Seattle Torrent shake up the PWHL with a blockbuster trade: Jesse Eldridge out, Theresa Schafzahl in. With the team mired at the bottom of the standings and grappling with key injuries, can this bold move spark new life or is the first overall draft pick their best hope for a turnaround?

Host Erica L. Ayala and guest Ava Wood break down the week’s highs and lows, including Schafzahl’s anticipated debut, the ongoing goaltending conundrum between Corrine Schroeder and Hannah Murphy, and the impact of Hannah Bilka and Mikyla Grant-Mentis’s absences.

The conversation covers Torrent’s on-ice identity struggles, league-wide officiating controversies—highlighted by Sarah Nurse’s candid comments—and power rankings as playoff races heat up.

Don’t miss this candid look at Seattle Torrent’s path forward as they face Montreal Victoire and Boston Fleet in a season-defining stretch.Follow us on Bluesky social!

00:00 Seattle Torrent Struggles Persist
05:46 Player Names, Trades, and Injuries
09:31 Seattle Torrent's Mixed Week
11:34 Torrent Needs More Physicality
13:57 Seattle Torrent Lineup Update
23:16 Expansion Draft Chaos in Leagues
27:05 PWHL Rules and Officiating Issues
29:11 Improving Refs Enhances the Game
33:26 Rules, Referees, and Fair Compensation
36:08 Scoring First is Crucial
39:44 Need for Dedicated PWHL Officials
43:08 Torrent's Key: Strong Finish
45:51 Women’s Hockey Feeder System Lacking
49:09 Fearful of Minnesota Frost
56:28 365 Hockey Girl Watch Along

Erica L Ayala
🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

Seattle Torrent face a must-win showdown after a heartbreaking loss to the Ottawa Charge, with Jesse Eldridge shining on the power play and Alex Carpenter making PWHL history.

Can the Torrent rally against league-leading Boston Fleet and rediscover their 5-on-5 scoring touch to keep playoff hopes alive?

Erica L. Ayala and Ava Wood break down Seattle's struggles with turnovers, special teams woes, and coaching challenges, while debating the impact of experienced stars like Hilary Knight and the ever-passionate Torrent fanbase. Hot topics include goaltending decisions between Hannah Murphy and Corrine Schroeder, the growing rivalry with Boston, potential roster shakeups, and the buzz around sold-out games at Madison Square Garden.

Plus: insights into future league expansion, bold power rankings, and how U.S. women’s hockey is shattering attendance records.

Follow us on Bluesky social!
Erica L Ayala
🦋https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

#podcast #seattle #phwl

Seattle Torrent ignite the Emerald City with a record-shattering crowd, Olympic energy, and tough roster challenges—can they rebound without Hilary Knight, or is a rebuild more strategic?

Erica L. Ayala and Ava Wood spotlight electric fan culture, the impact of injured Olympians like Knight and Hannah Bilka, and the significance of Julia Gosling’s Olympic breakout. With the Torrent’s playoff hopes fading, debate heats up: is Team Tank smart when top prospects like Layla Edwards and Caroline Harvey are within reach under the PWHL Gold Plan?

The episode unpacks Seattle’s inconsistent performances, standout moments from Natalie Snodgrass and Lexia Gia, and growing Western Conference rivalries with Vancouver Goldeneyes. Ava Wood shares power rankings and exposes shifting league dynamics as Boston and Montreal surge.

Final thoughts, look ahead to a pivotal matchup with Ottawa Charge—will Seattle’s next star rise when it matters most, or is the focus already on a franchise-altering draft?

00:00 – Torrent’s Homecoming & Olympic Impact
Kickoff with Erica L. Ayala introducing the episode: celebrating the Seattle Torrent's historic crowd, welcoming back Olympic medalists, and highlighting the buzz around women’s hockey in Seattle.

08:13 – Media Coverage & Gender Gaps
Conversation shifts to media narratives after the Olympics, focusing on controversial coverage of the women’s vs. men’s gold medal wins, social reactions, and the larger implications for women’s sports recognition.

21:49 – Attendance Records & PWHL Expansion
Discussion centers on Seattle’s attendance records, their implications for PWHL expansion, and league growth strategies—plus a segment on tanking, the Gold Plan draft, and Seattle’s season outlook.

Welcome back to 206 Sports Collective! In this episode, host Erica L. Ayala is joined by Ava Wood, the creator behind 365 Hockey Girl, to break down all things Seattle Torrent and the latest in women’s hockey. They kick things off with their reactions to Hockey Canada’s newly announced women’s Olympic roster, including the big news that Seattle Torrent’s own Julia Gosling made the cut.

The conversation dives into Team Canada’s decision to rely on veteran talent, the snubs of emerging stars like Chloe Primarano and Danielle Serdachny, and how these choices compare to the youth movement happening with Team USA.

The pair also analyzes the Torrent’s recent matchups, including a tough loss against Boston, the challenge of generating shots on goal, and what the team needs to clean up before the Olympic break.

Plus, there’s excitement around upcoming games—including a special matchup at Madison Square Garden—and the celebration of Black History Night with Ava's thoughts on the significance behind the new logo.

Finally, Erica L. Ayala and Ava Wood update their PWHL power rankings, share must-watch matchups, and give listeners the latest on what to expect from the collective—both on and off the ice—as they count down to the Milano Cortina Olympics.

If you’re a Torrent fan or following the pulse of women’s hockey, this episode is packed with insights, plenty of hot takes, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss!

00:00 "Seattle's Hockey Expansion Spotlight"

06:05 "Hockey Canada's New Era"

07:05 Hockey Canada Roster Controversy

11:37 "Hockey Balance and Experience"

13:21 USA vs. Canada: Youth Gap

16:34 "Thrilling Game with Wild Swings"

23:12 Torrent's Challenges and Leadership Shift

24:38 "Upcoming Games and Power Rankings"

28:46 "Significance of Cultural Celebration Nights"

30:58 Seattle Torrent's January Game Highlights

36:11 "Vancouver, Trusting the Process"

39:15 "Montreal's Depth Scoring Doubts"

Erica L Ayala
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

#podcast #PWHL #206

Welcome back to the 206 Sports Collective! In this episode, host Erica L. Ayala sits down with Seattle Torrent center Mikyla Grant-Mentis—also known as MGM or Buckey—for a lively and insightful conversation about her journey in professional women’s hockey.

From her recent move from Montreal to Seattle to the chemistry she’s building with her current linemates, MGM shares what keeps her passion for the game alive. She talks about the thrill of playing against friends, embracing the city’s growing hockey fanbase, and the ever-evolving tunnel fashion—thanks to her mom's behind-the-scenes style expertise.

Erica and Buckey dive into meaningful topics like cultural heritage, Black excellence in hockey, and what it means to represent both Indigenous and Black communities in a sport that’s rapidly diversifying. Listeners will also get an inside look at team dynamics, friendly cross-border rivalries headed into the Olympics, and the unique stories behind Grant-Mentis’s many nicknames.

Whether you’re a die-hard Seattle Torrent supporter or just curious about the faces and personalities shaping the future of women’s hockey, this episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

00:00 "Embracing Change and Connections"
06:19 "Seattle Torrent Line Dynamics"
07:05 Team Chemistry Sparks Recent Success
13:02 "Bucky: A Childhood Nickname"
16:51 Discovering Family Roots
18:47 "Black Hockey Player's Unique Journey"
22:03 Relentless, Gritty Teamwork Wins
24:03 Friendly Wagers Among Teammates

Erica L Ayala
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.b...

Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky...

#podcast #PWHL #206

Minnesota Frost surge to the top of the power rankings with Kendall Coyne Schofield’s scoring explosion.

Can Toronto Scepters' statement win at the Bell Centre spark a rivalry with Boston, or will Ottawa Charge’s overtime heroics vault them into contender status?

Erica L. Ayala and Ava Wood debate the strengths and weaknesses of each club, highlighting hidden gems like Kelly Pannek and Taylor Heise while raising concerns about Montreal’s lack of secondary scoring.

With the 2026 Olympics approaching, listeners get insider perspectives on how heated rivalries and recruiting efforts can expand women’s hockey fandom.

Stay tuned for bold predictions, power ranking shakeups, and the latest buzz around Seattle Torrent’s upcoming matchups.

00:00 "Heated Rivalries in Women's Hockey"
05:36 "Weekly Power Rankings Debate"
09:24 "Toronto Tops My Rankings"
11:23 "Power, Finals, and Coaching Comparisons"
14:20 "Rebuilding with Intentional Strategy"
19:35 Star Dependence Hurts Teams
21:41 "Terra Lova's Impact and Potential"
24:39 "Doing the Best You Can"
28:04 "Black Rosie Media Empowerment"

Erica L Ayala
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

#podcast #PWHL #206
-------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------
Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.

We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.

Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content.

Subscribe to get 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 updates in your inbox!
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-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------
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Seattle Torrent’s playoff hopes hinge on finding their team identity as they navigate the PWHL's growing pains. With Hannah Murphy’s standout goaltending keeping Seattle in contention, can the Torrent’s offense and transition game catch up before it’s too late?

Erica L. Ayala and Ava Wood break down the Torrent’s strengths—highlighting Murphy’s unexpected heroics in net—and debate critical areas for improvement, including puck management, five-on-five play, and forging a winning mentality in tight games.

The episode tackles hot topics like Corrine Schroeder’s performance, special teams' effectiveness, and how the introduction of hitting is sparking a trend of head injuries across the league.

Plus, exclusive insight on Seattle's upcoming schedule, power rankings, and the moments that could define their season. Can the Torrent close the gap and become genuine contenders in the PWHL?

00:00 "Seattle Torrent: Trends and Outlook"
05:35 Hockey Transition and Puck Management
06:27 "Elevate Tenacity and Puck Control"
09:36 "Torrent's Special Teams Success"
14:58 Seattle's Goalie Dilemma Persisting
16:15 "Team's Performance Trend Analysis"
19:19 Addressing Head Injuries in Hockey
22:46 Ongoing Debate and Agreement

Follow us on Bluesky social!
Erica L Ayala
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

#podcast #PWHL #206
-------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------
Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.

We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.

Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content.

Subscribe to get 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 updates in your inbox!
https://www.blackrosiemedia.com/

JOIN OUR SLACK COMMUNITY:
https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4

💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾
...on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKRosieMedia
...on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia
...on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrosiem...

-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------
🐦Twitter: @Founding4Pod & @BlackRosieMedia
📲: Instagram: @BlackRosieMedia
👥Facebook: @BLKRosieMedia
💬Website: BlackRosieMedia.com
Slack Channel: https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4

-----------------------My GEAR - Affiliate Links----------------
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The Seattle Torrent scored a franchise-high four goals to tally their second win of the season. Ava Wood joins Erica L. Ayala to discuss the win. Plus, with games against Boston and Montreal upcoming, will we see rookie Hannah Murphy get a third start, or will Corrine Schroeder see some action?

Finally, Ava & Erica discuss the Rivalry Series and give their weekly PWHL Rankings!

Follow us on Bluesky social!
Erica L Ayala
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/elindsay08.bsky.social

Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky.social

#podcast #PWHL #206
-------------------------------- ABOUT BLACK ROSIE MEDIA -----------------------------------
Black Rosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.

We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create an online space where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.

Not only is Black Rosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content.

Subscribe to get 💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾 updates in your inbox!
https://www.blackrosiemedia.com/

JOIN OUR SLACK COMMUNITY:
https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4

💪🏾 Black Rosie Media 💪🏾
...on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLKRosieMedia
...on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackRosieMedia
...on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackrosiem...

-------------------------------SOCIAL--------------------------------
📲: Instagram: @BlackRosieMedia
👥Facebook: @BLKRosieMedia
💬Website: BlackRosieMedia.com
Slack Channel: https://buff.ly/3ySxxa4

-----------------------My GEAR - Affiliate Links----------------
🎙️Rode NT-USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/3u1jsir
📷 Sony ZV E-10: https://amzn.to/3FkZwgr
💡 Elgato LED light: https://amzn.to/3hKe0gc