This week on The IX Sports Podcast, host Maya Smith explained the state of the new Professional Women’s Hockey League team in Las Vegas.
The team — still without a name or mascot — is one of four new teams joining the PWHL next season.
But before she broke down one of the newest teams in the league, Smith took the time to explain the new broadcasting agreement for the PWHL inked in the United States.
“In this deal, ION will feature a game of the week on Saturdays, and there will be two games on the Scripps streaming service throughout the week,” Smith explained.
Games will still be available to stream on YouTube in the United States, an option that is not available to Canadian fans, Smith said. Deals in Canada have also been made with some of the country’s biggest sports broadcasters, including TSN and the CBC, something Smith said she hoped would happen soon in the United States.
PWHL Las Vegas
Then, Smith jumped in to an explanation of PWHL Las Vegas.
“I think they’re flying under the radar a little bit,” Smith said, explaining that the team is probably most known for its role in the Hilary Knight scandal (which has been extensively covered on previous episodes of the podcast).
Unlike many other PWHL teams, there is not one obvious star player on the roster. But that doesn’t mean they’re lacking talent, Smith said. The first two signings for the team were Mae Batherson and Kendall Cooper, both from the Minnesota Frost. The team also picked up Erin Ambrose, who Smith said could be a promising choice for team captain.
Dominique DiDia, the general manager of PWHL Las Vegas, also signed several Seattle Torrent players, including Natalie Snodgrass and Sydney Langseth.
At the end of the episode, Smith breaks down new jersey designs for Team Canada.
Be sure to tune in to hear more about how PWHL Las Vegas could stun the league in its first season.
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