Hello and happy Friday! I’m Sally Hoerr from The Ice Garden with another exciting edition of Hockey Insider.
This week, we chatted with Montréal reserve player Samantha Isbell. It’s a homecoming for Isbell who, after playing NCAA for Mercyhurst, migrated north to compete for Montréal in both the PWHPA and the PHF. The Thunderbay, Ontario native joins Montréal after spending two season with the Ottawa Charge. We talked about her versatility, how she keeps loving the game and more!
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You appeared on Jocks and Jills and discussed parts of your hockey career like choosing a university, playing different positions and the PWHL reserve contracts. What struck me the most is how effortlessly you seem to roll with whatever comes your way. Was that always part of who you are or is that something built into you over time?
SI: It’s definitely something I’ve built over time. I think I’ve always been able to put on a brave face, but behind the scenes it hasn’t always felt easy. There’s been a lot of uncertainty in my career, and at times that’s brought on a lot of anxiety for me.
But I’ve worked really hard to manage that and grow through it. What I’ve learned is that I can only control what’s in front of me — my work, my attitude, how I show up — and the rest is out of my hands. Once I started focusing on that, things felt a lot more manageable.
I also think it’s important to talk about that side of it. It’s not always effortless, even if it looks that way from the outside.
In your “What is a Reserve Player” video on your YouTube channel, you talk about the challenges you’ve experienced so far in this league. Besides adaptability, what have you learned about yourself from this chapter of life?
A lot about self-belief and who I am as a person. I’ve been doubted my whole life — and honestly, that hasn’t really changed — but my belief in myself has never wavered. I know what I’m capable of, and I’ve learned not to let outside opinions take that away from me.
This chapter has also really shaped my understanding of what it means to be a great teammate. Even when I’m not contributing in the exact way I want to on the ice, there are so many ways to bring value to a team. I’ve taken a lot of pride in that — showing up, supporting others and finding ways to impact the group every single day.
Your journey since graduating from Mercyhurst hasn’t been the most straightforward path — what is it that keeps you saying ‘yes’ to hockey season after season?
SI: It really comes down to fulfillment. I’ve had other jobs before, worked in office settings, done the whole routine — and nothing compares to how I feel walking into a rink. Being around my teammates, competing every day, chasing something bigger than yourself…there’s just nothing like it. That feeling is what keeps me coming back every season and where I feel most myself.
The PWHL is growing and excitement around women’s hockey is at an all time high, but contracts, salaries, expansions and structures are still constantly evolving. As with any professional sports league, there is always some degree of uncertainty. What advice would you give to an aspiring player who’s closer to her draft year, such as a freshman in college?
SI: Honestly, just have fun with it. There’s so much along the way that can make hockey feel heavy-pressure, expectations, everything that comes with chasing the next level — but that’s never why we started playing. At the end of the day, it’s about competing, being with your friends and pushing to win. If you can hold onto that, you’ll be in a really good spot.
“Becoming Caitlin Clark” is out now!
Howard Megdal’s newest book is here! “Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar” captures both the historic nature of Clark’s rise and the critical context over the previous century that helped make it possible, including interviews with Clark, Lisa Bluder (who also wrote the foreword), C. Vivian Stringer, Jan Jensen, Molly Kazmer and many others.
You’re no stranger to Montréal! What are you most looking forward to about being back in the city and playing with the Victoire?
I’m so happy to be back — Montreal really feels like home for me. Just being able to see my dogs every day again, get back to my favorite spots around the city and see a lot of my closest friends is something I’ve missed. The fans in Montreal are incredible, and there’s truly no other atmosphere like Place Bell. I’m excited to be back on the right side of it this time!
Must-reads in women’s hockey news
Inside the rise of back-to-back WCHA Goaltender of the Year winner Ève Gascon
PWHL playoff race heating up with one spot remaining
Notable losses from NEWHA’s initial transfer portal results
The IX Sports Podcast: The Gold Plan is here
Column: The Fleet’s TD Garden debut represented the new normal, not a novelty
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