May 1, 2026 • 39 mins
Montréal Victoire forward Abby Roque joins Sarah to talk about her team’s upcoming semifinal series with the Minnesota Frost, finding her groove with a new team this season, playing alongside a legendary duo, and being a role model for indigenous athletes. Plus, dipping a toe back into the ownership waters, fold and advance, and in this case the first cuts AREN’T the deepest.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to good Game of Sarah Spain, where we've officially
hit the sweet spot in the women's pro sports calendar.
WNBA preseason, NWSL regular season MLV Volleyball wr rugby gets underway.
PWHL playoff games on the schedule this weekend. Oh my gosh.
In college sports too, sweatpants on snacks procured, Activate couch mode. Y'all,
(00:23):
It's Friday, May first, and on today's show, Montreal Victoire
forward Abby Rock joins us to talk about those aforementioned
PWHL playoffs. I got up with there on Thursday to
preview Saturday's Game one against the Minnesota Fross, and we
discussed finding her groove with a new team this season,
playing alongside a legendary dynamic duo and being a role
model for indigenous athletes, plus dipping a toe back into
(00:44):
the ownership waters, fold and advance, and in this case,
the first cuts aren't the deepest. It's all coming up
right after this welcome back, says Happy Friyay, here's what
you need to know today. Let's start with the NWSL.
(01:06):
This weekend's action kicks off tonight with the Houston Dash
hosting the Seattle Rain at eight pm Eastern. Shout out
to front at the show, Jen Cooper for letting us
know this will mark Dash midfielder Danny Colaprico's two hundred
and twenty at the regular season NWSL game. Only Lauren Barnes,
who retired last season, played in more games with two
hundred and fifty. I got to know Danny when she
was a Chicago Color Neutral star, and she is truly
(01:28):
a human ray of sunshine. So congrats Danny on the achievement.
There are three matches on the slate for tomorrow, including
a rematch of the twenty twenty four NWSL championship game
featuring the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride. And after a
slow start to the season, the Spirit earned their third
straight win Wednesday night, a one nail victory over racing
Louisville Lucky Charm. Jose the Coyote was on hand to
(01:49):
see Trinity Rodman put in her second goal of the
season and second in as many games. Rodman now has
thirty regular season goals. That makes her the third youngest
player to hit that milestone, after Sophia Wilson and Say Kerr.
Speaking of Sophia Wilson, the Red Hot Wilson and the
league leading Portland Thorns will travel to the number fourteen
Chicago Stars on Sunday, looking to stay atop the table
(02:09):
after they stole the top spot with a two to
one win over the San Diego Wave Wednesday night. Now
that win saw Wilson mirror fellow Triple Espresso member Rodman
by scoring her second goal of the season and second
in as many games. Also on Sunday, the league's two
new expansion teams, Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, will meet
for the first time. Boston is still looking for its
first win after starting the season with five losses and
(02:31):
one draw. To hockey and a reminder that the PWHL
playoffs continue this weekend. We're recording the show ahead of
Thursday night's Game one matchup between the number two seeded
Boston Fleet and number one Ottawa Charge, and the other
semi final series between the number one Montreal Victoire and
number three Minnesota Frost gets underway on Saturday, a two
pm Eastern puck drop plenty more on that series in
(02:53):
just a minute with Abby Rock to the WNBA, where
Wednesday's preseason action delivered a few headlines. Lage Johnson had
twenty points to lead the Seattle Storm against the Portland
Fire ninety one eighty one, and she was hyping up
courtside stars like Sue Bird and SuperSonics Great Debt left Shrimph.
The Phoenix Mercury defeated Team Japan eighty six sixty and
(03:13):
Angel Reese also played in Chicago for the first time
as a member of the Atlanta Dream. She helped her
team to an eighty seven seventy eight win. She received
a loud ovation from the Chicago crowd during introductions and
during the game's first time out, The Guy played a
tribute video for her. Before the game, re said, quote,
I'm grateful for my time here in Chicago. I experienced
a lot of great things, but I'm just happy to
start this new journey end quote. Preseason games wrap up
(03:37):
over the next few days, with just one game on
the schedule for tonight, the Minnesota Links hosting the Toronto Tempo,
and then four games on the schedule Sunday, including a
preseason matchup between last year's WNBA champs, the Las Vegas
Aces and the team with the two most recent number
one draft picks, the Dallas Wings. Teams will need to
submit their quote unquote final rosters by Wednesday, May seventh,
(03:58):
before regular season action tips off on the eighth. And
of course, when I say final roster, take that with
a grain of salt. We've historically seen a lot of
roster movement in the WNBA even after the season begins.
Speaking of roster movement, a few teams have been busy
making moves over the last few days. The Minnesota Links
waved three players on Wednesday, including Minnesota Gophers standout Amaya Battle,
(04:20):
while the Golden State Valkyries waived Yuconulum Caroline du Charm.
Both Battle and Ducharm went undrafted and had signed training
camp contracts. Meantime, the Seattle Storm cut one of two
Jalen Brown's, specifically ja l y N Brown, but as
of this recording, Jalen Brown Jae l y N is
(04:40):
still in the mix, and the Toronto Tempo also cut
one half of their team's allotments of Maybury's waving Marina's
sister Darrah Maybray. Plenty more dominoes to fall, as most
teams are still carrying close to the eighteen player preseason
max right now. In WNBA front office news this week,
the La Sparks announced Stacy Johns as new team president.
(05:01):
Johns was most recently the CEO for BFC of the NWSL,
with previous stops at LAFC of the MLS and the
NFL's Indianapolis Colts. To Rugby, the second season of Women's
Elite Rugby begins this weekend, with the Denver Onyx entering
the new year as the defending champs. Quick refresher on
Women's Elite rugby for those who didn't follow the league
in year one. WR consists of six teams, the Bay Breakers,
(05:24):
Boston Banshees's, Chicago Tempest, Denver Onyx, New York Exiles, and
Twin City Gemini. The league utilizes the traditional rugby fifteens format,
not the Olympic sevens version. We'll link to the full
schedule of games in the show notes. To volleyball, it's
the final weekend of regular season action in Major League
Volleyball AKAMLV ahead of next weekend's championship series, but the
(05:46):
stakes for the last weekend are pretty low. The top
four teams have already clinch spots, and next weekend's four
team MLV championship, led by the number one seeded India Night,
followed by the number two Dallas Pulse, number three San
Diego Mojo, and number four Omaha Supernova's. Now the pressure
might be on for the Mojo to go out in
style with a win, as it was announced on Tuesday
(06:07):
that the team will cease operations after this season. As
part of a team statement posted on social media, owner
Gary Jacobs said his ownership group had planned to pause
play during the twenty twenty seventh season and use the
year to create and execute a strategic plan for twenty
twenty eight and beyond, but quote, the league believes a
different direction is required. Major League Volleyball remains committed to
San Diego and will lead the effort to identify potential
(06:29):
new investors to join the Mojo Forward end quote. Speaking
of pro vibes, some personal news, as they say on
the interwebs, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm joining the
ownership team of the Love San Francisco expansion squad, which
starts play next season. There's an incredible ownership group forming
in the Bay Area, and I just couldn't say no
to teaming up with some of the people I most
(06:50):
respect and admire in the sports space. That includes friends
of the show Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, Holly Row, Ali Riley,
Alex Kleinman, Alicia Montano, Brandy Chastain, and Ari Chambers, plus
Google's Kate Johnson, Rebel Girls, Jess Wolfe, m NBA legend
Steve Kerr BAFC, and former US Women's National teamer Leslie Osborne,
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jet and author
(07:12):
and friend Glennon Doyle. Lots more to come on this
fun new adventure, but if any slices want to jump
in and get involved right now, We've put a link
in the show notes to the Love SF named the
team site, so hop on that website maybe you can
help name the Bay's newest squad. Also rest assured, as
I did with my Chicago Color Neutral Stars ownership, I'll
be sure to disclose when discussing the sport and leagues,
(07:33):
and I'll continue to be fair and coverage while rooting
for the success and growth of all women's sports leagues
and endeavors. Slices want to take a quick moment to
send congratulations to Lynn Biandolo and husband Marley, who announced
the birth of their son, Lucky let Chance Biandolo this week.
We're so excited for you too. We're going to take
a break when we come back. It's Montreal forward Abby
(07:55):
Rock joining us now. She's a forward for the PWHL's
Montreal Victoire and the first Indigenous person to play for
the US women's national hockey team. She grew up in
Salt sat Marie, Michigan, and she played boys varsity hockey
in high school before going on to Wisconsin, where she
(08:15):
helped the Badgers's to an NCAA title in twenty nineteen
and was a top three finalist for the twenty twenty
Patty Kasmier Memorial Award. She started her p WHL career
with New York before being traded to Montreal last off season.
She loves to travel, steal other people's dogs, and she
rolled a double leaning Jowler in the Game of Life.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
It's Abby Rock, thank you for having me?
Speaker 1 (08:34):
What an intro the pig game? Is that a go
to for you or was that just a reference for
the day on your Instagram.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
There's a good crew of us who really really like
that game. It's simple, but it's fun.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
I just like saying a double leaning jowler. I don't
know what it means, but I'm into it.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You've never played pigs.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
I've never played pigs.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Oh past the Pigs the most simple game on Earth.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
But it's fun. You just have two pigs and you
just roll them at the table.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Simple. I'm gonna go find some Thanks for joining us.
I know you're super busy. It's an exciting time. We've
got the playoff run starting Saturday against the Minnesota Frost
and I want to start there because the number one
seed in the PWh al gets to pick their opening
round opponent, and y'all picked the two time defending champions.
So what was the thinking there?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
Yeah, I think a lot of us, like we were
going through. The staff obviously makes the final call, but
they kind of ask us all like who would rather play?
And I'm pretty sure our team almost everybody was kind
of like whoever. Like I think for us, it was
like we're feeling confident, we think we've had a great year.
Like we were like, it's fine, we'll play Minnesota or Ottawa,
(09:39):
like whatever you guys want to pick, we'll play them.
Like either way, Like you're gonna have to win six
games against really good opponents, And we were like we
could start with Minnesota, we can start with Ottawa, but
either way, like you have to win six games. So
I think all of us were just like chomping at
the bit to play, and we're like, we will play
whoever we have to play, and we'll try to make
the best of it.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
Yeah, you also beat Minnesota in all four regular season games,
outscoring I'm twelve to three, shutting them out entirely in
the last two matchups. So not too bad to come
in with that momentum. How does that actual voting happen?
Is it an email, a survey team meeting with hands.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Raised, They just like sent out a quick survey. I
think it was anonymous. Honestly, it was just like if
you had to choose, choose if you have a reason,
some people like you don't have to put a reason,
and then either way, like it's not really like oh,
like I think everybody was. The more everybody talked to
it was, I guess sounds like we were. It was
pretty all over the place, and the staff gets to
(10:34):
go and make a decision.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
But I think for the most.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Part, it wasn't like people were like, we really like
want to play this team or this team. It sounded
like most of us were just kind of like, we'll
play in front of us. Yeah exactly, I replied, and
I was just like that. Whoever was like, I don't care.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
So one of the strength that you feel like your
team is bringing into the postseason regardless of opponent.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Yeah, I think especially since we kind of went on
this heater in the back half of the season, Like
our depth has just been unbelievable, Like we've lost some
of our best players for some games, especially Pooh being out,
Murph being out. Them being out was I think it
was like a challenge, but with the way our team
stepped up, and I don't think with them gone we
lost a game there until the very last one against Vancouver,
(11:21):
like or at least we got a point I think
in every game. So I think just going off of that, like,
I think we do have a confident group that knows
we have a lot of depth, Like we play hard.
Everybody on these plays hard place physical, Like it's hard
to play against us, and I think that's what makes
us a great playoff team, Like it's not an easy
game when you come to play us. What about the Frost,
What are the things that they do well that you're
(11:42):
having to game plan for Yeah, they have an excellent offense,
they really do. They have a lot of amazing forwards
and goal scorers. Like you look at the stats and
that I think the top four scorers in the league
are all from the Frost. Like they do play an
offensive game, which helps us that we have Vanderney behind
us a lot of the day's Da Vien. She's an
incredible goalie. But for us, we try to play a
(12:05):
very defensive game. So it's kind of a little bit
of a chess match there.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Yeah, for sure, you mentioned some of the top scorers.
The top scorer Kelly Panic leading in points and goals,
Taylor Heisi right behind her. So how do you neutralize
those two players in particular?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
Yeah, I think a lot of it is our systems,
to be honest, Like when we have played them, we've
done a really good job of neutralizing those players. And
a lot of it isn't like this line needs to
be against this line all that stuff like in the end, Like, yes,
there's always matchups and stuff like that going on in
the ice, but a lot of it has just been
our systems and how we want to play, Like we
want to play tight defensively, We don't try to cheat offense.
We want to earn our offense by having a really
(12:44):
good defense, and I think that makes it really hard
to score against us. But they obviously they have a
great power play, They have some great offensive players. Like
in the end, those girls are probably going to get
a goal or two on us, and that's playoff hockey
and we just have to respond.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Yeah, not that you want to take any stats and
rely on them. You'll have to bring your best and
the Frost has shown that over and over again that
they're not the same postseason team as there on the
regular season. But sixty five of their ninety one goals
this season were against non playoff teams. They just had
thirteen against your squad, So you can at least take
in that all of that offensive firepower maybe was acquired
(13:18):
via other opponents, not so much against y'all.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, they definitely had some really high scoring games against
some opponents that I haven't been privileged enough to be
in as the team winning as much in my career,
I haven't played in a bunch of blowouts like that,
which would be really fun. I am jealous though, when
they get those games like those, like six to one,
games because it's great for the fans. Honestly, Yeah, Like
(13:43):
the fans love to see goals, especially in the regular seasons,
so when they're putting up those goals, especially at home,
like it is fun for their fans.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So throughout the two first seasons of the PWHL, no
top seeded team has won a single semi final series,
three and four seeds advancing both years. So how do
you stop that trend?
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Yeah, I mean it is it speaks to the league
every year.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
I think, like it's not like we talk about all
the time, like how these NHL playoffs even for example,
have been going. Is like every game is like this
one goal game, three to two, a lot of low
scoring games, and that's kind of our league for the
most part, except for, honestly, some of the frost games.
Like it's that's how our hockey is because we only
play thirty games. We don't play eighty two, so it's
(14:26):
playoff hockey every single game, and every team is so
close that I do think like we've gone to these
playoffs and it's just been a matter of one bounce,
one jump, and it's only best of five, Like you
just have to get to three and it's any team
can leave with a win, and everybody knows that. So
it's it's about doing the little things right. Like you
(14:46):
do need some luck along the way, but hopefully if
you do all the little things right and work like
you need to work hard in the playoffs to get
some of those bounces and earn some of that luck.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
But we're up to the challenge.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
You started your career with New York, but you've settled
in with the Victoires. It's the trade last offseason. How's
your French?
Speaker 2 (15:04):
It's not very good, but I try.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
The girls always laugh at me, but they'll like give
me slang and I like try to say it back
and they're just like no, and I'm like, well, I'm trying,
and they're just they say my pronunciation is awful.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Yeah, that's the tough part. My last name is Spain,
so occasionally people speak Spanish to me and I'm like no, no,
and then their last name looks French. So I imagine
it's in Montreal. People think that you probably know what
you're doing.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Yeah, it is French. My dad is like some French
Canadian in him, but I know nothing.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
So well, you're good on the ice at least, even
if the language isn't. Their career highs for you across
the board all season to. What do you attribute that
success with the new team.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Yeah, I think.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
Just obviously it helps when you're on a team that's
in first place, like when you're on a winning team,
it's easier to have great stats. And I also attribute
a lot of that to playing with a lot of
great players in line mates. I spent a good amount
of my time through the year playing on a line
with Pulin and Stacy, and they really make the game easy.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
They put the pucks away when you pass them on.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Good chances, and if they don't, they hold onto that
and they make sure they get the next one. So
it's been easy to play with those two and they
definitely helped me grow as a player and a person.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yeah, I want to talk about that because when Poo's
been healthy and that line has been intact, you all
have been absolutely dominant, to the point where there were
some think pieces about potentially breaking you up to increase
depth of scoring across the lineup. That eventually happened as
a result of Pooh's injury. But what do you think
makes you three so good together?
Speaker 2 (16:37):
I think we all bring something different to the table.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
And like you said, we've spent a little time broken
up with who being injured with some people. Even before that,
they kind of split Stace up with us just a
little to get other lines going. And then all of
a sudden we started getting debt scoring even when we
were together, so it kind of all settled in, which
was nice. But I do think like Stace brings I
say it all the time, like her work ethic and
(17:02):
her hunt, like she goes and gets every puck she
wants to skate fast.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
She creates so much room and space for me to.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Be able to handle the puck for who to be
able to handle the puck and Who's obviously just an
incredible playmaker. But her scoring ability is truly truly incredible,
Like she puts pucks away when she gets the chance.
She wants that goal every time, like she's desperate to
score a goal. And playing with those two it's really easy.
They they think the game really well. So it's been
it's been really fun year playing with them.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Yeah, we had them on the show. I loved talking
to them and as a married couple, they have like
this sixth sense thing going on. I'm sure, Like you know,
twins sometimes have so do you have to work extra
hard when you're on align with them to keep up
with their instincts and they're just knack for knowing what
the other might do.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
I think at first, like they definitely like from playing together,
like had their style down, like I'd say, like the
first like week or two, like even in practice, I
was like, you have sometimes instant chemistry, and we definitely
played well together out the gate, but you were trying
to figure out like, oh, she like drives here, she
stays up. Like the first week or two, I was like, Okay,
I gotta like figure out how to read these situations.
(18:09):
But now it's just kind of been second nature. Like
Stace is a huge talker during the game too, which helps,
Like she'll she'll want to talk through any play, like
if I'm like, hey on this, like should I Like,
it's really easy to kind of get to the point.
And poo is who's incredibly easy to read. She's just
such a smart player. I think we think the game
very similarly, so it's been it's been pretty easy to adapt.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Yeah. Hailey Skimora has been a big contributor of Late
Nicole Gosling's been fantastic co leader and rookie scoring by
a defender. How important is it for this team to
have found scoring outside of the Big three and to
have found that depth, especially heading into the postseason.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Yeah, I think I think that was huge.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
I think at the beginning of the year we were
winning really close games and maybe weren't getting the debt
scoring that we kind of needed, and it I think
it all just kind of ended up clicking after some
line changes and just like mishmashing and even some lines
were playing incredibly well and just weren't getting the puck
in the net like I'd be like, they had seven
great a chances to score and it just didn't go
for them. And that's when we all talk about it,
(19:10):
like if you're not getting chances to score, wherey if
you're getting chances to score and they're just not going in,
like you can calm down, like eventually you hope that
the gates open and you get those scams. Has been incredible,
especially that line of Scams Murphy and Dara. Obviously, with
Murphy being injured as well, they had to we switch
some things around, but all year they've been an incredible
(19:31):
depth line and been able to mismatch a lot of
lines and get goals when we've really needed them.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Nicole.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I can't say enough good things for how her games
came along this year, Like I think she came out
of the gate, like you could tell she had a
lot of potential, but it was just like a little timid,
like it's rookie year, like you got to figure out
the league, the contact, and like every game I've just
seen her become better and better and more confident, like
she is really a smart player.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
I really like being on the ice with her.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
I can tell she's a rookiecause she doesn't have a
nickname yet She's the only person that you just used
her straight up first name. Do we have anything in
the works for Nicole?
Speaker 3 (20:05):
A lot of people most people call her goose, but
none of us call her goose. She's like, you're the
only people who don't call me goose. Like other teammates
I guess always called her goose, we don't call her goose.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I sometimes call her Nikki G. I don't think she
likes it.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
I think a couple of girls actually call her Nikki
G or like nick for sure, but like that's I
like to call her Nikki g.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
I think it's funny, But are you just rock? I'm
normally abby. All coaches call me rocking or like rocky.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
A lot of coaches, Yeah, coaches and management always love
to call me rock or rocky.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Like all teammates just call me like abs or Abby.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
I feel like hockey nicknames. It's always just add an
er or out of y m hmm.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
A lot of the time.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
Yeah, Rocky rocker, that's what I always get. The coaches
yelling that from from above's the go to.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
You know. We talked about Marie lupool On missing a
lot of games because that knee injury that she got
at the Olympics. When she came back for the final
right her season game, she looked good. She hadn't assist
even in limited minutes. But she's been asked about how
her health is as she heads into the postseason, and
she gave the most Pooh quote ever. She said, the heart,
the mind is there. I'm gonna do anything possible to
(21:14):
play my game. I mean, it's poetry. It doesn't give
us much information. Can you translate that for us? Do
you feel like she's gonna be doing okay?
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Heading in Yeah, I mean that's just her.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
I mean I think that game too, Like I was like,
she looks more than fine. I think a lot of
it for her, she just wants I think she wanted
more minutes in real life. I was like, calm down,
like it's okay, Like we're we're already like good to go,
like we're in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
And for her, like she just wants to be out there.
She wants to be competing.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Like nothing's gonna stop her unless somebody, like they'd literally
have to yank her away, like and that's I love it,
Like that's that kind of attitude I think you want
in a leader and a teammate, Like she does everything
she can for the team, like not enough good things
to say, and she she'll leave it all on the line.
I think she looked every day in practice. I think
she looks better and better and not speaking mew wise,
(22:04):
just like hockey wise, like she hadn't got the practice
with us so long, and like every single time she's
out there with the whole group, I just think she's
looking better and better. I think on Saturday, she'll be
firing on all cylinders once playoff hockey comes around.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Talk about your goaltender Anne Renee Debi and you mentioned her,
but she set records for the league's best single season
save percentage, goals against average, just like absolutely wall back there.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Yeah, I mean I played with I was lucky enough.
I played with Anne for a year in college when
I was like eighteen, And she's always been the same,
like confident, easy to play in front of, Like she's
never mad, she's just like she's doing her It's so easy,
Like she'll make a save because like say I screwed
up and like she has to make a great save.
(22:48):
I'm like, I'm so sorry, and she's always just like, that's.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Why you got me.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
I'm like, okay, It's just it's so easy to play
in front of a goalie like her, because she really
is incredible.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
She's relaxed.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
If a goal go in that she didn't love and
she knows she could stop, she's like, sorry, girls, that's
on me, and then it's like over. Or if like
one goes into like she could never get, she's like, well,
what can you do? And I'm like, true, but what
a great I know, Like she it's perfect. It's she
wants to win every game and she's so competitive, but
(23:19):
she's never gonna like she's never blaming anyone else. She's
never like h like, you can just tell she's so
level headed and in that position, like all of us
go to the bench and like have so many other
people to lean on, Like it's the only position hockey
where you're like all off on your own, and she
really has a great head for it.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
You can help her out in a lot of ways
in the postseason by avoiding penalties. You mentioned earlier, very
physical team, which is great. It puts other teams on
their heels, But how do you find that balance where
you're not getting into too many shorthanded opportunities?
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Yeah, I think a lot of it. Hopefully the re
thing's better. I think in the.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Playoffs, the officials, I.
Speaker 3 (23:56):
Think it's been inconsistent, but like it is what it is.
That's like some games we have great reffing. I'm like,
get these guys every time, and then some games it's
like it's more of a consistency thing. I think for
our league it's just like this refel call, like every
hit where this ref's like that's a clean hit and
we're like, I don't know what's going on anymore. But
in the end, like it's playoff hockey. I think all
(24:16):
four teams and coaches want the whistles to go away,
except if it's hookings and slashings, like then call it
like that's not in hockey. But I think all of
us want the physical play unless it's somebody's out there
to hurt somebody.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
That's when we draw the line.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
But I do think hopefully a lot of these refs
know it's playoff hockey and it's going to get physical.
It's gonna get heated, and that's okay, Like we're all
good with that. But and even she kills me, even
with the penalties, like she's always like, we have a
great penalty kill.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
It's okay.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I'm like, yeah, you do best in the league at
least for that helps her out. You know, you played
with boys in high school, and I remember reading that you,
you know, made the transition to playing with women and
had to learn how to not just check the shit
out of people. You were used to a much more
pysical game where things are allowed. Have you accepted the
amount of physicality allowed in the women's game or would
(25:06):
you prefer that y'all were actually allowed to get after it?
A little more.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
Yeah, I especially coming out of high school, Like it's funny,
like now I always end up getting like some penalties
just on accident. Like in high school, I had like
two penalties a year because I'm not like a stick
penalty person. I'm just like and once checking was legal,
it is all good. My first year at Wisconsin, I
like led the ncaaat penalties and I was like, it's
like I'm not even trying to do anything, so it's
(25:32):
tough sometimes. But now that checking's allowed, it has helped me,
I think, honestly a ton, because I grew up having
to keep my head up. Like I think some girls
are still figuring out, like oh, like looking behind them
for a pass. The next thing they accidentally get blown up.
But like growing up, I had to make sure my
head was up er I was definitely getting blown up
by like a six foot four boy, So I was like,
(25:54):
I kind of liked the transition for me.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
It was fun. I liked that they added hitting.
Speaker 3 (25:57):
The biggest thing is just like you said, it's been
like the consistency of like, well this was a loud
last game, but this game, why are we calling this check?
Like it was the same check that I saw just
happened three shifts ago kind of thing. So I think
a lot of us have talked about it being like
let's just open it up then, like basically like say,
full on checking is good because then there's not going
(26:19):
to be this inconsistency of like this was like an
opposite direction, this one wasn't this wasn't this Like I
think we've gotten also, like through the last three years,
a lot of girls have gotten really good at physicality
and keeping their head up. Like I've seen a lot
of improvements where it wouldn't be like no hitting to
like oh like crazy stuff. And I also don't think
(26:40):
most girls would just be running around trying to hit
each other, right, I think it would just kind of
solve a lot of.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
The penalty problems. And a good amount of talk about it.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
We're like at this point just say checking is all good,
except if you hit them in the head or from
behind or like our head hunting people. But it's not
really up.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
To us, yea, but if you talk enough, they might listen.
That seems to be the way in this league at least,
seems like there's a pretty good line of communication from
players to the folks in charge.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
We try and it's definitely like at the end of
the year, you're like surveys and things to kind of
ask and I know, I think last year there was
like a question like do you think the physicality is
like too much too little? And I think a lot
of people are like it's good, which I think it's true,
Like most of us are like we like the physicality
where it's at. It's more like the penalties are where
we're getting right, just make it. Yeah, Like it's not
(27:27):
like all of us are like we want to be
hitting each other more.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
It's like we feel like we can hit each other
the appropriate them out y'all want to keep your teeth.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Yeah, it's not like all of us are like we
actually feel like the physicality and like what people are
like hitting each other like pretty decent. It's more like, okay,
well what one like what are we letting go versus not?
So I do think playoff hockey, they're going to be like, okay,
carry on, which will be nice.
Speaker 1 (27:48):
You know, we've had a few players from the PWHL
on the show recently. We've asked them about like team
traditions and supporter vibes and the kind of stuff that
folks who haven't made it out to a game yet
might not know. So what makes a game in Montreal special?
Like chants or songs or traditions.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
I think the coolest thing that I had never I'd
heard about it, but I had never seen it until
I was suspended for a game this year so I
was sitting in the stands is that they have like
a DJ set between intermissions and it's like insane.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
I was like, what's going on here? And it was
like the coolest thing.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Like lights are off, like it was like smoke machines,
and everybody is like drinking, like partying.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It was like a fun little club. I was like,
this is awesome. I would love to come to these.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
I'm gonna get suspended more often. Oh wait no, But.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
I was like, I was like that is like I
think they our fan experience. I do think the league
puts a lot of thought into it, like they want
to make it like hockey obviously is the first, like
the product they're putting on the ice and the next.
I think they want the fans to have the best
experience they can. So it has been like being in
the crowd that game and like watching everybody like it's
it's really cool.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Yeah, I've heard a lot about those dance parties. I
gotta get up there. So I read a story about
you when you were growing up that you actually played
alongside a line a lot of Indigenous folks. But then
you went on too Wisconsin and the national team and
started to notice how few bipoc players were on the ice,
either with or against you. And you've said for years
now that you'd like to help encourage more participation in
the indigenous community. Now you're working with the tribe actually
(29:15):
near Montreal, So tell us about that. And you know
it as being a role model something that always came
naturally or something you sort of had to learn how
to step into.
Speaker 3 (29:22):
Yeah, I it was obviously an interesting transition, like growing
up where I grew up, like half of my team
or at least a quarter, were probably in other indigenous players.
Like it's like very common, like one of the rinks, well,
it's like two sheets of ice is on the tribe's land.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
Like it's just like it's.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
So normal to me and I don't even think, Like
when I was at college, like some of the girls
were like, you're the first like.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
Indigenous person I know, and I was like what.
Speaker 3 (29:51):
So that's when it was kind of started to eye
open to me and a lot of those things, and
that's when it kind of you want to make a difference.
You want to give back, and you want like at
the point too, it's like I was also the only
girls like playing where I'm from, Like it wasn't just that,
and it was like there's a lot of communities where
I was just like hockey isn't easily accessible, or it's like,
oh no, I shouldn't play that, like that's for the boys,
(30:12):
or that's for those people, or I can't afford it.
And I think that sitting down, especially through college and
right after, it didn't sit right with me, and I
just wanted to start trying to give back in whatever
small ways I can, especially when we have more downtime
than others.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
So this season I tried to.
Speaker 3 (30:29):
Connect with the band that's right outside the city Kinawaukee,
and they were great, Like I went out and.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
Spoke to their high school.
Speaker 3 (30:36):
I spoke to some of the girls right before who
play hockey in the community, and I got to go
out in the ice of a couple of them and
just like run a skates we got them free tickets
to come to a game, a bunch of the girls.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
From the area. So it was great.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
And it's just about also like giving them an experience
that makes them want to stay in the game, Like
like that goes a long way. Even some of the
girls were like, I didn't really know that much about
your team before, but now like so and so and
so and so is like having a connection. It makes
these like young girls want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Yeah, that's awesome. You're a fan favorite in the PWHL.
A lot of folks were sad to see you leave
New York, but lots of them were really excited to
see you get to Montreal, and a lot of fans
were also bummed that you weren't on this Winter Olympics
roster for Team USA, having been with the team before.
So how did that decision impact you and how did
you decide to spend that Olympic break maybe wishing that
you had been out there.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, it's obviously it's tough because in the end, like
I have seen over the long course of my career,
a lot of players who probably deserved to be on
teams and got cut, and some players who like maybe
just were on the line and got like that extra pushover.
And that's honestly life, that's hockey, that's sports, Like, let's be.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Honest is what it is. It's not just me.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
Like every country, I think there's always like, oh, this
person's having an amazing year, but like.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
They just don't get the looks that other people do.
And unfortunately it's life.
Speaker 3 (31:57):
It sucks, Like I think I put myself in a
great position through the p up to be one of
the top players we had, but in the end, you
have to do what you have to do and you
got to move on, and you can't let that really
affect your image of yourself, I think is the biggest thing.
Speaker 2 (32:11):
I think.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
I've talked to a lot of players from lots of
different nationalities who are like it, like mentally screws with
a lot of people, And for me, I just tried
not to let it because you in the end, like
you have to know yourself more than anything, Like you
have to know you're a great player, great teammate, things
like that, and just go with that.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
And it sucks.
Speaker 3 (32:32):
You watch Team USA win and you obviously want to
be out there and you're happy for your friends and
that team because there's so many of those girls that
I just love so much. But it's obviously you just
have to keep positive and know that.
Speaker 2 (32:43):
But it was it was good.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
Overbreak, I got a week off from hockey, which was
honestly quite nice for a minute.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
There, but headed to Florida.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
A lot of the Sirens girls who all are different
teams now a few back there. We all met up
in like Miami area, rented a house like yeah, hung out,
just enjoyed life, like, no hockey talk things like that,
just had fun and it was awesome.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
Yeah, you know, you actually you have dual citizenship, so
I know I've seen some Canadian fans dreaming of the
Pulan Stacy rock line in team Canada jerseys. Is that
something you'd ever consider?
Speaker 3 (33:19):
I mean, right now, I'm just focusing on this season,
but it's something that's been brought up to me a
good amount of time. I don't even know really how
it would work or how if what nationality Like, you
never even know if a nationality really wants you or
what the possibilities are. So obviously it's it's nice to
have both. Canada national team is obviously very respected and
(33:41):
very good. So I'm really it's an honor when everybody's like, oh,
she could just I'm like, it's not that easy.
Speaker 1 (33:47):
Like you have to make these that's a tough roster too.
Speaker 3 (33:51):
So right now just focusing on the ped up and
being the best I can be here, and I think
that's been what's best for me too over the whole season.
Speaker 1 (33:59):
Yeah, I'm it's a rare circumstance. Usually when someone has
dual citizenship, the other citizenship isn't also an impossible roster
to make of the direct rival of the other one.
Like usually it's like, oh, I'm not maybe able to
make us, so I'll do the other one. But that
would be pretty wild. I don't know if we've seen
someone who's played for both in that particular rivalry. You know,
you mentioned the Florida trip before I let you go,
(34:19):
I have to ask the last offseason, you were everywhere.
You were in Greece, you were in Italy, you had
all these amazing travels. Do you have anything set up
for after this postseason?
Speaker 3 (34:29):
You know what, Luckily, because we're in the playoffs for
my first time ever, I have nothing set up, but.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
I have a wedding in Cancun in June.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
A teammate of mine from the USA days and like
her bachel Threat parties in Montana, which will be super fun.
But like I wanted to, I'm really hoping I could
get over to Portugal. Was my goal like early June.
But with all of this, I don't know if it's
going to happen. But if I was out, I would
be like, oh, I guess I'll book a ticket.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
But I'm very grateful I'm not out and I don't
have to book that ticket.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
So it happens when you get over to a roster
that's a consistent playoff contender, and maybe you will be
the extra little spicy sauce that gets some pass that
semifinal round and onto the championships. Thanks so much for
making the time, Abby, really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
Thanks again to Abby for hanging out with us ahead
of the playoffs. And don't forget you can now watch
full length good Game interviews on the Iheartwomen's Sports YouTube channel.
We got to take another break when we return Math again.
(35:39):
Welcome back Places. Shout out to listener Mary Fendley aka
Coach Fenn, who wrote in after yesterday's four hundred and
fiftieth episode celebration with the following quote, comfort show no
doubt about it. Congrats on four fifty. I know you're
not a fan of the math, but the math teacher
and me can't help myself. Mary went on to provide
two equations. The first, four fifty equals d T squared
(36:03):
times Angel times Ca times Dawn, as in Dinah Tarrassi's
number three Jersey squared is nine multiplied by Angel. Reese's
number five is forty five multiplied by case. Number two
is ninety multiplied by Don Staley's number five Jersey is
four hundred and fifty. Mary's second equation, four to fifty
equals Sou times Lisa times Page A little simpler. We'll
(36:25):
let you solve that one on your own, but you know,
maybe tell me if the numbers at up, because you
know I ain't doing math in my free time. Thanks
Mary for the note, and I guess for the math.
We always love that you're listening, but we want you
to get in the game every day too, So here's
our good game play of the day. Keep sending us
your submissions for what cities you want to see included
in our bracket challenge for the women's sports epicenter of
(36:48):
the US. We've already heard from a few of you,
including folks nominating Boston, Minneapolis, the Bay Area, and Seattle.
Once again, the email is good game at wondermediaetwork dot
com and the voicemail is eight seven two two four
fifty seventy. And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, y'all.
It's really easy. Watch Megan Falley's foray into the sports
(37:10):
rating ten out of ten. Stuck the landing review by
now you know my deep admiration for poet Andrea Gibson,
who the world lost to cancer last July. Not only
were they an incredible writer, they were a hooper back
in the day too, even winning a state title with
their high school team in Maine. While Gibson's widow, Megan
Falley is a poet and author herself, and she's written
(37:31):
beautifully and heartbreakingly about life during Gibson's illness and about
loss since their death. One of her most recent poems
is a nod to the love she found for sports
through watching with Gibson. Here are a few lines. Olivia
baby sits a girl who was asked where she was
before she was in her mommy's belly. The girl who
is two said, I was waiting to be picked is
(37:54):
death the same waiting to be chosen for God's team.
Of course, you were drafted so fast, so young, so promising.
I picture you now dribbling Stars, dunking Mars through the
hoops of Saturn, spinning the ball of Earth on your
index finger. You're wearing a jersey with the number eight
turned sideways, because you are infinite now waiting for me,
(38:14):
like Lebron James waited for Brownie. I'm only still going
with the basketball references because of how much it would
make you laugh to hear what I learned about sports,
just so I could have another language to speak to
you in wanted as much chemistry with you as Michael
Jordan had with Scottie Pippen. If you're in the paint,
I'm in the paint. I'll link to the instagram of
the full poem plus Megan Substack that has a little
(38:37):
bit more on writing it both in the show notes. Also,
the film about Gibson and Valley, Come See Me in
the Good Light, was just honored with a Peabody Award.
Congrats to all involved, much deserved. Now it's your turn,
y'all rate and review, Thanks for listening. See you next week.
Good game, Abby, good game, getting to be loved teammates
with some of my absolute fabs. You guy in front
(38:59):
of me at the Bruce Springsteen Show in an NRA hat.
What a working show did you think you were going to?
Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports
production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You
can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network,
our producers are Alex Azzi and Bianca Hillier. Our executive
(39:22):
producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder.
Our editors are Emily Rudder, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez and
Gianna Palmer. Production assistant from Avery Loftus and I'm Your
Host Sarah Spain
Welcome to good Game of Sarah Spain, where we've officially
hit the sweet spot in the women's pro sports calendar.
WNBA preseason, NWSL regular season MLV Volleyball wr rugby gets underway.
PWHL playoff games on the schedule this weekend. Oh my gosh.
In college sports too, sweatpants on snacks procured, Activate couch mode. Y'all,
(00:23):
It's Friday, May first, and on today's show, Montreal Victoire
forward Abby Rock joins us to talk about those aforementioned
PWHL playoffs. I got up with there on Thursday to
preview Saturday's Game one against the Minnesota Fross, and we
discussed finding her groove with a new team this season,
playing alongside a legendary dynamic duo and being a role
model for indigenous athletes, plus dipping a toe back into
(00:44):
the ownership waters, fold and advance, and in this case,
the first cuts aren't the deepest. It's all coming up
right after this welcome back, says Happy Friyay, here's what
you need to know today. Let's start with the NWSL.
(01:06):
This weekend's action kicks off tonight with the Houston Dash
hosting the Seattle Rain at eight pm Eastern. Shout out
to front at the show, Jen Cooper for letting us
know this will mark Dash midfielder Danny Colaprico's two hundred
and twenty at the regular season NWSL game. Only Lauren Barnes,
who retired last season, played in more games with two
hundred and fifty. I got to know Danny when she
was a Chicago Color Neutral star, and she is truly
(01:28):
a human ray of sunshine. So congrats Danny on the achievement.
There are three matches on the slate for tomorrow, including
a rematch of the twenty twenty four NWSL championship game
featuring the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride. And after a
slow start to the season, the Spirit earned their third
straight win Wednesday night, a one nail victory over racing
Louisville Lucky Charm. Jose the Coyote was on hand to
(01:49):
see Trinity Rodman put in her second goal of the
season and second in as many games. Rodman now has
thirty regular season goals. That makes her the third youngest
player to hit that milestone, after Sophia Wilson and Say Kerr.
Speaking of Sophia Wilson, the Red Hot Wilson and the
league leading Portland Thorns will travel to the number fourteen
Chicago Stars on Sunday, looking to stay atop the table
(02:09):
after they stole the top spot with a two to
one win over the San Diego Wave Wednesday night. Now
that win saw Wilson mirror fellow Triple Espresso member Rodman
by scoring her second goal of the season and second
in as many games. Also on Sunday, the league's two
new expansion teams, Boston Legacy and Denver Summit, will meet
for the first time. Boston is still looking for its
first win after starting the season with five losses and
(02:31):
one draw. To hockey and a reminder that the PWHL
playoffs continue this weekend. We're recording the show ahead of
Thursday night's Game one matchup between the number two seeded
Boston Fleet and number one Ottawa Charge, and the other
semi final series between the number one Montreal Victoire and
number three Minnesota Frost gets underway on Saturday, a two
pm Eastern puck drop plenty more on that series in
(02:53):
just a minute with Abby Rock to the WNBA, where
Wednesday's preseason action delivered a few headlines. Lage Johnson had
twenty points to lead the Seattle Storm against the Portland
Fire ninety one eighty one, and she was hyping up
courtside stars like Sue Bird and SuperSonics Great Debt left Shrimph.
The Phoenix Mercury defeated Team Japan eighty six sixty and
(03:13):
Angel Reese also played in Chicago for the first time
as a member of the Atlanta Dream. She helped her
team to an eighty seven seventy eight win. She received
a loud ovation from the Chicago crowd during introductions and
during the game's first time out, The Guy played a
tribute video for her. Before the game, re said, quote,
I'm grateful for my time here in Chicago. I experienced
a lot of great things, but I'm just happy to
start this new journey end quote. Preseason games wrap up
(03:37):
over the next few days, with just one game on
the schedule for tonight, the Minnesota Links hosting the Toronto Tempo,
and then four games on the schedule Sunday, including a
preseason matchup between last year's WNBA champs, the Las Vegas
Aces and the team with the two most recent number
one draft picks, the Dallas Wings. Teams will need to
submit their quote unquote final rosters by Wednesday, May seventh,
(03:58):
before regular season action tips off on the eighth. And
of course, when I say final roster, take that with
a grain of salt. We've historically seen a lot of
roster movement in the WNBA even after the season begins.
Speaking of roster movement, a few teams have been busy
making moves over the last few days. The Minnesota Links
waved three players on Wednesday, including Minnesota Gophers standout Amaya Battle,
(04:20):
while the Golden State Valkyries waived Yuconulum Caroline du Charm.
Both Battle and Ducharm went undrafted and had signed training
camp contracts. Meantime, the Seattle Storm cut one of two
Jalen Brown's, specifically ja l y N Brown, but as
of this recording, Jalen Brown Jae l y N is
(04:40):
still in the mix, and the Toronto Tempo also cut
one half of their team's allotments of Maybury's waving Marina's
sister Darrah Maybray. Plenty more dominoes to fall, as most
teams are still carrying close to the eighteen player preseason
max right now. In WNBA front office news this week,
the La Sparks announced Stacy Johns as new team president.
(05:01):
Johns was most recently the CEO for BFC of the NWSL,
with previous stops at LAFC of the MLS and the
NFL's Indianapolis Colts. To Rugby, the second season of Women's
Elite Rugby begins this weekend, with the Denver Onyx entering
the new year as the defending champs. Quick refresher on
Women's Elite rugby for those who didn't follow the league
in year one. WR consists of six teams, the Bay Breakers,
(05:24):
Boston Banshees's, Chicago Tempest, Denver Onyx, New York Exiles, and
Twin City Gemini. The league utilizes the traditional rugby fifteens format,
not the Olympic sevens version. We'll link to the full
schedule of games in the show notes. To volleyball, it's
the final weekend of regular season action in Major League
Volleyball AKAMLV ahead of next weekend's championship series, but the
(05:46):
stakes for the last weekend are pretty low. The top
four teams have already clinch spots, and next weekend's four
team MLV championship, led by the number one seeded India Night,
followed by the number two Dallas Pulse, number three San
Diego Mojo, and number four Omaha Supernova's. Now the pressure
might be on for the Mojo to go out in
style with a win, as it was announced on Tuesday
(06:07):
that the team will cease operations after this season. As
part of a team statement posted on social media, owner
Gary Jacobs said his ownership group had planned to pause
play during the twenty twenty seventh season and use the
year to create and execute a strategic plan for twenty
twenty eight and beyond, but quote, the league believes a
different direction is required. Major League Volleyball remains committed to
San Diego and will lead the effort to identify potential
(06:29):
new investors to join the Mojo Forward end quote. Speaking
of pro vibes, some personal news, as they say on
the interwebs, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm joining the
ownership team of the Love San Francisco expansion squad, which
starts play next season. There's an incredible ownership group forming
in the Bay Area, and I just couldn't say no
to teaming up with some of the people I most
(06:50):
respect and admire in the sports space. That includes friends
of the show Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, Holly Row, Ali Riley,
Alex Kleinman, Alicia Montano, Brandy Chastain, and Ari Chambers, plus
Google's Kate Johnson, Rebel Girls, Jess Wolfe, m NBA legend
Steve Kerr BAFC, and former US Women's National teamer Leslie Osborne,
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jet and author
(07:12):
and friend Glennon Doyle. Lots more to come on this
fun new adventure, but if any slices want to jump
in and get involved right now, We've put a link
in the show notes to the Love SF named the
team site, so hop on that website maybe you can
help name the Bay's newest squad. Also rest assured, as
I did with my Chicago Color Neutral Stars ownership, I'll
be sure to disclose when discussing the sport and leagues,
(07:33):
and I'll continue to be fair and coverage while rooting
for the success and growth of all women's sports leagues
and endeavors. Slices want to take a quick moment to
send congratulations to Lynn Biandolo and husband Marley, who announced
the birth of their son, Lucky let Chance Biandolo this week.
We're so excited for you too. We're going to take
a break when we come back. It's Montreal forward Abby
(07:55):
Rock joining us now. She's a forward for the PWHL's
Montreal Victoire and the first Indigenous person to play for
the US women's national hockey team. She grew up in
Salt sat Marie, Michigan, and she played boys varsity hockey
in high school before going on to Wisconsin, where she
(08:15):
helped the Badgers's to an NCAA title in twenty nineteen
and was a top three finalist for the twenty twenty
Patty Kasmier Memorial Award. She started her p WHL career
with New York before being traded to Montreal last off season.
She loves to travel, steal other people's dogs, and she
rolled a double leaning Jowler in the Game of Life.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
It's Abby Rock, thank you for having me?
Speaker 1 (08:34):
What an intro the pig game? Is that a go
to for you or was that just a reference for
the day on your Instagram.
Speaker 3 (08:42):
There's a good crew of us who really really like
that game. It's simple, but it's fun.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
I just like saying a double leaning jowler. I don't
know what it means, but I'm into it.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
You've never played pigs.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
I've never played pigs.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Oh past the Pigs the most simple game on Earth.
Speaker 2 (08:56):
But it's fun. You just have two pigs and you
just roll them at the table.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
Simple. I'm gonna go find some Thanks for joining us.
I know you're super busy. It's an exciting time. We've
got the playoff run starting Saturday against the Minnesota Frost
and I want to start there because the number one
seed in the PWh al gets to pick their opening
round opponent, and y'all picked the two time defending champions.
So what was the thinking there?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
Yeah, I think a lot of us, like we were
going through. The staff obviously makes the final call, but
they kind of ask us all like who would rather play?
And I'm pretty sure our team almost everybody was kind
of like whoever. Like I think for us, it was
like we're feeling confident, we think we've had a great year.
Like we were like, it's fine, we'll play Minnesota or Ottawa,
(09:39):
like whatever you guys want to pick, we'll play them.
Like either way, Like you're gonna have to win six
games against really good opponents, And we were like we
could start with Minnesota, we can start with Ottawa, but
either way, like you have to win six games. So
I think all of us were just like chomping at
the bit to play, and we're like, we will play
whoever we have to play, and we'll try to make
the best of it.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
Yeah, you also beat Minnesota in all four regular season games,
outscoring I'm twelve to three, shutting them out entirely in
the last two matchups. So not too bad to come
in with that momentum. How does that actual voting happen?
Is it an email, a survey team meeting with hands.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
Raised, They just like sent out a quick survey. I
think it was anonymous. Honestly, it was just like if
you had to choose, choose if you have a reason,
some people like you don't have to put a reason,
and then either way, like it's not really like oh,
like I think everybody was. The more everybody talked to
it was, I guess sounds like we were. It was
pretty all over the place, and the staff gets to
(10:34):
go and make a decision.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
But I think for the most.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
Part, it wasn't like people were like, we really like
want to play this team or this team. It sounded
like most of us were just kind of like, we'll
play in front of us. Yeah exactly, I replied, and
I was just like that. Whoever was like, I don't care.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
So one of the strength that you feel like your
team is bringing into the postseason regardless of opponent.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Yeah, I think especially since we kind of went on
this heater in the back half of the season, Like
our depth has just been unbelievable, Like we've lost some
of our best players for some games, especially Pooh being out,
Murph being out. Them being out was I think it
was like a challenge, but with the way our team
stepped up, and I don't think with them gone we
lost a game there until the very last one against Vancouver,
(11:21):
like or at least we got a point I think
in every game. So I think just going off of that, like,
I think we do have a confident group that knows
we have a lot of depth, Like we play hard.
Everybody on these plays hard place physical, Like it's hard
to play against us, and I think that's what makes
us a great playoff team, Like it's not an easy
game when you come to play us. What about the Frost,
What are the things that they do well that you're
(11:42):
having to game plan for Yeah, they have an excellent offense,
they really do. They have a lot of amazing forwards
and goal scorers. Like you look at the stats and
that I think the top four scorers in the league
are all from the Frost. Like they do play an
offensive game, which helps us that we have Vanderney behind
us a lot of the day's Da Vien. She's an
incredible goalie. But for us, we try to play a
(12:05):
very defensive game. So it's kind of a little bit
of a chess match there.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
Yeah, for sure, you mentioned some of the top scorers.
The top scorer Kelly Panic leading in points and goals,
Taylor Heisi right behind her. So how do you neutralize
those two players in particular?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
Yeah, I think a lot of it is our systems,
to be honest, Like when we have played them, we've
done a really good job of neutralizing those players. And
a lot of it isn't like this line needs to
be against this line all that stuff like in the end, Like, yes,
there's always matchups and stuff like that going on in
the ice, but a lot of it has just been
our systems and how we want to play, Like we
want to play tight defensively, We don't try to cheat offense.
We want to earn our offense by having a really
(12:44):
good defense, and I think that makes it really hard
to score against us. But they obviously they have a
great power play, They have some great offensive players. Like
in the end, those girls are probably going to get
a goal or two on us, and that's playoff hockey
and we just have to respond.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Yeah, not that you want to take any stats and
rely on them. You'll have to bring your best and
the Frost has shown that over and over again that
they're not the same postseason team as there on the
regular season. But sixty five of their ninety one goals
this season were against non playoff teams. They just had
thirteen against your squad, So you can at least take
in that all of that offensive firepower maybe was acquired
(13:18):
via other opponents, not so much against y'all.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Yeah, they definitely had some really high scoring games against
some opponents that I haven't been privileged enough to be
in as the team winning as much in my career,
I haven't played in a bunch of blowouts like that,
which would be really fun. I am jealous though, when
they get those games like those, like six to one,
games because it's great for the fans. Honestly, Yeah, Like
(13:43):
the fans love to see goals, especially in the regular seasons,
so when they're putting up those goals, especially at home,
like it is fun for their fans.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So throughout the two first seasons of the PWHL, no
top seeded team has won a single semi final series,
three and four seeds advancing both years. So how do
you stop that trend?
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Yeah, I mean it is it speaks to the league
every year.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
I think, like it's not like we talk about all
the time, like how these NHL playoffs even for example,
have been going. Is like every game is like this
one goal game, three to two, a lot of low
scoring games, and that's kind of our league for the
most part, except for, honestly, some of the frost games.
Like it's that's how our hockey is because we only
play thirty games. We don't play eighty two, so it's
(14:26):
playoff hockey every single game, and every team is so
close that I do think like we've gone to these
playoffs and it's just been a matter of one bounce,
one jump, and it's only best of five, Like you
just have to get to three and it's any team
can leave with a win, and everybody knows that. So
it's it's about doing the little things right. Like you
(14:46):
do need some luck along the way, but hopefully if
you do all the little things right and work like
you need to work hard in the playoffs to get
some of those bounces and earn some of that luck.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
But we're up to the challenge.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
You started your career with New York, but you've settled
in with the Victoires. It's the trade last offseason. How's
your French?
Speaker 2 (15:04):
It's not very good, but I try.
Speaker 3 (15:08):
The girls always laugh at me, but they'll like give
me slang and I like try to say it back
and they're just like no, and I'm like, well, I'm trying,
and they're just they say my pronunciation is awful.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Yeah, that's the tough part. My last name is Spain,
so occasionally people speak Spanish to me and I'm like no, no,
and then their last name looks French. So I imagine
it's in Montreal. People think that you probably know what
you're doing.
Speaker 3 (15:33):
Yeah, it is French. My dad is like some French
Canadian in him, but I know nothing.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
So well, you're good on the ice at least, even
if the language isn't. Their career highs for you across
the board all season to. What do you attribute that
success with the new team.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Yeah, I think.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
Just obviously it helps when you're on a team that's
in first place, like when you're on a winning team,
it's easier to have great stats. And I also attribute
a lot of that to playing with a lot of
great players in line mates. I spent a good amount
of my time through the year playing on a line
with Pulin and Stacy, and they really make the game easy.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
They put the pucks away when you pass them on.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
Good chances, and if they don't, they hold onto that
and they make sure they get the next one. So
it's been easy to play with those two and they
definitely helped me grow as a player and a person.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Yeah, I want to talk about that because when Poo's
been healthy and that line has been intact, you all
have been absolutely dominant, to the point where there were
some think pieces about potentially breaking you up to increase
depth of scoring across the lineup. That eventually happened as
a result of Pooh's injury. But what do you think
makes you three so good together?
Speaker 2 (16:37):
I think we all bring something different to the table.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
And like you said, we've spent a little time broken
up with who being injured with some people. Even before that,
they kind of split Stace up with us just a
little to get other lines going. And then all of
a sudden we started getting debt scoring even when we
were together, so it kind of all settled in, which
was nice. But I do think like Stace brings I
say it all the time, like her work ethic and
(17:02):
her hunt, like she goes and gets every puck she
wants to skate fast.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
She creates so much room and space for me to.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
Be able to handle the puck for who to be
able to handle the puck and Who's obviously just an
incredible playmaker. But her scoring ability is truly truly incredible,
Like she puts pucks away when she gets the chance.
She wants that goal every time, like she's desperate to
score a goal. And playing with those two it's really easy.
They they think the game really well. So it's been
it's been really fun year playing with them.
Speaker 1 (17:30):
Yeah, we had them on the show. I loved talking
to them and as a married couple, they have like
this sixth sense thing going on. I'm sure, Like you know,
twins sometimes have so do you have to work extra
hard when you're on align with them to keep up
with their instincts and they're just knack for knowing what
the other might do.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
I think at first, like they definitely like from playing together,
like had their style down, like I'd say, like the
first like week or two, like even in practice, I
was like, you have sometimes instant chemistry, and we definitely
played well together out the gate, but you were trying
to figure out like, oh, she like drives here, she
stays up. Like the first week or two, I was like, Okay,
I gotta like figure out how to read these situations.
(18:09):
But now it's just kind of been second nature. Like
Stace is a huge talker during the game too, which helps,
Like she'll she'll want to talk through any play, like
if I'm like, hey on this, like should I Like,
it's really easy to kind of get to the point.
And poo is who's incredibly easy to read. She's just
such a smart player. I think we think the game
very similarly, so it's been it's been pretty easy to adapt.
Speaker 1 (18:31):
Yeah. Hailey Skimora has been a big contributor of Late
Nicole Gosling's been fantastic co leader and rookie scoring by
a defender. How important is it for this team to
have found scoring outside of the Big three and to
have found that depth, especially heading into the postseason.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Yeah, I think I think that was huge.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
I think at the beginning of the year we were
winning really close games and maybe weren't getting the debt
scoring that we kind of needed, and it I think
it all just kind of ended up clicking after some
line changes and just like mishmashing and even some lines
were playing incredibly well and just weren't getting the puck
in the net like I'd be like, they had seven
great a chances to score and it just didn't go
for them. And that's when we all talk about it,
(19:10):
like if you're not getting chances to score, wherey if
you're getting chances to score and they're just not going in,
like you can calm down, like eventually you hope that
the gates open and you get those scams. Has been incredible,
especially that line of Scams Murphy and Dara. Obviously, with
Murphy being injured as well, they had to we switch
some things around, but all year they've been an incredible
(19:31):
depth line and been able to mismatch a lot of
lines and get goals when we've really needed them.
Speaker 2 (19:36):
Nicole.
Speaker 3 (19:37):
I can't say enough good things for how her games
came along this year, Like I think she came out
of the gate, like you could tell she had a
lot of potential, but it was just like a little timid,
like it's rookie year, like you got to figure out
the league, the contact, and like every game I've just
seen her become better and better and more confident, like
she is really a smart player.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
I really like being on the ice with her.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
I can tell she's a rookiecause she doesn't have a
nickname yet She's the only person that you just used
her straight up first name. Do we have anything in
the works for Nicole?
Speaker 3 (20:05):
A lot of people most people call her goose, but
none of us call her goose. She's like, you're the
only people who don't call me goose. Like other teammates
I guess always called her goose, we don't call her goose.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
I sometimes call her Nikki G. I don't think she
likes it.
Speaker 3 (20:20):
I think a couple of girls actually call her Nikki
G or like nick for sure, but like that's I
like to call her Nikki g.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
I think it's funny, But are you just rock? I'm
normally abby. All coaches call me rocking or like rocky.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
A lot of coaches, Yeah, coaches and management always love
to call me rock or rocky.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
Like all teammates just call me like abs or Abby.
Speaker 1 (20:42):
I feel like hockey nicknames. It's always just add an
er or out of y m hmm.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
A lot of the time.
Speaker 3 (20:47):
Yeah, Rocky rocker, that's what I always get. The coaches
yelling that from from above's the go to.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
You know. We talked about Marie lupool On missing a
lot of games because that knee injury that she got
at the Olympics. When she came back for the final
right her season game, she looked good. She hadn't assist
even in limited minutes. But she's been asked about how
her health is as she heads into the postseason, and
she gave the most Pooh quote ever. She said, the heart,
the mind is there. I'm gonna do anything possible to
(21:14):
play my game. I mean, it's poetry. It doesn't give
us much information. Can you translate that for us? Do
you feel like she's gonna be doing okay?
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Heading in Yeah, I mean that's just her.
Speaker 3 (21:24):
I mean I think that game too, Like I was like,
she looks more than fine. I think a lot of
it for her, she just wants I think she wanted
more minutes in real life. I was like, calm down,
like it's okay, Like we're we're already like good to go,
like we're in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (21:38):
And for her, like she just wants to be out there.
She wants to be competing.
Speaker 3 (21:41):
Like nothing's gonna stop her unless somebody, like they'd literally
have to yank her away, like and that's I love it,
Like that's that kind of attitude I think you want
in a leader and a teammate, Like she does everything
she can for the team, like not enough good things
to say, and she she'll leave it all on the line.
I think she looked every day in practice. I think
she looks better and better and not speaking mew wise,
(22:04):
just like hockey wise, like she hadn't got the practice
with us so long, and like every single time she's
out there with the whole group, I just think she's
looking better and better. I think on Saturday, she'll be
firing on all cylinders once playoff hockey comes around.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Talk about your goaltender Anne Renee Debi and you mentioned her,
but she set records for the league's best single season
save percentage, goals against average, just like absolutely wall back there.
Speaker 3 (22:27):
Yeah, I mean I played with I was lucky enough.
I played with Anne for a year in college when
I was like eighteen, And she's always been the same,
like confident, easy to play in front of, Like she's
never mad, she's just like she's doing her It's so easy,
Like she'll make a save because like say I screwed
up and like she has to make a great save.
(22:48):
I'm like, I'm so sorry, and she's always just like, that's.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Why you got me.
Speaker 3 (22:51):
I'm like, okay, It's just it's so easy to play
in front of a goalie like her, because she really
is incredible.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
She's relaxed.
Speaker 3 (22:59):
If a goal go in that she didn't love and
she knows she could stop, she's like, sorry, girls, that's
on me, and then it's like over. Or if like
one goes into like she could never get, she's like, well,
what can you do? And I'm like, true, but what
a great I know, Like she it's perfect. It's she
wants to win every game and she's so competitive, but
(23:19):
she's never gonna like she's never blaming anyone else. She's
never like h like, you can just tell she's so
level headed and in that position, like all of us
go to the bench and like have so many other
people to lean on, Like it's the only position hockey
where you're like all off on your own, and she
really has a great head for it.
Speaker 1 (23:35):
You can help her out in a lot of ways
in the postseason by avoiding penalties. You mentioned earlier, very
physical team, which is great. It puts other teams on
their heels, But how do you find that balance where
you're not getting into too many shorthanded opportunities?
Speaker 2 (23:49):
Yeah, I think a lot of it. Hopefully the re
thing's better. I think in the.
Speaker 1 (23:53):
Playoffs, the officials, I.
Speaker 3 (23:56):
Think it's been inconsistent, but like it is what it is.
That's like some games we have great reffing. I'm like,
get these guys every time, and then some games it's
like it's more of a consistency thing. I think for
our league it's just like this refel call, like every
hit where this ref's like that's a clean hit and
we're like, I don't know what's going on anymore. But
in the end, like it's playoff hockey. I think all
(24:16):
four teams and coaches want the whistles to go away,
except if it's hookings and slashings, like then call it
like that's not in hockey. But I think all of
us want the physical play unless it's somebody's out there
to hurt somebody.
Speaker 2 (24:28):
That's when we draw the line.
Speaker 3 (24:30):
But I do think hopefully a lot of these refs
know it's playoff hockey and it's going to get physical.
It's gonna get heated, and that's okay, Like we're all
good with that. But and even she kills me, even
with the penalties, like she's always like, we have a
great penalty kill.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
It's okay.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
I'm like, yeah, you do best in the league at
least for that helps her out. You know, you played
with boys in high school, and I remember reading that you,
you know, made the transition to playing with women and
had to learn how to not just check the shit
out of people. You were used to a much more
pysical game where things are allowed. Have you accepted the
amount of physicality allowed in the women's game or would
(25:06):
you prefer that y'all were actually allowed to get after it?
A little more.
Speaker 3 (25:09):
Yeah, I especially coming out of high school, Like it's funny,
like now I always end up getting like some penalties
just on accident. Like in high school, I had like
two penalties a year because I'm not like a stick
penalty person. I'm just like and once checking was legal,
it is all good. My first year at Wisconsin, I
like led the ncaaat penalties and I was like, it's
like I'm not even trying to do anything, so it's
(25:32):
tough sometimes. But now that checking's allowed, it has helped me,
I think, honestly a ton, because I grew up having
to keep my head up. Like I think some girls
are still figuring out, like oh, like looking behind them
for a pass. The next thing they accidentally get blown up.
But like growing up, I had to make sure my
head was up er I was definitely getting blown up
by like a six foot four boy, So I was like,
(25:54):
I kind of liked the transition for me.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
It was fun. I liked that they added hitting.
Speaker 3 (25:57):
The biggest thing is just like you said, it's been
like the consistency of like, well this was a loud
last game, but this game, why are we calling this check?
Like it was the same check that I saw just
happened three shifts ago kind of thing. So I think
a lot of us have talked about it being like
let's just open it up then, like basically like say,
full on checking is good because then there's not going
(26:19):
to be this inconsistency of like this was like an
opposite direction, this one wasn't this wasn't this Like I
think we've gotten also, like through the last three years,
a lot of girls have gotten really good at physicality
and keeping their head up. Like I've seen a lot
of improvements where it wouldn't be like no hitting to
like oh like crazy stuff. And I also don't think
(26:40):
most girls would just be running around trying to hit
each other, right, I think it would just kind of
solve a lot of.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
The penalty problems. And a good amount of talk about it.
Speaker 3 (26:47):
We're like at this point just say checking is all good,
except if you hit them in the head or from
behind or like our head hunting people. But it's not
really up.
Speaker 1 (26:56):
To us, yea, but if you talk enough, they might listen.
That seems to be the way in this league at least,
seems like there's a pretty good line of communication from
players to the folks in charge.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
We try and it's definitely like at the end of
the year, you're like surveys and things to kind of
ask and I know, I think last year there was
like a question like do you think the physicality is
like too much too little? And I think a lot
of people are like it's good, which I think it's true,
Like most of us are like we like the physicality
where it's at. It's more like the penalties are where
we're getting right, just make it. Yeah, Like it's not
(27:27):
like all of us are like we want to be
hitting each other more.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
It's like we feel like we can hit each other
the appropriate them out y'all want to keep your teeth.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
Yeah, it's not like all of us are like we
actually feel like the physicality and like what people are
like hitting each other like pretty decent. It's more like, okay,
well what one like what are we letting go versus not?
So I do think playoff hockey, they're going to be like, okay,
carry on, which will be nice.
Speaker 1 (27:48):
You know, we've had a few players from the PWHL
on the show recently. We've asked them about like team
traditions and supporter vibes and the kind of stuff that
folks who haven't made it out to a game yet
might not know. So what makes a game in Montreal special?
Like chants or songs or traditions.
Speaker 3 (28:04):
I think the coolest thing that I had never I'd
heard about it, but I had never seen it until
I was suspended for a game this year so I
was sitting in the stands is that they have like
a DJ set between intermissions and it's like insane.
Speaker 2 (28:16):
I was like, what's going on here? And it was
like the coolest thing.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Like lights are off, like it was like smoke machines,
and everybody is like drinking, like partying.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It was like a fun little club. I was like,
this is awesome. I would love to come to these.
Speaker 1 (28:29):
I'm gonna get suspended more often. Oh wait no, But.
Speaker 3 (28:33):
I was like, I was like that is like I
think they our fan experience. I do think the league
puts a lot of thought into it, like they want
to make it like hockey obviously is the first, like
the product they're putting on the ice and the next.
I think they want the fans to have the best
experience they can. So it has been like being in
the crowd that game and like watching everybody like it's
it's really cool.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Yeah, I've heard a lot about those dance parties. I
gotta get up there. So I read a story about
you when you were growing up that you actually played
alongside a line a lot of Indigenous folks. But then
you went on too Wisconsin and the national team and
started to notice how few bipoc players were on the ice,
either with or against you. And you've said for years
now that you'd like to help encourage more participation in
the indigenous community. Now you're working with the tribe actually
(29:15):
near Montreal, So tell us about that. And you know
it as being a role model something that always came
naturally or something you sort of had to learn how
to step into.
Speaker 3 (29:22):
Yeah, I it was obviously an interesting transition, like growing
up where I grew up, like half of my team
or at least a quarter, were probably in other indigenous players.
Like it's like very common, like one of the rinks, well,
it's like two sheets of ice is on the tribe's land.
Speaker 2 (29:41):
Like it's just like it's.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
So normal to me and I don't even think, Like
when I was at college, like some of the girls
were like, you're the first like.
Speaker 2 (29:47):
Indigenous person I know, and I was like what.
Speaker 3 (29:51):
So that's when it was kind of started to eye
open to me and a lot of those things, and
that's when it kind of you want to make a difference.
You want to give back, and you want like at
the point too, it's like I was also the only
girls like playing where I'm from, Like it wasn't just that,
and it was like there's a lot of communities where
I was just like hockey isn't easily accessible, or it's like,
oh no, I shouldn't play that, like that's for the boys,
(30:12):
or that's for those people, or I can't afford it.
And I think that sitting down, especially through college and
right after, it didn't sit right with me, and I
just wanted to start trying to give back in whatever
small ways I can, especially when we have more downtime
than others.
Speaker 2 (30:26):
So this season I tried to.
Speaker 3 (30:29):
Connect with the band that's right outside the city Kinawaukee,
and they were great, Like I went out and.
Speaker 2 (30:34):
Spoke to their high school.
Speaker 3 (30:36):
I spoke to some of the girls right before who
play hockey in the community, and I got to go
out in the ice of a couple of them and
just like run a skates we got them free tickets
to come to a game, a bunch of the girls.
Speaker 2 (30:45):
From the area. So it was great.
Speaker 3 (30:47):
And it's just about also like giving them an experience
that makes them want to stay in the game, Like
like that goes a long way. Even some of the
girls were like, I didn't really know that much about
your team before, but now like so and so and
so and so is like having a connection. It makes
these like young girls want to keep playing.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
Yeah, that's awesome. You're a fan favorite in the PWHL.
A lot of folks were sad to see you leave
New York, but lots of them were really excited to
see you get to Montreal, and a lot of fans
were also bummed that you weren't on this Winter Olympics
roster for Team USA, having been with the team before.
So how did that decision impact you and how did
you decide to spend that Olympic break maybe wishing that
you had been out there.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
Yeah, it's obviously it's tough because in the end, like
I have seen over the long course of my career,
a lot of players who probably deserved to be on
teams and got cut, and some players who like maybe
just were on the line and got like that extra pushover.
And that's honestly life, that's hockey, that's sports, Like, let's be.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Honest is what it is. It's not just me.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
Like every country, I think there's always like, oh, this
person's having an amazing year, but like.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
They just don't get the looks that other people do.
And unfortunately it's life.
Speaker 3 (31:57):
It sucks, Like I think I put myself in a
great position through the p up to be one of
the top players we had, but in the end, you
have to do what you have to do and you
got to move on, and you can't let that really
affect your image of yourself, I think is the biggest thing.
Speaker 2 (32:11):
I think.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
I've talked to a lot of players from lots of
different nationalities who are like it, like mentally screws with
a lot of people, And for me, I just tried
not to let it because you in the end, like
you have to know yourself more than anything, Like you
have to know you're a great player, great teammate, things
like that, and just go with that.
Speaker 2 (32:29):
And it sucks.
Speaker 3 (32:32):
You watch Team USA win and you obviously want to
be out there and you're happy for your friends and
that team because there's so many of those girls that
I just love so much. But it's obviously you just
have to keep positive and know that.
Speaker 2 (32:43):
But it was it was good.
Speaker 3 (32:44):
Overbreak, I got a week off from hockey, which was
honestly quite nice for a minute.
Speaker 2 (32:49):
There, but headed to Florida.
Speaker 3 (32:51):
A lot of the Sirens girls who all are different
teams now a few back there. We all met up
in like Miami area, rented a house like yeah, hung out,
just enjoyed life, like, no hockey talk things like that,
just had fun and it was awesome.
Speaker 1 (33:05):
Yeah, you know, you actually you have dual citizenship, so
I know I've seen some Canadian fans dreaming of the
Pulan Stacy rock line in team Canada jerseys. Is that
something you'd ever consider?
Speaker 3 (33:19):
I mean, right now, I'm just focusing on this season,
but it's something that's been brought up to me a
good amount of time. I don't even know really how
it would work or how if what nationality Like, you
never even know if a nationality really wants you or
what the possibilities are. So obviously it's it's nice to
have both. Canada national team is obviously very respected and
(33:41):
very good. So I'm really it's an honor when everybody's like, oh,
she could just I'm like, it's not that easy.
Speaker 1 (33:47):
Like you have to make these that's a tough roster too.
Speaker 3 (33:51):
So right now just focusing on the ped up and
being the best I can be here, and I think
that's been what's best for me too over the whole season.
Speaker 1 (33:59):
Yeah, I'm it's a rare circumstance. Usually when someone has
dual citizenship, the other citizenship isn't also an impossible roster
to make of the direct rival of the other one.
Like usually it's like, oh, I'm not maybe able to
make us, so I'll do the other one. But that
would be pretty wild. I don't know if we've seen
someone who's played for both in that particular rivalry. You know,
you mentioned the Florida trip before I let you go,
(34:19):
I have to ask the last offseason, you were everywhere.
You were in Greece, you were in Italy, you had
all these amazing travels. Do you have anything set up
for after this postseason?
Speaker 3 (34:29):
You know what, Luckily, because we're in the playoffs for
my first time ever, I have nothing set up, but.
Speaker 2 (34:35):
I have a wedding in Cancun in June.
Speaker 3 (34:38):
A teammate of mine from the USA days and like
her bachel Threat parties in Montana, which will be super fun.
But like I wanted to, I'm really hoping I could
get over to Portugal. Was my goal like early June.
But with all of this, I don't know if it's
going to happen. But if I was out, I would
be like, oh, I guess I'll book a ticket.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
But I'm very grateful I'm not out and I don't
have to book that ticket.
Speaker 1 (35:01):
So it happens when you get over to a roster
that's a consistent playoff contender, and maybe you will be
the extra little spicy sauce that gets some pass that
semifinal round and onto the championships. Thanks so much for
making the time, Abby, really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (35:15):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 1 (35:18):
Thanks again to Abby for hanging out with us ahead
of the playoffs. And don't forget you can now watch
full length good Game interviews on the Iheartwomen's Sports YouTube channel.
We got to take another break when we return Math again.
(35:39):
Welcome back Places. Shout out to listener Mary Fendley aka
Coach Fenn, who wrote in after yesterday's four hundred and
fiftieth episode celebration with the following quote, comfort show no
doubt about it. Congrats on four fifty. I know you're
not a fan of the math, but the math teacher
and me can't help myself. Mary went on to provide
two equations. The first, four fifty equals d T squared
(36:03):
times Angel times Ca times Dawn, as in Dinah Tarrassi's
number three Jersey squared is nine multiplied by Angel. Reese's
number five is forty five multiplied by case. Number two
is ninety multiplied by Don Staley's number five Jersey is
four hundred and fifty. Mary's second equation, four to fifty
equals Sou times Lisa times Page A little simpler. We'll
(36:25):
let you solve that one on your own, but you know,
maybe tell me if the numbers at up, because you
know I ain't doing math in my free time. Thanks
Mary for the note, and I guess for the math.
We always love that you're listening, but we want you
to get in the game every day too, So here's
our good game play of the day. Keep sending us
your submissions for what cities you want to see included
in our bracket challenge for the women's sports epicenter of
(36:48):
the US. We've already heard from a few of you,
including folks nominating Boston, Minneapolis, the Bay Area, and Seattle.
Once again, the email is good game at wondermediaetwork dot
com and the voicemail is eight seven two two four
fifty seventy. And don't forget to subscribe, rate and review, y'all.
It's really easy. Watch Megan Falley's foray into the sports
(37:10):
rating ten out of ten. Stuck the landing review by
now you know my deep admiration for poet Andrea Gibson,
who the world lost to cancer last July. Not only
were they an incredible writer, they were a hooper back
in the day too, even winning a state title with
their high school team in Maine. While Gibson's widow, Megan
Falley is a poet and author herself, and she's written
(37:31):
beautifully and heartbreakingly about life during Gibson's illness and about
loss since their death. One of her most recent poems
is a nod to the love she found for sports
through watching with Gibson. Here are a few lines. Olivia
baby sits a girl who was asked where she was
before she was in her mommy's belly. The girl who
is two said, I was waiting to be picked is
(37:54):
death the same waiting to be chosen for God's team.
Of course, you were drafted so fast, so young, so promising.
I picture you now dribbling Stars, dunking Mars through the
hoops of Saturn, spinning the ball of Earth on your
index finger. You're wearing a jersey with the number eight
turned sideways, because you are infinite now waiting for me,
(38:14):
like Lebron James waited for Brownie. I'm only still going
with the basketball references because of how much it would
make you laugh to hear what I learned about sports,
just so I could have another language to speak to
you in wanted as much chemistry with you as Michael
Jordan had with Scottie Pippen. If you're in the paint,
I'm in the paint. I'll link to the instagram of
the full poem plus Megan Substack that has a little
(38:37):
bit more on writing it both in the show notes. Also,
the film about Gibson and Valley, Come See Me in
the Good Light, was just honored with a Peabody Award.
Congrats to all involved, much deserved. Now it's your turn,
y'all rate and review, Thanks for listening. See you next week.
Good game, Abby, good game, getting to be loved teammates
with some of my absolute fabs. You guy in front
(38:59):
of me at the Bruce Springsteen Show in an NRA hat.
What a working show did you think you were going to?
Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports
production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You
can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or
wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network,
our producers are Alex Azzi and Bianca Hillier. Our executive
(39:22):
producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder.
Our editors are Emily Rudder, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez and
Gianna Palmer. Production assistant from Avery Loftus and I'm Your
Host Sarah Spain
Host
Sarah Spain
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