reminder that hockey players are people and that they have their flaws just like you and I.

Eric Comrie was down in the dumps after a few outings where he likely believes he should have been better, but his best friend was there to pick him up when he needed it most. Haley Comrie put things back in perspective with one simple reminder: stop worrying about all the noise, and just have fun like the kids would do.

I want to pass on a "thank you" and some major kudos for Mike McIntyre filing this story late last night with all the credit for the quotations rightfully go to him, but this is the kind of story we should be seeking more often. Hockey in North America is a cutthroat business that chews up and spits people out of they can't handle the pressures that come with playing, and stories like the one Eric Comrie shared with McIntyre shows that there is a human side to the game that needs to shine through the joyless business of the game.

Thank you, Eric, for sharing your story, and thank you, Haley, for providing a perspective that too often gets forgotten today.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

A Massive Thank You

Another week of Pledge-O-Rama at the UMFM offices has come and gone, and we are blown away once again at the support shown by UMFM listeners and supporters. We knew we had loyal listeners who are passionate about campus and community radio, but we owe everyone who helped out this week a major "thank you" for your contributons to our station. Without a doubt, UMFM listeners and supporters are the station's biggest strength, so thank you for your generous pledges during the Pledge-O-Rama week!

I can't write each one of you a "thank you" note for your contributions, but I hope the image to the left will suffice. Your support and contributions saw UMFM surpass the $39,000 mark this evening - some $7000 more than our intended goal! This money will now be set aside until the Board of Directors determines which major projects need to be tackled this year in terms of need and priority. In saying that, the extra money on top of the goal will give us some flexibility, and it may even let us cross a couple of other things off the "UMFM Major Projects" list. That's entire due to you, our listeners, so, once again, thank you for your support and generous pledges!

Here's where you can still take advantage of our appreciation for you: the Winnipeg Jets jersey we're giving away will be awarded on Thursday, May 8. That means that you still have time to contribute to UMFM's overall goal as The Hockey Show will keep the Pledge Goal for our show going! We realize that not everyone has the same pay days or access on the dates we're on the air, so we're extending the draw for the jersey until this week's show! We also realize that we only gave everyone two days - three if you read HBIC - to get yourself prepared for a pledge, so we want to give everyone a chance at winning this jersey. It's only fair if we extend the opportunity.

Once again, The Hockey Show likes to reward those who come through for our show, so we're extending the chance to win the jersey to the left - a size 58, team-issued Adizero Winnipeg Jets white jersey! This jersey is a beauty, and we'll be outfitting one of our generous listeners with some new threads! To do that, we will draw a winner from everyone who pledges to our show at the $25 level or above. The more you donate to UMFM, the better your chances will be to win the jersey. Here's how:

• $25 donation = 1 entry.
• $50 donation = 2 entries.
• $75 donation = 3 entries.
• $101.50 donation = 4 entries.
• $150+ donation = 5 entries.

You help the station with your donation, and we'll potentially put you in a Jets jersey. It's that easy, but you have to donate to UMFM and The Hockey Show for you to be entered. If you want to donate to multiple shows because you're a fan of great UMFM content, we certainly won't stop you. What will matter is the amount pledged to The Hockey Show with respect to draw entries.

For those who already pledged, you're entered into the draw. For those in Survivor: NHL Playoffs, you're getting your one free entry as well. For those who haven't pledged yet, this is your metaphorical third period. Get your pledges in now in order to qualify for the draw on Thursday which we will do live on the air on The Hockey Show. The draw will happen at 6pm on May 8, so make sure your pledges are in and recorded before the show starts at 5:30pm CT!

I can't promise that you'll be able to use the Jets jersey next week as they'll play Game Seven tomorrow night in a winner-takes-all game against the St. Louis Blues. I have faith that the Jets will hold the fort, but anything can happen in a Game Seven. Ask Steve Smith about what happened to the Oilers in 1986 in a Game Seven against Calgary. If you know the game, you know what I mean.

Thank you once more, UMFM listeners, for your amazing contributions to the station. We are always grateful for the support you've given the station in multiple forms - listening to the station, pledges, calls, and other interactions - and this past week gave us more reason to keep delivering excellent content from all our shows so that you're getting the best campus and community-based radio on the planet!

We couldn't do this without you, and we're proud that UMFM is powered by our phenomenal listeners! Thank you so much!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

The Hockey Show - Episode 646

The Hockey Show, Canada's only campus-produced radio show that strictly talks hockey, returns to the cozy confines of the UMFM studio tonight as our hosts get set for another discussion about all things hockey. After a phenonenal weekend at the Hockey For All Centre, our hosts will wrap-up the Female World Sports School Challenge chatter for another year among the topics tonight as we're always grateful to be part of the amazing event. Beyond that, there will be some business talk, some hockey talk, and some laughter to be had as they get into the stories. There will certainly be some opinions given tonight on The Hockey Show at 5:30pm CT!

Tonight on the program, Teebz and Jason will wrap up the Female World Sport School Challenge before taking a look at the IIHF continuing to keep Russia and Belarus out of international hockey action, the potential $113-million salary cap in two years, Ryan Hartman's ten-game suspension and why it's likely going to an arbitrator, the Jets pushing for eight wins in a row prior to the Four Nations event, the politics that seems to be behind Logan Thompson not playing for Canada, the Vancouver Canucks' madness that continues, and anything else we can squeeze into the hour. It should be a lively chat with some strong opinions on these matters, so get yourself ready tonight for The Hockey Show at 5:30pm CT on one of 101.5 FM, Channel 718 on MTS TV, or via UMFM.com!

If you live outside Winnipeg and want to listen, we have options! The new UMFM website's online streaming player works well if you want to listen online. We also recommend Radio Garden if you need an easy-to-use online stream. If you're more of an app person, we recommend you use the TuneIn app found on the App Store or Google Play Store. It's a solid app.

If you have questions, you can email all show queries and comments to hockeyshow@umfm.com! Tweet me anytime with questions you may have by hitting me up at @TeebzHBIC on Twitter! I'm here to listen to you, so make your voice heard! And because both Teebz and Jason are on the butterfly app where things are less noisy, you can find Teebz here and Jason here on Bluesky!

Tonight, Teebz and Jason chat great tournaments, smart decisions, dumb decisions, big money, extended breaks, win streaks, West Coast insanity, and much more exclusively on 101.5 UMFM and on the UMFM.com web stream!

PODCAST: February 6, 2025: Episode 646

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

Another Tournament In The Books

With another edition of the Female World Sport School Challenge wrapped up after yesterday's gold medal and bronze medal games, that puts the final touches an outstanding event once again. The hockey was awesome as the women from the twelve teams that participated all deserve a round of applause from me as I was treated to some incredible teamwork, fantastic individual efforts, and some of the best hockey action I've seen all year. That's where I'll start because there's a lot of people to thank!

To the players, you all deserve some serious kudos as we were witness to your athletic abilities and dedication to the game. Whether it was Mullen MacIntyre going bar-down on a rush up the ice, Isabella Mann capping off a two-on-one in overtime, or Ivy Perkin dancing between defenders, these were just three of the plays that were most memorable on the PCL Rink at the Hockey For All Centre. And there were so many more incredible plays! To the twelve teams and all the players who took part, thank you for your outstanding skill and play this weekend! I can't wait to see what you do next!

To the coaches and trainers who are preparing these women for the next steps in their lives and careers, thank you for your dedication to the craft and your ability to keep these players reaching higher. The players certainly put on a show for the four days of play, and they executed systems, adjusted to opponents, and played their best thanks to your coaching and direction. Players found ways to suit up for games we thought they'd never see thanks to the trainers and medical staffs, and it's because of everyone on those benches that a lot of these women will move on to bigger and better, even if it's not on the ice. Thank you for your commitment, your time, and your work in helping these women find that next level!

To the parents of the players who made the trek to the Hockey For All Centre for the Female World Sports School Challenge, thank you for your support of the players, the teams, and the tournament. While it's true that there can be only one team who prevails, I saw more smiles, more high-fives, and more cheering this weekend from the stands than I can remember. Crowds were loud, lively, and engaged, and it made the games that much more fun to call on the radio. Thank you for all you do in keeping your daughters striving for excellence with your support at home and in the stands!

To the players and the coaches of the Flames Prep Hockey team, thank you for allowing us to work with you, to chat with you about your lives and team, and to be proud to partner with you in broadcasting this tournament. Things may not have ended up how you wanted, but you finished the weekend with a win while playing extremely hard in the other three games. There is nothing over which anyone should hang their heads as the effort, the grit, and the tenacity was on display all weekend. I'm proud of the partnership and the friendships we've forged, and I hope we can continue that moving forward. Thank you for being so welcoming to me, to UMFM, and to our craziness. We're excited to see the next chapter!

To the parents and volunteers who committed so much time to the tournament to make it run smoothly, you are the heart and lifeblood of the Female World Sport School Challenge. From all the nutritious snacks that go to the players to the great food featured in the tournament office, from the stats and standings on the website to the Player of the Game presentations, from welcoming each and every person who came through the doors to simply allowing a couple of goofy radio guys have some laughs with you, we cannot say "thank you" loud enough or often enough. It's not often two goofballs are welcomed into a family as you have done for us, but we are beyond grateful for your hospitality, your generosity, your warmth, and your friendship. Thank you so much for everything!

To our newest radio star, Gene Pelland, thank you for jumping into the broadcast seat and absolutely knocking the play-by-play out of the park as the "Voice of the Flames"! Gene had been calling games while filming the action for Flames fans all season long on his Facebook feed, but his jump over to the UMFM airwaves was seamless! Gene will certainly be welcomed back in future tournaments assuming he wants to wear the headset again, but we want to thank him for his knowledge, expertise, and call at this year's tournament! We'll need to sign him before Sportsnet does!

Of course, this tournament is resurrected every year thanks to the efforts of Larry and Kathy Bumstead who spent countless hours leading up to, during, and after the tournament making sure that every player, every team, every coach, and every volunteer feels like he or she is the star of the show. Every single volunteer has clear directions from Kathy, every coach knows Larry or Kathy can be reached at any time, every player is celebrated, and every team is welcomed as they extend that warmth to all who attend.

Beyond that, these two have consistently welcomed UMFM and myself as the radio broadcasters of the tournament each and every year for a number of years now, and we are always grateful that we're welcomed back as we realize how important it is for parents to be able to hear their girls' teams play while at a major tournament like Female World Sport School Challenge. We hold that responsibility in high regard, and we're grateful to be the radio partner of the tournament. Thank you, Larry and Kathy, for allowing us to call some incredible hockey, be part of an incredible crew of volunteers, and having us back this year. We're already looking forward to next year!

Tomorrow, it's back to work and back to life as we count down the days to next season's tournament. If you're reading this, get out and support your local AAA and CSSHL female teams because these women are the next generation of stars at the university level and beyond! We can certainly attest to that after the amazing talent and plays we watched this past weekend, so do yourself a favour and catch these women showing off their skills before they're playing in some other corner of the continent!

If nothing else, we'll see you at next year's tournament!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

The Hockey Show - Episode 624

The Hockey Show, Canada's only campus-produced radio show that strictly talks hockey, hits another milestone today as we wrap up Season 12 of the show! It's hard to believe that we've done this for twelve years, through a pandemic, through two NHL lockouts, and through various building shutdowns, but twelve years will be in the books tonight when the lads sign off. Obviously, we can't thank UMFM and its loyal listeners enough for welcoming us onto their radios and internet streams, so we'll take some time to thank various people tonight. In short, though, it's been a fun ride as we get set for Season 13 of The Hockey Show tonight at 5:30pm CT! And if this is your first time listening, there's no better time to get in on the fun!

Teebz and Jason will break into the hockey stories by offering their thoughts on the Gaudreau tragedy before getting into Edmonton's dump truck of money for Draisaitl, two PWHL teams get new homes, two more Memorial Cup bids were made, the Ottawa Senators will be on the golf course all year, a European team makes a big ask of their fans, and we'll give our own thanks and show appreciation for everyone who has tuned in at some point over the last twelve years. It's another busy show with lots to discuss, so join Teebz and Jason for Season 12's final show tonight on The Hockey Show at 5:30pm CT on one of 101.5 FM, Channel 718 on MTS TV, or via UMFM.com!

If you live outside Winnipeg and want to listen, we have options! The new UMFM website's online streaming player works well if you want to listen online. We also recommend Radio Garden if you need an easy-to-use online stream. If you're more of an app person, we recommend you use the TuneIn app found on the App Store or Google Play Store. It's a solid app.

If you have questions, you can email all show queries and comments to hockeyshow@umfm.com! Tweet me anytime with questions you may have by hitting me up at @TeebzHBIC on Twitter! I'm here to listen to you, so make your voice heard!

Tonight, Teebz and Jason discuss senseless losses, ludicrous money, new homes, new options, sponsorship money, fans' hard-earned money, twelve seasons of madness, and much more exclusively on 101.5 UMFM and on the UMFM.com web stream!

PODCAST: September 5, 2024: Episode 624

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

The Day The Music Died

Don McLean has two number-one songs in music history. While the song "Vincent" isn't as popular as his song inspired by the plane crash that took the lives of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP Richardson in 1959, there's something about McLean's lyrics of "the day the music died" that linger when you listen to his hit "American Pie". McLean never really spoke a lot about the meaning of the song that references a number of musicians, but the original lyric sheet for the song shows notes about how McLean wrote ths song about life "becoming less idyllic" and how the changes in the world had affected rock-and-roll music. I'm not saying that CapFriendly's closure today will have the same effect on the hockey world, but it honestly seems like losing that resource will undoubtedly change the hockey world for fans and teams alike as we move forward.

I'm not saying that having CapFriendly working would be life-changing for the vast majority of people, so maybe there's a little hyperbole in comparing it to Don McLean's song. For me, it was habit to check the status of player's contracts whenever we were doing research for The Hockey Show or an article here on HBIC, but that habit is broken today with the site going dark. If we're going to debate a player's value, it seems hockey pundits will need to find a new way to do so.

I do want to wish the people who ran the site all the best in their future employment with the Washington Capitals as that's an exciting opportunity for any and all of them to get into the hockey world and make a difference. Many have been writing information and code into the site for years as the site evolved into one of the best hockey sites on the internet, and I can't deny that the reward wasn't worth the effort. Yes, I'm still not thrilled about Ted Leonsis buying the site and shutting it down, but the CapFriendly staff deserve the opportunity they created for themselves.

There likely will be a site that steps up to fill the void and the evolution of that site will happen organically as a new contender emerges from the fallout. As of right now, PuckPedia is a good resource that is working diligently to add new tools and improve their site, so go easy on them for now as they look to step into the spotlight. My hope is that they'll get back to the same level of information that CapFriendly held and possibly take things to new heights with new tools and features.

It's a darker day on the hockey front with CapFriendly going dark today, but there are stars that are emerging from that darkness. Again, I wish the CapFriendly staff all the best and thank them for all their hard work over the years in becoming one of the go-to sites for hockey news and information. For the new group that does emerge, follow CapFriendly's lead when it comes to late-night coding and updating on the fly during Free Agency Day and the Trade Deadline.

If there's one thing we know from the developments over the last month, people will notice hard work just like they do for hockey players. And just as we see on the ice, hard work and talent is tough to defeat in any situation.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

A Night Out

I had mentioned to few people that my hours at home were involved in a project I had been asked to do, and tonight was the night where that project was revealed. I was invited to be a guest at the St. Mary's Academy Flames' season-ending banquet by head coach Larry Bumstead as we collaborated on creating tribute videos for the graduating players who were moving off to new opportunities at a number of places. I won't be posting very much about the banquet here mainly because it's something for Flames and not the public, but I did want to thank them again for having this goofy media guy at their year-end party where I seemingly don't fit.

To Larry, Rob, Terry, Kennedy, and Carol-Ann, thank you so much for everything you do for the team and for the girls, but thank you for allowing me the honour of capturing the spirit of the four graduating players in the tribute videos. I'll fully admit that I don't know the girls as well as these five people do in any capacity, but, after having conversations with Larry about the four graduates, my hope was that the tribute videos captured both their love of playing for all five of you and for St. Mary's Academy along with the spirit of each of the girls. Thank you for this opportunity, and I appreciate all the compliments received about the videos.

To all the parents, thank you again for letting me into the St. Mary's Academy world and treating me as if I belonged there despite me knowing how much of an outsider I actually am. I know Larry didn't let anyone know about the tribute videos so my presence there may have been a surprise, but it felt like being back at the Female World Sport School Challenge with how welcoming and inviting you all were. Thank you again for being one of the best groups I've worked with and alongside this year and every year.

To the players who are returning to the Flames next season, I have no idea what Bummer has planned, but you've seen the mad genius at work with his idea for the four videos done for Quinn, Chiara, Addison, and Mia. While I helped bring those videos to life, Bummer's already looking to do some more fun stuff for next season. Be prepared for another fun-filled Flames season in 2024-25, and congratulations on all your successes on the ice and in the classrooms this season! You hold the torch high, ladies!

To Quinn, Chiara, Addison, and Mia, the future is bright with you walking towards it. Each of you has a story you're writing that I am confident will end in nothing but good things. Quinn's adventures in Regina will be incredible to watch, Chiara's work at the University of Manitoba will be unparalleled, Addison's already scored a hole-in-one with her efforts in golf and she'll shine brightly at Bowling Green, and Mia's passion and dedication to the game will make the Saint Mary's Huskies that much better next season. Thank you for allowing me to capture your personalities and spirits in these videos you didn't know were coming. I admittedly don't know each of you beyond a professional level, but it's not hard to see why Bummer was so excited about his leadership group this year. Well done, ladies, and I know you're going to do well at your respective next stops!

My thanks also go out to Chef Sergei and his staff at The Press Box restaurant for the incredible meal they served for this evening, and one really should check out the amazing menu he's prepared if one visits the Hockey For All Centre in Winnipeg. It's delicious, modern dining with a fantastic bar that offers all your standard adult beverages plus some local craft offerings. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Cajun chicken sandwich they serve there, but the menu has lots of delicious food to experience!

In summary, I had an incredible night of amazing food, seeing people I admire and respect, and watching the next generation of great leaders take those steps with their final Flames gathering. Thank you to all who appreciated the videos I made, and I truly hope it captured the spirit and the personalities of the four graduating players. I am humbled by all the kind words, and I hope you'll allow me back into the Flames family next season if I'm invited.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

You Were On TV!

The invention of the cell phones, text messaging, cameras with phones, and PVRs has allowed a number of major events to be watched, rewatched, sent to friends, and discussed among friends virtually in real time. One of those moments happened tonight to me as I was sitting quietly in my seat at Canada Life Centre watching the Jets and Kings battle in a Western Conference showdown. I was aware there were cameras a few rows down and to my right, but never did I think my presence on TV would generate as much buzz as it did because my phone was buzzing all night!

First, let me say thank you to everyone who texted me with comments and proof they were watching. I chuckle at those messages, but I really am grateful for the messages because I hold every one of you who messaged me with a picture and/or a comment in high regard. Thank you for making my night memorable despite me simply trying to blend in with the crowd!

The reason I was at the game was to support and cheer on the man to the right: NHL linesman Ryan Galloway. Ryan's final NHL game was tonight as he made the decision to retire after 22 seasons of watching blue lines, breaking up scraps, and escorting players to their penalty boxes. One has to wonder what the future will hold for him now, but I suspect he's going to be successful in whatever chapter he decides to write next after seeing how successful he was in this chapter that's closing. Ryan's a fantastic official, but an even better person, and I suspect he'll be making a difference in people's lives with his extra free time just as he did when he skated alongside NHL greats.

It's way too late for a long-winded article and I have to up for work tomorrow, so this will be kept as brief as it is. I feel grateful for my friendship with Ryan after getting to know and working with his wife Rhonda while he was still skating at the IHL and AHL levels, and it's hard to believe that it's now 22 years later that I've had the privilege of watching, appreciating, and cheering on Ryan as he became one of the game's best officials. Thank you, Ryan and Rhonda, for allowing me a seat on your journey in reaching the pinnacle of the profession.

For everyone who messaged me tonight, thanks to you too. I am thoroughly grateful and humbled that many of you reached out. I know there will likely be people at work tomorrow who mention my cameo on TSN tonight as well, but I'll fall asleep tonight with a smile on my face after so many people recognized my mug on their TVs.

For anyone who suffered eye or vision damage from seeing the horror story on your screen, I apologize for that trauma as well!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

Another Incredible Weekend

Let me just say upfront that any weekend spent around the volunteers and staff at the Female World Sport School Challenge is one I wouldn't trade for anything. There's a reason why this tournament is circled on the calendars of a number of teams across western Canada, and it goes to the very heart and soul of the tournament in the volunteer staff, the junior hosts, and the great people behind the scenes doing everything they can to showcase the immense amount of talent on the ice. We were treated to amazing hockey again this weekend from all 16 teams, and we owe those people who put so much time into this tournament a healthy round of applause!

Before we get to posting the audio of the gold medal game, I'm going to recognize these amazing people once again because they are what makes this tournament so good. Make no mistake as we see some incredible hockey, but these are the people that make this tournament happen. Volunteers are the beating heart of this event, so I want to recognize these people.

We'll start with junior hosts who are female minor hockey players that work with the teams to get them anything they may need. These amazing young women keep water bottles filled, sticks on benches, snacks between periods and after games stocked, and anything else that the teams request. Frankly, these young ladies are buzzing around the arena complex so much that you'd think there are a hundred of them. Instead, there are a handful of junior hosts, and they make sure the teams that attend the Female World Sport School Challenge have everything they need. They are simply awesome!

The parents of the players who devote their time to the tournament to ensure its success also need to be recognized, and this goes for current, future, and past parents who log a ton of hours being in penalty boxes to open doors, selecting three stars for each game, preparing snacks for each team as needed, calculating and logging statistical information, updating scores, taking tickets, selling passes, and so much more. Everywhere you look, there's a volunteer helping someone or getting something ready for the next game, and it's a phenomenal sight to see each and every person doing their part to make this tournament a success. I kid you not: parents deserve way more credit than just me saying thanks, but these are the people who keep the machine oiled and running smoothly at the Female World Sport School Challenge.

The staff at St. Mary's Academy who come out and lend a hand at these events are part of the group in the previous paragraph, but there is on person whose infectuous personality makes us feel welcome at the event like we're part of the staff. I cannot say enough good things about Carol-Ann Swayzie who always brings the energy and laughter to the event when the long days have everyone moving a step slower. She's a joy to work with, an absolute pleasure to be around, and a gem of a person in all facets. I am blessed to know her, and I can't wait to work with her again.

Of course, Kathy and Larry Bumstead deserve their own paragraph because of their dedication to this tournament, their commitment to women's hockey at all levels, their spirit in providing the best tournament in western Canada for U18 girls' hockey (in this writer's opinion), and their unwavering positivity and smiles that instantly brighten your day no matter what's been happening.

Running a tournament of this magnitude is no easy feat, and Kathy is the commander of this tournament's volunteer army. We's likely need four or five people to replace her if and when she finally decides to move on, so may she always have eternal youth! Larry's commitment to girls' hockey and his passion for seeing not only his Flames players do well, but all players succeed, is why he's vital to this tournament because he cares so gosh-darn much. Together, these two make the Female World Sport School Challenge so successful as they instill in all of us their drive, passion, smiles, and positivity!

Clearly, I will have missed naming a bunch of amazing people, but just know that this hockey community that works in and around the Female World Sport School Challenge is the reason we are honoured to be part of the event every year. While we only hold a small piece of the puzzle in broadcasting the games, we feel like we're part of the St. Mary's family when we're at the tournament. We have all of you to thank for that, and we cannot express how grateful we are in being part of such a wonderful team!

Not to make this too long-winded, but I am here to chat a little about the gold medal final as we were witness to an incredible game between the MFHL's Winnipeg Avros and the BCEHL's Thompson-Okanagan Lakers. The Avros came in after winning three-straight games following an opening day loss while the Lakers were a perfect 4-0 through the tournament prior to the gold medal game. Would we see the gold medal stay in Winnipeg or could Thompson-Okanagan play a perfect 5-0 tournament in capturing their first gold medal in tournament history?

While a recap is usually what you'd find under the gameday matchup graphics, that's not going to happen here today. Instead, I'm posting this short passage to tell you to listen to the game below. The action was excellent in this game, and the ending to the game was intense and suspenseful as the final moments ticked off the clock.

I want to give thanks to Bryan Sveinson for his call on the game as he settled into the play-by-play role nicely after my voice went hoarse from the eight games called on Thurday and Friday, and I also want to give thanks to Jenna Thompson whose experience at the Female World Sport School Challenge as a player with St. Mary's combined with her play in the ACAC with MacEwan allows her to provide excellent insight into the game. These two are beauties on the mic!

Click the pop-out arrow to the left to stream the game with ads or intermissions features! If you'd like to download this game, click here to initiate the download! Enjoy the game compliments of UMFM!

If you want the recap, you can find that on this link while the scoring summary is here. Otherwise, enjoy the 90-minute, condensed version of the game as we removed ads and intermissions for your enjoyment above! Congratulations go out to all the teams for an amazing tournament, and we'll see you next year for the 2025 Female World Sport School Challenge from January 30 through February 2!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

Tournament Of The Year (For Me)

The above image is certainly how one team will remember the 2023 Female World Sport School Challenge as the AFHL's Calgary Fire emerged victorious over the CSSHL's South Alberta Hockey Academy in overtime by a 3-2 score. The gold medal game was an absolute treat for me to call alongside Jason Pchajek on the UMFM Second Stream, and seeing Tyra Edl roof the puck from a sharp angle to win the game in extra time is one of those goals I won't soon forget. Finishing the tournament with an amazing game between two very deserving teams is how every tournament should end.

If there's one thing that I've come to appreciate at the Female World Sport School Challenge every year, it's the atmosphere. From the sixteen teams who arrive with hopes and dreams of being the last one standing on Sunday to the parents who cheer on their kids and their teammates in their quest for gold to the staff and volunteers who make this tournament happen like a well-oiled machine, I am always impressed with how well everything goes and how the smiles radiate off the faces of everyone involved.

I mentioned her last year, but this tournament would be a shadow of itself if it weren't for Kathy who seemingly abandons sleep for four days as this tournament plays out, yet still greets every person through the door by name and with a smile. She runs this tournament like a professional, and I honestly believe she could coordinate a Super Bowl or a World Cup with her organization, professionalism, and abilities in making this tournament work. Kathy's fingerprints are all over this successful tournament once again, and I'll always maintain that she's a gem of a human being meaning I will always go out of my way for anything she asks. Kathy, thank you once again for another fun, memorable tournament!

There are multiple volunteers who do incredible work in keeping this tournament humming along, and I need to thank all the volunteers who commit their time and make the effort to make the Female World Sport School Challenge great. Most are parents of current or former players, but there are both current and retired staff from St. Mary's Academy who spend hours at the rink completing tasks and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Everyone says hello, everyone asks how one is doing, most share a story or joke, and it's more than evident than everyone cares about everyone else. I am always blown away how everyone is excited to see me representing UMFM at this tournament and how quickly I'm welcomed into the group, and this warm welcome and constant support of one another among the volunteers and staff who work at this event over the four days of action is a very large factor in why the Female World Sport School Challenge succeeds every year.

I'd certainly be remiss if I didn't mention the tireless work put in by Larry Bumstead, head coach of the St. Mary's Academy Flames, in not only preparing his team for this tournament, but getting everything ready for when teams arrive and play their games. He'll be quick to deflect credit elsewhere, but Larry was the reason we were able to do intermission interviews with players this year as we elevated our coverage at this event. There isn't a detail that Larry doesn't have covered when it comes to how things will play out on the ice, and I am always privileged, honoured, and pleased to work alongside Larry in making this tournament sound as professional as we can. He's a beauty, and his passion for the game might be unmatched.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of the parents who are among the volunteers that work at this tournament. Whether it's the Chubacks, the Thomsons, the Dennehys, or the Schimnowskis, they have every reason to be proud of their daughters playing in this tournament while we provide the narration to the game. As great as their daughters are in playing hockey, they're better in the classroom and are absolute pleasures to chat with before and during games. Being able to see them wear that pride on their sleeves as their daughters play is something special, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to describe their daughters' play on the ice. Without the parents, this game just isn't as good.

When everything comes together, it's easy to see why this tournament runs so well - it's the people who make the difference. Kathy ensures that all the volunteers can be successful, and all the volunteers take their roles seriously so that success is the only option. The staff and committee ensure that all the pieces of the tournament puzzle come together, and Kathy and Larry ensure that everyone will be successful in their assigned roles. The closeness among staff and volunteers in icing 34 games over four days means no games fall behind, everyone has fun, and all teams go home on Sunday while making plans to come back for the next iteration of the Female World Sport School Challenge because of how well they were treated.

I circle this weekend on the calendar every time the dates for the Female World Sport School Challenge are announced because everyone seems extremely grateful that we, at UMFM, are able to broadcast the tournament. From the parents who have seen us at the tournament before to the parents who are experiencing our broadcasting for the first time, I can honestly say that I heard "thank you" for broadcasting the tournament so often that I lost count - that was just the first day! When the parents, volunteers, and staff say "thank you", you can tell they mean it. I won't lie in saying that I love broadcasting this tournament, but feeling appreciated for doing so makes the effort in broadcasting the games that much easier.

The teams and fans who decided to make the trek to Winnipeg made the hockey incredible to watch as the fans cheered on their favorite teams while the players dazzled us with talent. There were no true blow-outs at the tournament this year, and every game was competitive despite the scores occasionally favouring one side over the other. I can honestly say that there was no game where we could circle the winning team's name prior to the game being played. That's how good this year's tournament was when it came to the teams that attended.

I am forever grateful for having a number of players talk to us during the intermissions including the likes of Kate Chuback, Letta Mattheos, Summer Fomradas, Trynity Turner, Rachel Loewen, Olivia Brassard, and Marlee Fong. These well-spoken, intelligent women are going to be the cornerstones for post-secondary programs in the future, and all of them showed incredible skill on the ice, gave great answers during our interviews, and were excellent ambassadors for their teams. I'm excited to see what the future holds for all the women to whom we spoke!

No matter which way you measure up, examine, or dissect the 2023 Female World Sport School Challenge, it was an absolute honour to be involved with this tournament once again. I was witness to 13 games of incredible hockey played by the future of women's hockey across North America, and I got to speak to some of the best women who will move on to helping U SPORTS, ACAC, and NCAA teams reach new heights.

Off the ice, I am always in awe of the volunteers, the parents, and the staff who make sure the Female World Sport School Challenge goes off without so much as a hiccup, and I am forever grateful that they want UMFM broadcasting their games. To Kathy, Larry, the volunteers, the staff the parents, the fans, the players, the coaches, the teams, and all those who tuned into the games via UMFM's Second Stream internet stream, thank you for letting us get to know you, tell your stories, describe your talents, and keep you connected. It is truly an honour.

Mark your calendars, and we'll see you in Winnipeg in 2024!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

MVPs Of The Tournament

This isn't going to be long-winded by any means, but I need to extend my thanks to everyone who was involved with the 2022 Female World Sport School Challenge this past weekend. I've been to a number of these tournaments over the years, but this year was a little more special considering how there was no tournament in 2021 thanks to the COVID pandemic. The staff and volunteers have always been amazingly exceptional in how well they take care of us, and I am beyond grateful for their welcoming presence and hospitality for a few goofy radio people, but let me make something clear: as great as the hockey is, I'll go back each and every year we're invited simply because the people who run the Female World Sport School Challenge are phenomenal.

Kathy, who is like a mom to everyone who walks in through the door when they come to work at the tournament, needs to be singled out first because she is the backbone to the entire tournament with her tireless efforts, her constant watch over her staff, endless knowledge about what needs to be done and when it has to be done, and her constant smile that she wears all tournament long. Kathy is a gem of a human being, and I am always left in awe of her efforts at this tournament. Thank you, Kathy, for everything you do.

For the other volunteers who work under Kathy's watch, I cannot say enough good things about these people. Most are parents of current or former players, but there are a handful of staff from St. Mary's Academy who come out to the rink after work and on the weekend to lend a hand as well. All of them ask how you're doing, how things are going, and if they can make anything better. I'll fully admit that we are treated like royalty at the Female World Sport School Challenge despite us being outsiders, but they make us feel like we're part of the team from the moment we arrive. Knowing that people care about everyone makes you realize why this group succeeds so often.

From there, we move to Larry Bumstead, head coach of the St. Mary's Academy Flames, who is the driver on the hockey side of the coin for this tournament. Larry's passion for women's hockey is evident in everything he does, and it can't be stressed enough that he's the guy that allows us to sounds like professionals in coordinating player interviews. Larry makes sure all the little things on the hockey side are made priorities, and he's constantly recognizing the talents and skills of the teams and players who visit this tournament. Without a doubt, working alongside Larry is a privilege that I cherish because his enthusiasm for the game is so infectious!

From the Chubacks to the Dennehys to the Turnbulls, I met some amazing parents who have every single reason to be proud of their daughters. They're all brilliant students who are earning their opportunities for post-secondary educations, and each of them play hockey at a high level. Hearing about a few campus visits, I feel like these young women are destined for success at the next level, and it was refreshing to see the excitement in the parents. Sharing in that while watching their daughters succeed on the ice this weekend were moments I'll hold onto for a while, and it makes me happy to see them as happy as they are because of their kids' achievements. That's something special!

If I step back a little and look at the bigger picture, perhaps the thing that I hold dearest in this tournament is the closeness that the St. Mary's Academy coaches, parents, players, and staff have in building something rather awesome for four days. It makes me appreciate how everyone succeeds in the role they're given, how the tournament succeeds when everyone is pulling together in the same direction, and how great the event is when there are clear roles defined for everyone. Honesty, openness, and accountability aren't lost in the daily responsibilities that have to be completed, and the leadership of Kathy and Larry ensure that everyone knows what is expected, what won't be tolerated, and why things are being done. The end results speak for themselves as visiting players, coaches, and fans are already making plans to return for the 2023 edition of the Female World Sport School Challenge.

As I look at other opportunities I've been given, it's rather amazing how many times people said "thank you" and showed both interest and gratitude for simply doing what we're supposed to do in calling games and talking to players over the last four days. I was thanked more in this past four days than I have been in the last four years by some other outlets, and that's why I'll keep coming back: the people running the Female World Sport School Challenge appreciate everyone who comes out to help. They say "thank you" and they mean it. As the image at the top states, when you feel appreciated for doing your job, you're willing to go the extra mile for those who have shown that appreciation.

The privilege of talking with amazing players such as Janaya Laqua, Téa Pearce, Kendal Davidson, Alyssa McCasey, Grace Gilkyson, and Karel Préfontaine along with getting a chance to sit down on Wednesday with Reese Chuback, Tyla Turnbull, and Presleigh Giesbrecht is something that we have to beg for when we're working at other hockey opportunities. And normally, those requests are either ignored or turned down.

At the Female World Sport School Challenge, they're asking us if we have the time to talk to more players and coaches than what we had planned. If you're aware of what we do, we love meeting the players and telling their stories because they're the ones who dazzle us with their skills, yet all of them have unique hockey and life stories. Every one of those players listed played incredible hockey this weekend, but their stories off the ice bring the players to life as they talk about their hockey memories, their aspirations in the game, and everything in between. It's an honour and privilege to be able to speak with these players, and we have the Female World Sport School Challenge to thank for that.

It's funny how being appreciated by a group who you haven't seen in two long years suddenly puts everything else in perspective. It's not hard to state that I missed these people: Kathy, whose warmth and kindness with her team of parents and volunteers was only exceeded by the effort she puts in each day to keep this tournament forging forward; Larry, whose dedication and passion to the game is only exceeded by his honest-to-goodness appreciation for everyone who lends a hand; the volunteers and staff, who were tireless in their efforts this weekend; the sponsors, whose generosity and belief in this tournament fundamentally makes this game grow bigger and better; the fans, whose cheers were heard loudly all weekend long in supporting the twelve teams; Jenna and Jason, who made my job easier by taking some of the commentary work off my plate; and, the players, coaches, staffs, and teams who participated, whose skills and talents wowed us and dazzled us at every turn.

It's amazing how a little appreciation goes a long way, and I will always clear my schedule for the Female World Sport School Challenge because the people who turn this dream into a reality are some of the best people this game and this city has to offer. Those are people I'll never turn down because they ensure that you feel appreciated for your efforts, and that goes a long way in today's world.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2022 Female World Sport School Challenge for making the event an extremely memorable one for me!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!

The Rundown - U SPORTS Semifinals

Four teams were still vying for the right to add their name to the Golden Path Trophy. Four teams were looking to continue to play another day on the consolation side of the bracket. Saturday was all about semifinals after two intense days of hockey action, and we were likely going to get some great hockey action all day from UPEI in Charlottetown, PEI at the 2022 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship! The final four teams all represented a different conference so everyone still had a team for which they could cheer, and we'd know who would be competing for the Golden Path Trophy and the 2022 Championship Banner by the end of tdoay's action. Let's see who did what on Saturday here on The Rundown!

The earliest game in the day saw the McGill Martlets meet the UBC Thunderbirds in their consolation semifinal match. As we know, McGill was stunned by UNB in their comeback victory while UBC was frustrated by Nipissing who didn't allow a goal. Both of these teams wanted one more day of action as Tricia Deguire was in the McGill net while Elise Hugens stood before the UBC cage.

This game saw both teams trying to notch an early goal as penalties came early, but a power-play for UBC saw Shay-Lee McConnell attempt a toe-drag, fall, and somehow still got the shot off that ended behind Deguire as McConnell lay on the ice as UBC jumped out to the 1-0 lead at 6:51. Six minutes later, the Thunderbirds doubled their score when Rylind MacKinnon was left all alone to pounce on an Ireland Perrott rebound, and she made no mistake by burying it past Deguire at 12:03 for the 2-0 lead. At the other end, Hugens was tested a few times, but she stood tall as UBC took the 2-0 lead into the first break after outshooting McGill 17-10 in the frame.

The middle frame was all about UBC's special teams, specifically their penalty-killing units, as they were guilty of five penalties to McGill's lone infraction. Hugens and the penalty-killers were solid for UBC, though, as they eliminated each of the penalties assessed to them. McGill's opportunities were there, but they simply couldn't capitalize on them. Despite outshooting UBC 11-6 in the frame, UBC still led 2-0 on the scoreboard and 23-21 in shots after 40 minutes.

With Hannah Koroll watching from the penalty box after her penalty from the second period carried into the third, Ashley McFadden would crash the crease on an Annalise Wong shot and it seemed that the puck bounced off Deguire, off McFadden, and ended up in the net as McFadden was credited with the shorthanded marker at 1:46 to give UBC the 3-0 lead! Midway through the period, Mia Bierd would find room in the slot with traffic in front, and she wired home a puck on the glove-side as UBC jumped ahead 4-0 at 10:53. From there, Hugens had more than enough offence to slam the door shut on McGill as the UBC Thunderbirds prevailed 4-0 over the McGill Martlets! Elise Hugens made 25 stops for her first win and shutout at Nationals while Tricia Deguire made 29 saves in a losing effort.

UNB awaits the winner of the Brock-UPEI semifinal game to determine the consolation side winner while McGill's tournament is over and will finish according to the results of the consolation final. The consolation final will happen Sunday morning.

Hihglights of this game are below!

The hosts in the UPEI Panthers met the OUA champions in the Brock Badgers in the second consolation semifinal on Saturday. UPEI found itself in this game after Concordia converted a touchdown on the Panthers while Brock ran into a stingy Saskatchewan team on Friday. Both teams were looking to extend their seasons one more day as Camille Scherger was in the net for the host Panthers while Tiffany Hsu was between the pipes for the Badgers!

The first period turned out to be a very quiet period in terms of the work for the scorers, but both teams were finding opportunities to score. None would turn out to be successful as both Scherger and Hsu looked sharp, so we'd head to the second period with the game still sitting at 0-0 despite Brock outshooting UPEI 9-5 in the period.

The second period would see the stalemate broken at the 12:48 mark with UPEI on the power-play. Jolena Gillard drove the net hard for the Panthers, and her shot found twine behind Hsu for the opening goal of the game as the Panthers held the 1-0 lead! UPEI stepped up their defensive efforts in the period as well as they limited Brock's looks at Scherger, and the final tally at the end of 40 minutes showed the effort as UPEI led 1-0 on the scoreboard and closed the gap in shots to a 13-12 edge for Brock.

The defensive between the Panthers and Badgers continued into the third period as that single goal held by UPEI loomed large. As time ticked down, Brock looked to score, but Jolena Gillard ended any hopes of a comeback when she netted her second goal of the game with 2:31 to play as the UPEI Panthers defeated the Brock Badgers by a 2-0 score in this game! Camille Scherger stopped 30 shots for her first win and shutout at Nationals while Tiffany Hsu was on the wrong side of a 16-save night.

UPEI will play UBC to determine the consolation side winner while Brocks's tournament is over and will finish according to the results of the consolation final. That consolation final between UPEI and UBC will happen Sunday morning.

Highlights are... non-existent for the hosts? How does that happen?

The first semifinal to determine who will play for a gold medal at the 2022 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship saw the Nipissing Lakers, victorious over the UBC Thunderbirds, meet the UNB Reds who downed the McGill Martlets in dramatic fashion. Nipissing's defence would be in for a test against the scoring of the UNB, but the Reds had to cautious of the Lakers' solid play in their own systems. With a berth in the gold medal game on the line, Chloe Marshall was in the crease for the Lakers while Kendra Woodland was between the pipes for the Reds!

Both teams looked to establish the pace in this game, and, after a penalty was called on each side, things seem to settle down as both the Lakers and Reds began to play their games. We would see the game's opening goal just before the midpoint of the period as Emma Thomas' shot was stopped, but Madison Desmerais jumped all over the rebound left by Woodland as she chipped it past the Reds' netminder at 9:10 to give Nipissing the 1-0 lead! UNB's forecheck was slowed by a couple of late penalties in the period, and, as such, Nipissing was able to carry the 1-0 lead into the room while holding a 12-8 edge in shots.

Early in the second period, a long wrist shot from the point by Madison Solie pinballed off a couple of bodies in front and eluded Kendra Woodland as the Lakers grabbed a 2-0 lead at the 4:45 mark. Nipissing seemed to pick up the pace on their side after that goal, and they would continue to pressure the Reds by sending players to the blue paint and getting shots through to Woodland. That strategy would result in a third goal as Katie Chomiak's long shot was stopped, but Maggie McKee sent the puck cross-crease to Malory Dominico who redirected it into the yawning cage for the 3-0 lead at 15:22. Through 40 minutes of play, the Lakers held the three-goal cushion while outshooting the Reds 27-13!

Nipissing used the third period to lock down the defensive zone as they looked to protect the lead. UNB's chances were limited every time they crossed the offensive-zone blue line through good defensive play and players blocking shots while Nipissing clogged up the neutral zone to prevent the Reds from attacking with speed. The Reds, needing a big offensive push, chose to pull Woodland with more than five minutes remaining and while on the power-play, but Brianna Gaffney would hit the empty net to give the Lakers a fourth goal on the day. When the final horn sounded, the Nipissing Lakers had defeated the UNB Reds by that 4-0 score! Chloe Marshall recorded her second win and second shutout of this tournament with a 16-save night while Kendra Woodland suffered the loss after stopping 30 shots.

Nipissing awaits the winner of the Saskatchewan-Concordia semifinal game to determine the second team that will compete for the Golden Path Trophy while UNB will move to the bronze medal game and await the losing squad from the Saskatchewan-Concordia semifinal game. The bronze medal game will happen Sunday afternoon while the gold medal game goes in primetime!

Highlights for this game are below!

The second semifinal to determine who will play for a gold medal at the 2022 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship saw the Saskatchewan Huskies, winners against the Brock Badgers, meet the Concordia Stingers who dominated the UPEI Panthers on Friday night. Would Saskatchewan be able to slow down the explosive Stingers offence while finding goals of their own, or would Concordia continue its dominance over its opponents since the calendar flipped to March? Camryn Drever was in net for the Huskies on this night while Alice Philbert guarded the cage for the Stingers!

If you're a Canada West fan, you know that the Huskies play solid defence, but the Concordia Stingers are different team. They came out of the game, established pace, brought the offence, and really shut down the Huskies in any sort of transition game. The good news is that the Huskies weathered the storm that the Stingers were mounting in the first period as we'd move to the second period still tied 0-0, but with Concordia up 16-5 in shots.

The second period felt a lot like the first period in terms of how Concordia carried the play, and it would pay off at the 3:10 mark when Audrey Belzile made a move around a Huskies defender and finished off her effort with a low shot glove-side to put Concordia up 1-0! The relentlessness of the Stingers continued to give the Huskies fits as they simply couldn't transition back down the ice, but the Huskies were standing tall in their own zone. A power-play late in the period opened the door slightly for the Stingers once more, and Maria Manarolis' deflection of a Rosalie Begin-Cyr shot eluded Drever's pad at the 16:20 mark to put Concordia up 2-0! That score would carry into the break, and it seemed like Saskatchewan had to throw caution to the wind in the third period with Concordia leading on the scoreboard and 29-8 in shots! No, that's not a typo.

Whatever Steve Kook said between the periods hit home because the Huskies were fired up for the third period. They took pucks to the net, they found shooting lanes, and they were peppering Philbert for the first time in the game. The only problem was that Philbert was equal to the task. Despite a late shot of the post by Sara Kendall, the Huskies simply ran out of time as they tried to smash the goose egg. The final horn would sound on a Concordia Stingers' 2-0 victory over the Saskatchewan Huskies on this night! Alice Philbert stopped all 20 shots she faced for her second win and second shutout in this tournament while Camryn Drever made 37 saves in the loss.

The gold medal final is set as the sixth-seeded Nipissing Lakers will battle the top-seeded Concordia Stingers for hockey supremacy in 2022! Saskatchewan will meet UBC in the bronze medal game as those two teams seek some hardware as well. The bronze medal game will happen Sunday afternoon while the gold medal game goes in primetime!

Highlights of this game are below!

The updated brackets for the 2022 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship are below. Please note that McGill and Brock are not competing for the seventh-place spot, so they are not shown on the brackets. They will be placed accordingly based on the results of the fifth-place game.

There are just three games on Sunday with the fifth-place game going early, the bronze-medal game happening in the afternoon, and the gold-medal game goes in the evening. If you haven't done it yet, tomorrow would be the time to check out the CBC Sports website where all of these games can be found. The best women's hockey teams in the nation - Nipissing and Concordia - will battle for bragging rights for at least a year. Tune in and watch it!

The Last Word

Tomorrow will be the last entry for The Rundown in this 2021-22 season of U SPORTS women's hockey, and I want to thank each and every one of you who stopped by to read recaps, watch highlights, get news, and occasionally comment on the games played out in Canada West and through to the 2022 U SPORTS National Women's Hockey Championship. You guys make this fun for me.

Everyone asks me why I do this. My answer is always the same: these women deserve to put on display for their athleticism, skill, and dedication. Despite Hockey Canada's insistence in recruiting Team Canada players from the NCAA, there's always hope that one of these amazing U SPORTS athletes will get the call for the red-and-white. I know Hockey Canada has scouts in the crowd in PEI, so I'd expect them to be keeping an eye on all the players who skated at the tournament this week. With any hope, one of these spectacular athletes will be in a Team Canada camp soon.

There were a lot of amazing things that happened in Canada West alone this season: the Huskies have the first full-time radio broadcast of their games thanks to Daniella Pontacelli and the HuskieFan app, the first all-women broadcast for both home and road teams in both the regular season and the playoffs happened in Winnipeg when the Huskies met the Bisons, Howie Draper and Steven Kook both hit important milestones in their coaching careers, Trinity Western and MacEwan showed that they're ready to compete in Canada West, the Mount Royal Cougars showed they're going to be a force, the Huskies proved they have one of the best netminders in the nation, and the UBC Thunderbirds claimed the Canada West banner.

All of those news-worthy items should have made your local newspapers and media, but I doubt they did. Let's not forget the fact that Anna Purschke was recognized for her community service in the Calgary area, or that Jana Headrick's community work in Fredericton grew the game for a pile of girls aged 6-10. Let's not dismiss the five former Lethbridge Pronghorns women who are competing for National Championship medals tomorrow, once more proving that what the Pronghorns were building was going to be special. And let's not discount the efforts each and every team took this season in not only completing a season being played during a pandemic, but did so with only postponing a handful of games.

If you're asking why I do this, it's because I always find myself in awe of these women. They're holding down impressive GPAs in order to play hockey, playing hockey at the highest level possible offered in this country, generously giving their time back to their communities, and, somehow, still have social lives while practicing and working on skills daily.

The broadcasters are always digging into players' stories, finding stats and figures to make their broadcasts better, and working alongside these athletes and programs to bring you their stories. The coaches are dedicated and committed to their athletes and programs while spending time recruiting and budgeting for their teams. The staff behind the scenes organize flights, plan bus rides, sharpen skates, fix equipment, fill water bottles, plan meals, tend to injuries, and keep players on the ice. The parents of these players and the alumni of these programs help to raise funds, volunteer at program events, and are the support system the players lean on away from the ice.

If you ask me why I do this, it's because everyone listed above - players, broadcasters, coaches, staff, parents, and alumni - keep me in awe when it comes to the amazing things the university women's hockey programs are doing in this country. I simply count myself as one of the luckiest people on the planet that I get to be involved and see it first-hand while bringing you the stories and information from other programs across this country. At the end of the day, more informed players, fans, and programs can push this game higher yet.

Thanks for reading, folks, and always know that I can be reached at any time via comments below, email on the link at the top of the page, or via Twitter if you want to chat some hockey. There's one day of hockey left in this season, but let's work together and make 2022-23 an even better season than this one!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!