May 2, 2025 • 26 mins
Mike Benton shares the latest Overtime Podcast covering the PWHL expansion to Seattle (starting next season), reaction from the news conference at Climate Pledge Arena, and is joined by league executives Jayna Hefford, Amy Scheer, and Seattle hockey community leaders Zoe Harris and John Barr.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Featuring the great stories, personalities, conversation and news in the
hockey world. Back to Beniers, Walks in left Circle sets.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
The classic game, Gotchas shutout a te Apart.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
It's the Overtime Podcast, a presentation of the Kraken Audio
Network and Sports Radio ninety three point three kJ R
FM to enploy that one time Dame over time. This
is Jordan Everlief.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
This is Joey Decourt, This is Matta Veniers.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Is Shane right, This is Jared mccannon. You're listening to Overtime.
Here's Mike Benton.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
It's a great day for the game of hockey, women's sports,
and the city of Seattle. We welcome you to the
Overtime Podcast on location at Climb the Pledgerina, a presentation
of the Emerald Queen, Casino, Krack and Audio Network. Just
one week ago, we covered a day of transformation when
the Kraken announced a shake up in the boardroom involving
new horizons for Ron Francis and Jason Botterrel. A week later,
(01:03):
more moving and shaking going on, but in a different
area of this sports scene. Today a historic event. It's
one that many here will never ever forget and to
deepen the imprint of hockey in Seattle and sports in Seattle.
The PWHL announcing Seattle as their eighth team via expansion,
competing in the twenty twenty five and twenty six season.
(01:26):
The tiest here of the Kraken are like neighbors in
more ways than one. They'll share climb the Plage Arena
and they'll also share Kraken Community ice Plex. The team
will compete under the name PWHL Seattle for now. That's
for now, new team branding coming soon. Data is TBD
on that, but the colors are firm and in place,
(01:47):
boasting Emerald green and cream as well, and they'll compete
in a thirty game schedule. Expansion draft of the PWHL
coming in less than two months, and the same goes
for the league's entry draft coming up on June twenty fourth.
Dignitaries all around as well enjoyed this one, and we
have two from the PWHL side joining us. First off,
(02:07):
Amy Sheer, executive vice president of Business Operations for the PWHL,
will be joining us and y Seattle and how can
they succeed in this market? Plus Janna Hefford, PWHL Executive
vice President of Hockey Operations, joining us by phone, and
two figures who prove nothing is impossible with hard work.
Zoe Harris behind the Women's Pro Hockey Seattle movement and
(02:31):
counterpart the one and only John Barr of NHL two Seattle.
Their minds made matter possible for the Kraken and PWHL Seattle,
and we'll get their feedback from the big day in
just a bit. First off, the morning got underway with
remarks from namesakes such as Krack and owner Samantha Holloway, CEO,
Todd Leiwicki, Mayor Bruce Harrow, league executives and more, and
(02:53):
the resounding conclusion Seattle is ready for the PWHL and
the PWHL is ready for Seattle after two massive events
came into reality two years ago with the Rivalry Series
and the PWHL Takeover Tour, the Rivalry Series drawing over
fourteen thousand fans, the PWHL Takeover Tour over twelve thousand fans.
(03:16):
Here we are and we start this conversation with Amy
Sheer on the PWHL business side. A monumental day at
Climate Pledgery and as Amy Sheer joins us now the
executive VP of Business Operations for the PWHL. Congratulations on
this momentous date. Amy, Thank you again for a few
minutes here with us and with the PWHL now finally
(03:36):
arriving in Seattle.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
What does this day mean to you?
Speaker 4 (03:39):
This day for us? You said, it's monumental for us
to now grow to eight teams. For us now to
cover off both coasts of the country, two countries, is
huge for us. So our little league is growing and
we're expecting big things from Seattle.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Response from the crowd who came here for the takeover
tour was nothing short of phenomenal. The US VERSUS Canada
game was also phenomenal. What part of that day told
you that this town is ready?
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Well, the number twelve six hundred fans showing up, but
you could feel the pure joy in the building when
you walked around and you talked to fans and you
walked amongst the crowd. There was palpable joy looking at
the little girls in their jerseys for their teams and
all of the signs telling us we want a team.
There were signs where they had names for the team.
We saw a Seattle Freeze sign and so it was
(04:29):
just palpable from that moment that we knew that this
was going to be a target for us.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
How must you take away from what the Storm do
here than in the WNBA what the Rain do as
well to map out a blueprint for what this team
can also do for the future.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
A lot having worked in women's sports for many years,
and I guess from afar witnessing what the Seattle Storm
have done a little bit more than the Rain, only
because my background is many years in basketball and women's basketball.
I think, you know, Lisa and Ginny have just set
the model in the tone for what women's sports can
(05:00):
and should be.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
And Elisha of.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
Allavannas, who runs the team, has just set the benchmark
on how a team is run. And so we look
at the Storm definitely as a role model and the
Rain as a role model on how we can run
our business here.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Now, the Crackner tied to this because well, they're going
to be neighbors here essentially from the home games here
to training over at Cracking Community ice Plex. What example
have they set it with the facilities here.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Well, there are world class facilities, and the fact that
our players now get to call two world class facilities home,
I think is huge for them. They could come in
every day, go to a beautiful locker room, train in
the nicest place, have resources that are befitting of their
stature as the world best players. So, you know, again,
(05:43):
no better place to call home the Climate Pleasu Arena.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
The day this league was found, it was also a
landmark day here for Seattle the Crack and we're just
playing down the road in the Winter Classic ever since then,
what's worked for this league from a structural standpoint that's
virtually unmasked so far over the course of time.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Maybe I think with.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Single entity ownership for us, there's a sense that you
can be efficient with your resources. We actually get to
control how we show up in all the markets, whether
it's graphics, whether the vet presentation, how we talk about
our teams, how we brand our teams. And while our
team directors have autonomy to do a lot, it allows
(06:22):
us to be efficient with resources and really control how
we show up and how we want our fans to
engage with.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Us for this team to be successful in the Seattle market.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Finally, what do they have to do the most?
Speaker 4 (06:33):
You know, we need someone to come in and run
the team and make sure that we connect with the
community right for us, it was really important today to
recognize Zoe, to recognize the storm and the rain, to
recognize like Jen Barnes and what she does for Rough
and Tumble. We need to connect with that community, and
that person needs to understand their role in making the
connections with the community and with the fans and making
sure that everyone understands that they're welcome at our games. Everyone.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
The doora's wide open. One A momentous day here for
this team, this city, this league as well. We appreciate
you being here a part of the same.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Thank you very much, my pleasure.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Thanks for having me moving along here joining us by
phone as Jana Hefford. She is the executive vice president
of Hockey Operations for the PWHL And what a day
we had at Climate Pledge Arena. Jaena. First off, thank
you very much here for doing this with us, with
the PWHL finally confirmed and coming to Seattle. What did
that day mean to you?
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well, thanks for having me. It's you know, it's been
a whirlwind of a few weeks with the expansion announcements,
and you know, I think we made it pretty clear
that Seattle was a market that was top of our list.
All along, we had a number of things we are
looking for across markets and deciding where the best expansion
team could be. Seattle checked all those boxes. Of course,
(07:48):
we had a chance to be at the Takeover Tour
and the success of that game both in attendance but
just I think buzz and energy in that arena and
around the city. And then as we dove a bit
deeper into some of the metrics that we were looking
at around market size and media size and opportunities on
the both sponsorship, the economic side of things, youth hockey, grassroots,
(08:11):
you know, emerging market there. And then of course infrastructure
and facilities when we think of climate pledge, arena, crack
and ice plex and having this bid led by Oakview
Group and the Kraken you know, people that we're pretty
familiar with, and so when you put it all together,
it certainly stood out amongst the rest.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Yeah, what a day that many experience and enjoyed for
the PWHL Takeover Tour which was also in this city
about a few months ago. And what did that dan
in particular, and also what are the Oakview Group who
had a hand in this thing tell you about the
kind of structure the league needs here for a team
like this to succeed.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, I think, first of all, when you think of
the Krack, and I think anyone in the hockey world
thinks of like the launch and how they launched the
team they're messaging, I think people know what they stand
for in terms of maybe doing things a little bit differently,
the importance of diversity. Many women you know in that organization,
both Todd and Tim LEIWICKI have been great supporters and
(09:09):
advocates of the women's game for a number of years.
We are in you know, a few of their different
buildings across North America, and so I think that existing
relationship is really important. And then you know some of
our own information around Seattle, understanding how supportive it is
of other women's sports as well. And of course we
look at the success of the Storm and the Rain
(09:30):
and the ability to come in and be a part
of that and hopefully work very closely with them. Is
it's just a market that we know is passionate about
the game and I think growing. So I think it's
a real strong hockey market that has so much potential
as well.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
I love hearing about the correlation of the year nineteen
twenty one. In the news conference on that reference, seeing
the battle between these two cities, Vancouver was unveiled as
a team here for this league not too long ago.
But why do these two cities make so much sense
from growing a rivalry?
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Well, I mean, first and foremost, we had to pick
the best markets. You know, there was no you know,
had to be a package deal, there was none of that.
It was about identifying the best markets for two teams
in our league. And so you know, those markets independently
checked all the boxes of things we were looking for. However,
(10:25):
when you pair them together, there's some great benefits to that.
And you know, I think that instant rivalry where you're
you know, two and a half hour drive away is beneficial.
I think having our league and span across some new
time zones is really helpful as us for us as
we start to grow and look towards you know, media
deals and that sort of thing that's always important for
any emerging league. And so between all of the you know,
(10:49):
checking those boxes, but also having this rivalry and the
ability to have some additional time zones, it just it
made a lot of sense.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
How much also would that have to do potential with
the league looking at more teams on the western hemisphere
of this country.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
I mean, we'll go through this process again. I don't
know what the timeline is, but this is, as we've said,
phase one of expansion, and I believe we'll continue to
look at the best markets. There's no you know, I
think planned geographic cities that we have to be in
right now. But I think they've you know, it's got
to be a market that rises above the rest and
checks those boxes. And the good news is there's a
(11:24):
ton of cities that are interested in having a team.
We've seen that through this process. So certainly some that
are that are high on the list that we've already
had a chance to experience. But you know, as we grow,
we want to be a truly North American league, and
this is just the beginning of that.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Well two coming west here of course in Vancouver, and
now Sea analyst Jane Heffer joining us here on overtime. Jana,
let's talk expansion draft and the entry draft here for
the league. How do you compare this with how the
NHL runs this and what opportunities could be lying ahead
here for the Seattle team to be competitive out.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
Of the gate.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Well, we've said the aloraity is is that they are
competitive in day one. Both expansion teams will compete the
parody in our league, and the competitiveness in our league
is one of the best things about the p WHL.
And for a second year in a row, in only
two years, we're gonna come down to the last day
of the regular season to determine who's in the playoffs,
So that's critically important for us to maintain. We've done
(12:20):
a lot of work around what an expansion draft could
and should look like, and there's not really a copy
and paste model. I don't think out there when we
think of how the NHL does it, it's, you know,
it's a totally different business structure. Us being a single entity,
had a lot of different things to consider. So but
we did talk to folks that were a big part
of those expansion drafts in the NHL and how they
(12:41):
approach them and what are some of the maybe the
loopholes and those sort of things. But it's, you know,
it's been a process of talking with players, talking with
our general managers, talking internally with our leadership and our
advisory board, and trying to get to a point where
we don't do much that's you know, traditional and conventional,
so we have this ability to think outside the box
on how this is done. But at the end of
(13:03):
the day, the goal remains the same and that these
teams are competitive, and we're quite confident in where we're
at right now that that will happen through both the
expansion draft and then of course the entry draft that
will happen in June twenty fourth in Ottawa.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Whether or not we can file this away in way
too early to maybe surmise about this kind of category.
But what kind of response, first off, has the league
received from the standpoint of management and head coaching interest
for the Seattle team.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Well, you know, I think since we've launched, you know,
before the league existed, we had some people that jumped on,
you know, seeing the vision, seeing the dream, and really
great people from day one. But really since day one,
that's just that interest has continued to grow because people
see the league, they know what it's about, they've seen
the success, and now they hear about expansions, and so
we continue to get people reaching out that want to
(13:51):
be a part of this league, both on the hockey
side the business side, but for us you know, lots
of interest in general manager roles and coaching roles. So
we're well underway looking into those candidates and really confident
that again, we're going to find really great candidates to
lead these teams. And the benefit is if you've got
a lot of people that really want to be a
part of the league.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Right now, what's the timeline and process looking like here
for an actual team name?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You know, it's ongoing. We've started the process already, but
you know, it's not a short process. It's not an
easy process, and so we can't put a timeline on
when that'll happen. But I think what we can say
is that we're going to do all the diligent work
we need to do to ensure that this is a
brand and a team identity that resonates with the people
of Seattle. You know, we don't take that lightly. So
(14:39):
lots of hard work happening behind the scenes right now.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Jana, I love hearing about the connection that you shared
with the Storm in this market, with the ol Rain
as well in this market here, Where do you see
this headed five to ten years down the road on
the hockey site with the potential on women's sports, especially
even hockey in general from a grassroots standpoint.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Well, I certainly think in the next five ten years,
like more of more expansion, growing league, you know, more
more visibility, more players every year that want to be
a part of this game. You know, I still consider
ourselves an emerging sport in many parts of North America,
and I don't think you know, there's lots of people
that haven't seen women's hockey for the first time, and
(15:17):
when they do, I think, you know, what we've been
seeing is they're blown away by it and by the product.
And so just continuing to build our brand, build the awareness,
but certainly, you know, more teams and bigger footprint across
North America.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Finally, what's the most important thing any player in this
league or any figure in this league told you about? Seattle?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I think for me, it's like the women's sports city.
You know, I've known that. I told the story my
first w NBA game was a Seattle Storm game, and
it was you know, I was there with my family
on vacations, like we have to hit up a Storm game.
And so, you know, just again feeling that that energy
around women's sports, seeing them playing Climate Pledge Arena and
(15:58):
this beautiful state of the art biding. You put all
those things together and you realize that people value women's
sports in Seattle, and that's something that you really excited about.
Speaker 3 (16:07):
Kind of goes back to me and my conversation I
had with Hillary Night about two years ago, and she
was blown away by the reception that this city gave
her in Team USA and Team Canada for the Rivalry
Series game, and then we had the PWHL Takeover Tour,
and then the rest was certainly history. But foot is
now in the door and the door ready to be
busted wide open here for what could be a grand
pathway to a whole new era. Congratulations, Jana, thank you
(16:31):
very much here for joining us, Thanks for having me,
well for extra perspective here on this momentous day. I'm
joined not just by one, but two absolutely monumental figures
here for this John Barr, who was a part of
getting the crack and here he's a part of NHL
two Seattle. But also Zoe Harris behind Women's Pro Hockey Seattle.
I can't believe they're both with us here on one microphone,
(16:53):
joining us. First off, John, Thank you, Zoe, Thank you Zoe.
First off, I start with you. This is a big day.
How big is it?
Speaker 5 (17:00):
This is just amazing, completely overwhelmed in a great way.
I'm so proud of the Woman's Pro Hockey Seattle campaign
the last five years. Everyone was on board and believed
the whole time. We expected this in three to five years.
But along the way, you know, that kind of gets
a little scary as you see teams getting announced and
(17:23):
you're not one of them. And so when it's happened
within five and a half years, we're just thrilled.
Speaker 6 (17:28):
I mean, it's an extension of the hockey community that
exists here. I mean, Zoe and I have a connected
pass well before the NHL was here. She got me
into coaching girls hockey and it was such a joy
to do. It was so much fun. But what's crazy
about this whole movement and Zoea's kind of bearing the
(17:49):
lead a bit, like five years ago there was a
different league and then that league ended up folding and
we still have a team, right, And that's the remarkable
aspect of it is that you know that it probably
some dark days in there, because I know I went
through it a bit on my side, but where you're like, oh,
this might be even further out. What do you think absolutely?
Speaker 5 (18:10):
I mean, I think the league definitely changed, and we
had name changes and backer changes, but our group still
kind of hung tight because we knew Seattle was the
perfect market for a women's for hockey team.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
Well, I'm marveled by that, because John, I think that
we know that you go through a lot of ups
and downs trying to convince the right people of why
this is such a good fit. It takes a lot
of perseverance in a way. What have you learned with
what rings most true as far as what it takes
to get a team out here, en Zoe, for you.
Speaker 6 (18:41):
As well, I mean, it's just conviction and belief, right,
That's what it comes down to. And you start building
a community. I'm sure Zoe could comment on this, but
your community gets bigger than you probably anticipated, and all
of a sudden it's a big deal. And then they
have these ten pole events, which you know, women's pro
hockey Seattle was like pretty prominently displayed with all the
(19:04):
hoodies and banners and stuff, and it's you start to
get strength in that community. At least that's what it
was for me. I don't know, I'm not don't want
to speak for Zoe, but but once you have conviction
and then you get the support of the community around you,
I think it's it just kind of it's like a flywheel.
You start getting more momentum and more support and you
have more people helping out too.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
When the Rivalry series came here US versus Canada, the
game was amazing. They were great in the community. We
got a lot of traction there and people saw the
elite of the elite playing hockey and it's a fabulous game.
And then the PDO of a BHL came here in January,
and again everyone came out for it. It was just fantastic.
(19:49):
And the community just keeps on getting bigger, bigger and bigger.
And I can't tell you how many stickers I've handed out.
We you know, people buying the hoodies and the jerseys
and the T shirts were fantastic. But it was really
hanging out the stickers one on one with people at
our events and learning about their story and a lot
of stories about you know, never being able to play
(20:11):
or never having the opportunity or thinking that there was
an avenue for them to play.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Pro Those two tent pole events that both of you
mentioned I think for me, I was in the stands
here for the US Canada game, and I brought my
wife and my two boys here for this. And two
things that stuck out to me which showed this town
was ready. Number one, just at the anthem and see
nary a seat open in this building. And number two
(20:38):
talking with Hillary Knight after the game and she would
not stop gleaming about how much she was blown away
by a Seattle's response here in this. For both of you,
one moment that stuck out to you from either that
game or the takeover tour, what was it?
Speaker 5 (20:53):
I think the Takeover Tour really kind of drove it
home for me. I mean, there was just the crowd
of smaller but I think it was louder. I mean
the game was exciting over time when it just it
was just mind blowing, and I think that really turned
the tide for me.
Speaker 6 (21:10):
I think it was just the support, obviously is and
what seemed to me at both those games is there
are new faces in the building right that are hockey
fans that might not necessarily be cracking fans, which is
totally fine, but they play hockey or they're just fans
of hockey or the women's hockey, and I I think
it's just how a testament to how like great this
(21:32):
community is, right, and it's bigger than both of us obviously,
and that's a good thing, right because otherwise we would,
you know, we wouldn't have much to talk about because
it would just be our friends, right. But it's a
lot bigger than that.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
And honestly, I have to give a shout out to
Seattle Crack and I met Todd Lodwickie back in twenty
nineteen about this very topic, and from day one he
was excited about it and from five for the past
five and a half years, we can't occasionally text and
he just says, keep the passion and the Oakview group,
I mean coming in with the Seattle Kraken and Climate
(22:07):
Pledge arena to put a bid in. I mean, honestly,
that is just epic.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
When we look at the future of this league right now,
it's eight teams, but we've got two about roughly three
hours of a drive apart. What we make out of
Seattle and Vancouver in this league.
Speaker 6 (22:23):
I mean, it's gonna be exciting, right and and it's
two big hockey playing communities as well. And we have
to be bigger than hockey players right as to support
a team. But it's it's the foundation that that exists here.
And I don't know, I mean Zoe probably knows just
as well as I do. Is how many parents are
driving their kids to Vancouver to go play hockey up
there and sometimes vice versa to play in tournaments. So
(22:45):
it's it's really exciting, and you know, I just can't
wait for the puck to drop. Honestly, I think.
Speaker 5 (22:51):
This you know, sleeper rivalry will be with Boston, the
Boston Fleet. I've already got you know, notifications from them,
messages from them, the Fleet die hards. They're pretty intense
and they're like frenemies like let's.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Go finally, Hilary Knight, Hannah Bilka, Marie Phillipuhlan. We can
go on and on as well as far as the
players who have come across this league, Kendale Coin, Schofield
as well, what can fans expect who have not seen
this league as far as the level of play and
the kind of brand to play as well?
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Well, I think I think we're going to see another
generation coming forward because of this league is an option
for players now before they had to kind of select
go into their kind of educational career or take a
massive pay hut and try to play in one of
those other leagues. And I think, I think there's an
opportunity for all of a sudden, there's more jobs for
(23:47):
hockey players, for female hockey players, and it's just going
to grow as a better option for and just an
option in general, where before it wasn't much of an option.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Honestly, in the game, it's going to be fast, furious
and hard hitting. I mean, until you've seen a women's
hockey game at this level, you haven't seen. I mean,
it's just amazing to watch. And I encourage everyone to
come out and watch if you've never seen it before
or if you have, because tickets are already on sale
season tickets you can reserve right now. So let's go.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Finally, what do each of you tell yourselves of ten
years ago as far as what to expect.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
I know, words, honestly, like it's I mean, this is
just another chapter in the story. And I never thought,
I mean, the NHL was a pipe dream and this
was probably not even on the radar either, to be honest,
right because the state of women's hockey just was so
fragmented and all over the place, and I mean, I
(24:47):
just can't believe the support this city has shown for
hockey at large, not just women's but men's and everything.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
So ten years ago, we were growing girls hockey at
the youth level and I was with an executive director
with a girls hockey association and I got John to
come out and coach the beginners. And when you coach
the beginners, it's like a shot of joy. And he
did fantastic And I think we're seeing some of these
kids around now here ten years later, and it's really
(25:18):
it's amazing.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Well we can name names as far as who are
proud of Boothy that we will be here for a year. John, Zoe, congratulations,
both of you.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Thank you very much, Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
It's proof that anything is possible. Big thanks again to
Zoe Harris and John Barr for joining us, and also
before that Jana Hefford and Amy Sheer. It's a lead
best taking North America by a storman you can bet
the reception is tracking to be phenomenal on par here
with the work the storm. I'm done here in the
WMBA an ol raging of the NWSL I'm the Pledge.
(25:54):
Arena now has three teams, the Kraken, the Storm and
p Whlattle that welcomes so many fans with open arms
and limitless possibilities. Once again, thirty game season underway for
twenty twenty five, twenty six expansion Draft coming in June,
and the PWHL Entry Draft June twenty fourth in Ottawa.
(26:16):
You'll certainly look forward to learning more about that once
more information comes out very soon. We look forward to
it as well. Once again, Vig thanks you to Amy Sheer,
to Jana Hefford, to Zoe Harris and John Barr and
for overtime, I'm Mike Benton, and thanks for pushing play.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
You're home for the Kraken. Sports Radio ninety three point
three kJ r FM
Featuring the great stories, personalities, conversation and news in the
hockey world. Back to Beniers, Walks in left Circle sets.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
The classic game, Gotchas shutout a te Apart.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
It's the Overtime Podcast, a presentation of the Kraken Audio
Network and Sports Radio ninety three point three kJ R
FM to enploy that one time Dame over time. This
is Jordan Everlief.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
This is Joey Decourt, This is Matta Veniers.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
Is Shane right, This is Jared mccannon. You're listening to Overtime.
Here's Mike Benton.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
It's a great day for the game of hockey, women's sports,
and the city of Seattle. We welcome you to the
Overtime Podcast on location at Climb the Pledgerina, a presentation
of the Emerald Queen, Casino, Krack and Audio Network. Just
one week ago, we covered a day of transformation when
the Kraken announced a shake up in the boardroom involving
new horizons for Ron Francis and Jason Botterrel. A week later,
(01:03):
more moving and shaking going on, but in a different
area of this sports scene. Today a historic event. It's
one that many here will never ever forget and to
deepen the imprint of hockey in Seattle and sports in Seattle.
The PWHL announcing Seattle as their eighth team via expansion,
competing in the twenty twenty five and twenty six season.
(01:26):
The tiest here of the Kraken are like neighbors in
more ways than one. They'll share climb the Plage Arena
and they'll also share Kraken Community ice Plex. The team
will compete under the name PWHL Seattle for now. That's
for now, new team branding coming soon. Data is TBD
on that, but the colors are firm and in place,
(01:47):
boasting Emerald green and cream as well, and they'll compete
in a thirty game schedule. Expansion draft of the PWHL
coming in less than two months, and the same goes
for the league's entry draft coming up on June twenty fourth.
Dignitaries all around as well enjoyed this one, and we
have two from the PWHL side joining us. First off,
(02:07):
Amy Sheer, executive vice president of Business Operations for the PWHL,
will be joining us and y Seattle and how can
they succeed in this market? Plus Janna Hefford, PWHL Executive
vice President of Hockey Operations, joining us by phone, and
two figures who prove nothing is impossible with hard work.
Zoe Harris behind the Women's Pro Hockey Seattle movement and
(02:31):
counterpart the one and only John Barr of NHL two Seattle.
Their minds made matter possible for the Kraken and PWHL Seattle,
and we'll get their feedback from the big day in
just a bit. First off, the morning got underway with
remarks from namesakes such as Krack and owner Samantha Holloway, CEO,
Todd Leiwicki, Mayor Bruce Harrow, league executives and more, and
(02:53):
the resounding conclusion Seattle is ready for the PWHL and
the PWHL is ready for Seattle after two massive events
came into reality two years ago with the Rivalry Series
and the PWHL Takeover Tour, the Rivalry Series drawing over
fourteen thousand fans, the PWHL Takeover Tour over twelve thousand fans.
(03:16):
Here we are and we start this conversation with Amy
Sheer on the PWHL business side. A monumental day at
Climate Pledgery and as Amy Sheer joins us now the
executive VP of Business Operations for the PWHL. Congratulations on
this momentous date. Amy, Thank you again for a few
minutes here with us and with the PWHL now finally
(03:36):
arriving in Seattle.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
What does this day mean to you?
Speaker 4 (03:39):
This day for us? You said, it's monumental for us
to now grow to eight teams. For us now to
cover off both coasts of the country, two countries, is
huge for us. So our little league is growing and
we're expecting big things from Seattle.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Response from the crowd who came here for the takeover
tour was nothing short of phenomenal. The US VERSUS Canada
game was also phenomenal. What part of that day told
you that this town is ready?
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Well, the number twelve six hundred fans showing up, but
you could feel the pure joy in the building when
you walked around and you talked to fans and you
walked amongst the crowd. There was palpable joy looking at
the little girls in their jerseys for their teams and
all of the signs telling us we want a team.
There were signs where they had names for the team.
We saw a Seattle Freeze sign and so it was
(04:29):
just palpable from that moment that we knew that this
was going to be a target for us.
Speaker 3 (04:32):
How must you take away from what the Storm do
here than in the WNBA what the Rain do as
well to map out a blueprint for what this team
can also do for the future.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
A lot having worked in women's sports for many years,
and I guess from afar witnessing what the Seattle Storm
have done a little bit more than the Rain, only
because my background is many years in basketball and women's basketball.
I think, you know, Lisa and Ginny have just set
the model in the tone for what women's sports can
(05:00):
and should be.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
And Elisha of.
Speaker 4 (05:02):
Allavannas, who runs the team, has just set the benchmark
on how a team is run. And so we look
at the Storm definitely as a role model and the
Rain as a role model on how we can run
our business here.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Now, the Crackner tied to this because well, they're going
to be neighbors here essentially from the home games here
to training over at Cracking Community ice Plex. What example
have they set it with the facilities here.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
Well, there are world class facilities, and the fact that
our players now get to call two world class facilities home,
I think is huge for them. They could come in
every day, go to a beautiful locker room, train in
the nicest place, have resources that are befitting of their
stature as the world best players. So, you know, again,
(05:43):
no better place to call home the Climate Pleasu Arena.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
The day this league was found, it was also a
landmark day here for Seattle the Crack and we're just
playing down the road in the Winter Classic ever since then,
what's worked for this league from a structural standpoint that's
virtually unmasked so far over the course of time.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Maybe I think with.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Single entity ownership for us, there's a sense that you
can be efficient with your resources. We actually get to
control how we show up in all the markets, whether
it's graphics, whether the vet presentation, how we talk about
our teams, how we brand our teams. And while our
team directors have autonomy to do a lot, it allows
(06:22):
us to be efficient with resources and really control how
we show up and how we want our fans to
engage with.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Us for this team to be successful in the Seattle market.
Speaker 1 (06:29):
Finally, what do they have to do the most?
Speaker 4 (06:33):
You know, we need someone to come in and run
the team and make sure that we connect with the
community right for us, it was really important today to
recognize Zoe, to recognize the storm and the rain, to
recognize like Jen Barnes and what she does for Rough
and Tumble. We need to connect with that community, and
that person needs to understand their role in making the
connections with the community and with the fans and making
sure that everyone understands that they're welcome at our games. Everyone.
Speaker 3 (06:57):
The doora's wide open. One A momentous day here for
this team, this city, this league as well. We appreciate
you being here a part of the same.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Thank you very much, my pleasure.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Thanks for having me moving along here joining us by
phone as Jana Hefford. She is the executive vice president
of Hockey Operations for the PWHL And what a day
we had at Climate Pledge Arena. Jaena. First off, thank
you very much here for doing this with us, with
the PWHL finally confirmed and coming to Seattle. What did
that day mean to you?
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well, thanks for having me. It's you know, it's been
a whirlwind of a few weeks with the expansion announcements,
and you know, I think we made it pretty clear
that Seattle was a market that was top of our list.
All along, we had a number of things we are
looking for across markets and deciding where the best expansion
team could be. Seattle checked all those boxes. Of course,
(07:48):
we had a chance to be at the Takeover Tour
and the success of that game both in attendance but
just I think buzz and energy in that arena and
around the city. And then as we dove a bit
deeper into some of the metrics that we were looking
at around market size and media size and opportunities on
the both sponsorship, the economic side of things, youth hockey, grassroots,
(08:11):
you know, emerging market there. And then of course infrastructure
and facilities when we think of climate pledge, arena, crack
and ice plex and having this bid led by Oakview
Group and the Kraken you know, people that we're pretty
familiar with, and so when you put it all together,
it certainly stood out amongst the rest.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Yeah, what a day that many experience and enjoyed for
the PWHL Takeover Tour which was also in this city
about a few months ago. And what did that dan
in particular, and also what are the Oakview Group who
had a hand in this thing tell you about the
kind of structure the league needs here for a team
like this to succeed.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
Well, I think, first of all, when you think of
the Krack, and I think anyone in the hockey world
thinks of like the launch and how they launched the
team they're messaging, I think people know what they stand
for in terms of maybe doing things a little bit differently,
the importance of diversity. Many women you know in that organization,
both Todd and Tim LEIWICKI have been great supporters and
(09:09):
advocates of the women's game for a number of years.
We are in you know, a few of their different
buildings across North America, and so I think that existing
relationship is really important. And then you know some of
our own information around Seattle, understanding how supportive it is
of other women's sports as well. And of course we
look at the success of the Storm and the Rain
(09:30):
and the ability to come in and be a part
of that and hopefully work very closely with them. Is
it's just a market that we know is passionate about
the game and I think growing. So I think it's
a real strong hockey market that has so much potential
as well.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
I love hearing about the correlation of the year nineteen
twenty one. In the news conference on that reference, seeing
the battle between these two cities, Vancouver was unveiled as
a team here for this league not too long ago.
But why do these two cities make so much sense
from growing a rivalry?
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Well, I mean, first and foremost, we had to pick
the best markets. You know, there was no you know,
had to be a package deal, there was none of that.
It was about identifying the best markets for two teams
in our league. And so you know, those markets independently
checked all the boxes of things we were looking for. However,
(10:25):
when you pair them together, there's some great benefits to that.
And you know, I think that instant rivalry where you're
you know, two and a half hour drive away is beneficial.
I think having our league and span across some new
time zones is really helpful as us for us as
we start to grow and look towards you know, media
deals and that sort of thing that's always important for
any emerging league. And so between all of the you know,
(10:49):
checking those boxes, but also having this rivalry and the
ability to have some additional time zones, it just it
made a lot of sense.
Speaker 3 (10:55):
How much also would that have to do potential with
the league looking at more teams on the western hemisphere
of this country.
Speaker 2 (11:02):
I mean, we'll go through this process again. I don't
know what the timeline is, but this is, as we've said,
phase one of expansion, and I believe we'll continue to
look at the best markets. There's no you know, I
think planned geographic cities that we have to be in
right now. But I think they've you know, it's got
to be a market that rises above the rest and
checks those boxes. And the good news is there's a
(11:24):
ton of cities that are interested in having a team.
We've seen that through this process. So certainly some that
are that are high on the list that we've already
had a chance to experience. But you know, as we grow,
we want to be a truly North American league, and
this is just the beginning of that.
Speaker 3 (11:40):
Well two coming west here of course in Vancouver, and
now Sea analyst Jane Heffer joining us here on overtime. Jana,
let's talk expansion draft and the entry draft here for
the league. How do you compare this with how the
NHL runs this and what opportunities could be lying ahead
here for the Seattle team to be competitive out.
Speaker 4 (11:58):
Of the gate.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Well, we've said the aloraity is is that they are
competitive in day one. Both expansion teams will compete the
parody in our league, and the competitiveness in our league
is one of the best things about the p WHL.
And for a second year in a row, in only
two years, we're gonna come down to the last day
of the regular season to determine who's in the playoffs,
So that's critically important for us to maintain. We've done
(12:20):
a lot of work around what an expansion draft could
and should look like, and there's not really a copy
and paste model. I don't think out there when we
think of how the NHL does it, it's, you know,
it's a totally different business structure. Us being a single entity,
had a lot of different things to consider. So but
we did talk to folks that were a big part
of those expansion drafts in the NHL and how they
(12:41):
approach them and what are some of the maybe the
loopholes and those sort of things. But it's, you know,
it's been a process of talking with players, talking with
our general managers, talking internally with our leadership and our
advisory board, and trying to get to a point where
we don't do much that's you know, traditional and conventional,
so we have this ability to think outside the box
on how this is done. But at the end of
(13:03):
the day, the goal remains the same and that these
teams are competitive, and we're quite confident in where we're
at right now that that will happen through both the
expansion draft and then of course the entry draft that
will happen in June twenty fourth in Ottawa.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Whether or not we can file this away in way
too early to maybe surmise about this kind of category.
But what kind of response, first off, has the league
received from the standpoint of management and head coaching interest
for the Seattle team.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Well, you know, I think since we've launched, you know,
before the league existed, we had some people that jumped on,
you know, seeing the vision, seeing the dream, and really
great people from day one. But really since day one,
that's just that interest has continued to grow because people
see the league, they know what it's about, they've seen
the success, and now they hear about expansions, and so
we continue to get people reaching out that want to
(13:51):
be a part of this league, both on the hockey
side the business side, but for us you know, lots
of interest in general manager roles and coaching roles. So
we're well underway looking into those candidates and really confident
that again, we're going to find really great candidates to
lead these teams. And the benefit is if you've got
a lot of people that really want to be a
part of the league.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
Right now, what's the timeline and process looking like here
for an actual team name?
Speaker 2 (14:16):
You know, it's ongoing. We've started the process already, but
you know, it's not a short process. It's not an
easy process, and so we can't put a timeline on
when that'll happen. But I think what we can say
is that we're going to do all the diligent work
we need to do to ensure that this is a
brand and a team identity that resonates with the people
of Seattle. You know, we don't take that lightly. So
(14:39):
lots of hard work happening behind the scenes right now.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Jana, I love hearing about the connection that you shared
with the Storm in this market, with the ol Rain
as well in this market here, Where do you see
this headed five to ten years down the road on
the hockey site with the potential on women's sports, especially
even hockey in general from a grassroots standpoint.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
Well, I certainly think in the next five ten years,
like more of more expansion, growing league, you know, more
more visibility, more players every year that want to be
a part of this game. You know, I still consider
ourselves an emerging sport in many parts of North America,
and I don't think you know, there's lots of people
that haven't seen women's hockey for the first time, and
(15:17):
when they do, I think, you know, what we've been
seeing is they're blown away by it and by the product.
And so just continuing to build our brand, build the awareness,
but certainly, you know, more teams and bigger footprint across
North America.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Finally, what's the most important thing any player in this
league or any figure in this league told you about? Seattle?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
I think for me, it's like the women's sports city.
You know, I've known that. I told the story my
first w NBA game was a Seattle Storm game, and
it was you know, I was there with my family
on vacations, like we have to hit up a Storm game.
And so, you know, just again feeling that that energy
around women's sports, seeing them playing Climate Pledge Arena and
(15:58):
this beautiful state of the art biding. You put all
those things together and you realize that people value women's
sports in Seattle, and that's something that you really excited about.
Speaker 3 (16:07):
Kind of goes back to me and my conversation I
had with Hillary Night about two years ago, and she
was blown away by the reception that this city gave
her in Team USA and Team Canada for the Rivalry
Series game, and then we had the PWHL Takeover Tour,
and then the rest was certainly history. But foot is
now in the door and the door ready to be
busted wide open here for what could be a grand
pathway to a whole new era. Congratulations, Jana, thank you
(16:31):
very much here for joining us, Thanks for having me,
well for extra perspective here on this momentous day. I'm
joined not just by one, but two absolutely monumental figures
here for this John Barr, who was a part of
getting the crack and here he's a part of NHL
two Seattle. But also Zoe Harris behind Women's Pro Hockey Seattle.
I can't believe they're both with us here on one microphone,
(16:53):
joining us. First off, John, Thank you, Zoe, Thank you Zoe.
First off, I start with you. This is a big day.
How big is it?
Speaker 5 (17:00):
This is just amazing, completely overwhelmed in a great way.
I'm so proud of the Woman's Pro Hockey Seattle campaign
the last five years. Everyone was on board and believed
the whole time. We expected this in three to five years.
But along the way, you know, that kind of gets
a little scary as you see teams getting announced and
(17:23):
you're not one of them. And so when it's happened
within five and a half years, we're just thrilled.
Speaker 6 (17:28):
I mean, it's an extension of the hockey community that
exists here. I mean, Zoe and I have a connected
pass well before the NHL was here. She got me
into coaching girls hockey and it was such a joy
to do. It was so much fun. But what's crazy
about this whole movement and Zoea's kind of bearing the
(17:49):
lead a bit, like five years ago there was a
different league and then that league ended up folding and
we still have a team, right, And that's the remarkable
aspect of it is that you know that it probably
some dark days in there, because I know I went
through it a bit on my side, but where you're like, oh,
this might be even further out. What do you think absolutely?
Speaker 5 (18:10):
I mean, I think the league definitely changed, and we
had name changes and backer changes, but our group still
kind of hung tight because we knew Seattle was the
perfect market for a women's for hockey team.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
Well, I'm marveled by that, because John, I think that
we know that you go through a lot of ups
and downs trying to convince the right people of why
this is such a good fit. It takes a lot
of perseverance in a way. What have you learned with
what rings most true as far as what it takes
to get a team out here, en Zoe, for you.
Speaker 6 (18:41):
As well, I mean, it's just conviction and belief, right,
That's what it comes down to. And you start building
a community. I'm sure Zoe could comment on this, but
your community gets bigger than you probably anticipated, and all
of a sudden it's a big deal. And then they
have these ten pole events, which you know, women's pro
hockey Seattle was like pretty prominently displayed with all the
(19:04):
hoodies and banners and stuff, and it's you start to
get strength in that community. At least that's what it
was for me. I don't know, I'm not don't want
to speak for Zoe, but but once you have conviction
and then you get the support of the community around you,
I think it's it just kind of it's like a flywheel.
You start getting more momentum and more support and you
have more people helping out too.
Speaker 5 (19:25):
When the Rivalry series came here US versus Canada, the
game was amazing. They were great in the community. We
got a lot of traction there and people saw the
elite of the elite playing hockey and it's a fabulous game.
And then the PDO of a BHL came here in January,
and again everyone came out for it. It was just fantastic.
(19:49):
And the community just keeps on getting bigger, bigger and bigger.
And I can't tell you how many stickers I've handed out.
We you know, people buying the hoodies and the jerseys
and the T shirts were fantastic. But it was really
hanging out the stickers one on one with people at
our events and learning about their story and a lot
of stories about you know, never being able to play
(20:11):
or never having the opportunity or thinking that there was
an avenue for them to play.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
Pro Those two tent pole events that both of you
mentioned I think for me, I was in the stands
here for the US Canada game, and I brought my
wife and my two boys here for this. And two
things that stuck out to me which showed this town
was ready. Number one, just at the anthem and see
nary a seat open in this building. And number two
(20:38):
talking with Hillary Knight after the game and she would
not stop gleaming about how much she was blown away
by a Seattle's response here in this. For both of you,
one moment that stuck out to you from either that
game or the takeover tour, what was it?
Speaker 5 (20:53):
I think the Takeover Tour really kind of drove it
home for me. I mean, there was just the crowd
of smaller but I think it was louder. I mean
the game was exciting over time when it just it
was just mind blowing, and I think that really turned
the tide for me.
Speaker 6 (21:10):
I think it was just the support, obviously is and
what seemed to me at both those games is there
are new faces in the building right that are hockey
fans that might not necessarily be cracking fans, which is
totally fine, but they play hockey or they're just fans
of hockey or the women's hockey, and I I think
it's just how a testament to how like great this
(21:32):
community is, right, and it's bigger than both of us obviously,
and that's a good thing, right because otherwise we would,
you know, we wouldn't have much to talk about because
it would just be our friends, right. But it's a
lot bigger than that.
Speaker 5 (21:46):
And honestly, I have to give a shout out to
Seattle Crack and I met Todd Lodwickie back in twenty
nineteen about this very topic, and from day one he
was excited about it and from five for the past
five and a half years, we can't occasionally text and
he just says, keep the passion and the Oakview group,
I mean coming in with the Seattle Kraken and Climate
(22:07):
Pledge arena to put a bid in. I mean, honestly,
that is just epic.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
When we look at the future of this league right now,
it's eight teams, but we've got two about roughly three
hours of a drive apart. What we make out of
Seattle and Vancouver in this league.
Speaker 6 (22:23):
I mean, it's gonna be exciting, right and and it's
two big hockey playing communities as well. And we have
to be bigger than hockey players right as to support
a team. But it's it's the foundation that that exists here.
And I don't know, I mean Zoe probably knows just
as well as I do. Is how many parents are
driving their kids to Vancouver to go play hockey up
there and sometimes vice versa to play in tournaments. So
(22:45):
it's it's really exciting, and you know, I just can't
wait for the puck to drop. Honestly, I think.
Speaker 5 (22:51):
This you know, sleeper rivalry will be with Boston, the
Boston Fleet. I've already got you know, notifications from them,
messages from them, the Fleet die hards. They're pretty intense
and they're like frenemies like let's.
Speaker 3 (23:07):
Go finally, Hilary Knight, Hannah Bilka, Marie Phillipuhlan. We can
go on and on as well as far as the
players who have come across this league, Kendale Coin, Schofield
as well, what can fans expect who have not seen
this league as far as the level of play and
the kind of brand to play as well?
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Well, I think I think we're going to see another
generation coming forward because of this league is an option
for players now before they had to kind of select
go into their kind of educational career or take a
massive pay hut and try to play in one of
those other leagues. And I think, I think there's an
opportunity for all of a sudden, there's more jobs for
(23:47):
hockey players, for female hockey players, and it's just going
to grow as a better option for and just an
option in general, where before it wasn't much of an option.
Speaker 5 (23:57):
Honestly, in the game, it's going to be fast, furious
and hard hitting. I mean, until you've seen a women's
hockey game at this level, you haven't seen. I mean,
it's just amazing to watch. And I encourage everyone to
come out and watch if you've never seen it before
or if you have, because tickets are already on sale
season tickets you can reserve right now. So let's go.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
Finally, what do each of you tell yourselves of ten
years ago as far as what to expect.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
I know, words, honestly, like it's I mean, this is
just another chapter in the story. And I never thought,
I mean, the NHL was a pipe dream and this
was probably not even on the radar either, to be honest,
right because the state of women's hockey just was so
fragmented and all over the place, and I mean, I
(24:47):
just can't believe the support this city has shown for
hockey at large, not just women's but men's and everything.
Speaker 5 (24:54):
So ten years ago, we were growing girls hockey at
the youth level and I was with an executive director
with a girls hockey association and I got John to
come out and coach the beginners. And when you coach
the beginners, it's like a shot of joy. And he
did fantastic And I think we're seeing some of these
kids around now here ten years later, and it's really
(25:18):
it's amazing.
Speaker 3 (25:20):
Well we can name names as far as who are
proud of Boothy that we will be here for a year. John, Zoe, congratulations,
both of you.
Speaker 1 (25:26):
Thank you very much, Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:31):
It's proof that anything is possible. Big thanks again to
Zoe Harris and John Barr for joining us, and also
before that Jana Hefford and Amy Sheer. It's a lead
best taking North America by a storman you can bet
the reception is tracking to be phenomenal on par here
with the work the storm. I'm done here in the
WMBA an ol raging of the NWSL I'm the Pledge.
(25:54):
Arena now has three teams, the Kraken, the Storm and
p Whlattle that welcomes so many fans with open arms
and limitless possibilities. Once again, thirty game season underway for
twenty twenty five, twenty six expansion Draft coming in June,
and the PWHL Entry Draft June twenty fourth in Ottawa.
(26:16):
You'll certainly look forward to learning more about that once
more information comes out very soon. We look forward to
it as well. Once again, Vig thanks you to Amy Sheer,
to Jana Hefford, to Zoe Harris and John Barr and
for overtime, I'm Mike Benton, and thanks for pushing play.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
You're home for the Kraken. Sports Radio ninety three point
three kJ r FM
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com