Hey TIG subscribers! I was lucky enough to cover the Boston-based games of the PWHL Finals in person and have been trying to give you a look inside my days. Without further ado, welcome to the final installment of my PWHL Finals diary!
The day began like the others, with a lovely drive to Lowell soundtracked by a diverse playlist (except Larry Fleet was substituted for 90’s country this time). It really hadn’t hit me yet that, one way or another, I was driving down to cover history, and I honestly still don’t think it’s fully sunk in.
Once at the rink, I met up with my best friend, Chanel Keenan, who was there as a media member for the first time. We headed down to the media room, where the pregame routine was more chaotic than usual since there was a mandatory meeting for media who wanted postgame ice access. Outside of the meeting though, things unfolded like usual, with most of the free time filled with chatting with fellow media members (and also getting trapped by the warming up players, because my timing remained impeccable).
Once in the press box, I sat and watched the arena fill to the brim with fans, which was a sight to behold. It only got better once the team came out before the anthem, and everyone hit their feet cheering.
Fans cheer as Boston returns to the ice for the national anthem.
You probably know how the game went by now. Outside of the first period, Boston really didn’t have much while Minnesota played a nearly perfect game. However, the fans stayed with their team the whole time, cheering even after the final buzzer. I only wish they’d been given at least one goal to cheer for because I’m pretty sure the building would’ve crumbled to the foundation.
This time around, the real magic happened postgame. Witnessing the first-ever presentation of the Walter Cup was incredible (stay tuned for a story on that), and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to cover it live. I’ll never forget it.
Once the team photo had been taken, I sprinted down to join the Boston press conference (and took some fun detours within the arena trying to get to it since the main way was blocked). The mood was a lot more glum than usual (which is shocking, I know), but they were all gracious with their time and thoughtful with their answers.
I thought just witnessing the Cup presentation was cool, but things got even better after the presser. Chanel and I headed to the ice to take in the ongoing celebration. I didn’t interview anyone directly since most were busy celebrating, and as a latecomer, I didn’t want to disrupt them only to ask similar questions to one they’d already answered a bunch. I did hop into a small scrum with Kendall Coyne Schofield but for the most part, I just soaked it in and took some pictures (some of which can be found here). It was a moment I wanted to savor because if all keeps going well (which I have little doubt it will), this will have been the last inaugural season of North American professional women’s hockey.
Being even a small part of documenting this inaugural season was a privilege and I will never forget it. This opportunity was one I never took for granted, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Thank you all again for all the support! I’ll have some more wrap-up content in the next few days, and then it’s on to preparing for season 2! I already can’t wait to get back in the rink.