Latest / Rinkside Rundown / Kennedy Bobyck on Minnesota State, Overseas Pro Hockey, and Navigating PWHL Free Agency

Transcript

Kennedy Bobyck on Minnesota State, Overseas Pro Hockey, and Navigating PWHL Free Agency · Rinkside Rundown

• speaker-0: I think that was something that really made a difference was I wasn't, I didn't expect anything on a silver platter, but I made sure that if I was given an opportunity, I was I was doing my best. And I think that was probably one of the biggest successes for me. speaker-1: Hello and welcome back to Rinkside Rundown, the podcast that brings you inside the world of women's hockey one story at a time. I'm your host, Chris Sinclair, and today I'm joined by Kennedy Bobat, a forward from Regina, Saskatchewan, former assistant captain at Minnesota State University. Kennedy, welcome to the show. How you doing? speaker-0: Good. Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here. speaker-1: Absolutely. I'm excited to have you here and to get to chat about your career because it has been it's taking you everywhere. It's and so I'm excited to learn about that and and of course talk about this next chapter, potentially with the PWHL. let's dive in because your story I think is gonna become pretty obvious just how I guess hockey, how much hockey is a part of your life and has been since the very beginning. I think that's gonna become pretty obvious early on in this conversation, certainly throughout. could you maybe share some of those earliest hockey memories that you have and and what drew you to the sport? speaker-0: Yeah, my dad's from Regina, Saskatchewan, but he played a bunch of hockey and it landed him overseas and he met my mom and then they had my sister and me and we just grew up watching hockey and we watched hockey. His hockey we watched him play until he retired. So yeah, it was fun. We I lived out in England for the first five years of my life and hockey it was hockey, hockey, hockey until I learned how to skate myself and then There was a little gap between that and then it was hockey, hockey, hockey again. speaker-1: And so for you, did you enjoy hockey initially when you first started playing, or was it one of those things that you kinda had to build up to it where you were like, I hated it when I first started because I wasn't very good and it was really hard, or any of those things, or was it immediately you were like, This is my sport? speaker-0: I remember I remember this so vividly is my dad never even pushed hockey on me. He took me skating and one half of the rink was hockey and one half of the rink was just skating. And I remember skating and I looked at my dad and I'm like, I wanna do that. And he just like laughed and next thing you know, I got hockey equipment and I've loved it ever, ever since. I I never really had a moment of not liking it, I think. my love for hockey has honestly just grown more and more. So no, I never really had an experience of being like, this is awful. But yeah, so that's how it started for me. speaker-1: I feel like this is a very good segue. You've mentioned your dad. We just talked about skating. This worked totally unexpectedly, but I'd love to to to leverage this segue because your dad is still very involved in the sport, specifically around skating development and power skating with his own company. Could you maybe talk a little bit about that and and how maybe that technical side of the the sport maybe from his perspective maybe help to influence how you approach the sport as well in your development? speaker-0: Yeah, hockey is having the ability to have access to someone with so much knowledge and skill like he does and having that, being able to learn how to skate from someone who does that professionally and and and is really good at it and is my dad was so nice because I mean it hockey's expensive and you know, having that in just my back pocket all the way growing up was so nice and he he really taught me everything I know about skating and he's the best my best coach I've had and he yeah, he really helped develop my skating, just like my edges and everything. So I think having him growing up was a stepping stone for me that really helped me become a better hockey player. speaker-1: Now you had mentioned it and I meant I I meant to to piggyback off of it, but you had mentioned that hockey was never really pushed on you. speaker-0: Never. speaker-1: How important Yeah. How important how important was that? How I think you were just about to I think I interrupted you because I think you're gonna run with that, but but how important was it for you, especially early on, where it didn't feel like there was this pressure or there were these expectations, especially from somebody who had had played the sport for so long? speaker-0: Yeah, I I truly believe that is why I love hockey so much to this day is because I mean, I have a lot of friends playing hockey that their dad would get mad at them or be like, You have to do this, you have to do this, where growing up for me it was always like, Hey dad, can we go shoot pucks? Hey dad, can we go in the backyard? And like he was the person that him and my grandpa, they would build a a rink in my backyard every winter. And like I'd ask them to do it. But it was never like, Hey, Ken, go shoot pucks. Hey, Ken, you need to come do this. It was always, Hey, do you wanna do this? Or hey dad, could we do this? And I think that is the reason. Like I still love it because I know a lot of girls have quit hockey because the pressure of their parents being like, You gotta do this, you gotta do this, or that car ride home after a bad game. Yeah. I never I never got into the car like fearing or what my dad was gonna say. If I had a bad game, my dad would just be like, We have a game this weekend or our next game, but if I had a good game, he's like, You did so good here. You skated, you shot and stuff. But he was never disappointed in me. And he always made me believe in myself. So I think having that support from both my parents who are awesome was just amazing. And the reason I able to love the sport still, speaker-1: let's talk about your junior career with the Regina Rebels, edge school as well. what were those environments like for you? And, you know, again, especially early on, how valuable were those experiences within those, within those teams as well for for laying the foundation that has become quite the career? speaker-0: Thanks, yeah. I think one of the hardest stepping stones of probably my entire career was I played as a double underage for the Regina Rebels. So I was in grade eight with our and we had a pretty old team. So majority of our team were like grade 11, 12s. And I think that was probably one of the hardest times of not just socially, but just, you know, leaving school a little bit early. Not having a ride to the rink really necessarily. And I think that really forced me to grow as a player, as a person and stuff. And maybe even potentially a little bit too quickly. but that was definitely something difficult, but I definitely learned a lot from it. And I kind of I was intimidated at first with like these older girls, but you know, you just I took a step back and I was like, okay, like. I'm here for a reason. I can do good. And I I did have a really good season with the Rebels. And yes, that that was probably the hardest part. probably the one of the best parts was going to edge, which was really awesome. That also forced me to grow in a completely different way because I mean, I'm 16 years old, moving away from home first time. And I'm a little bit of a homebird. Like I love my parents. Like I'm a little bit of a Both my parents I love so much that it was hard. It was hard to move. But yeah, it was something I don't think I would have been prepared for college if I wouldn't have moved when I was sixteen. speaker-1: Yeah. So I guess then it begs the question how you know, how good did it feel to be able to identify, you know what, like I'm I'm uncomfortable. Like this is scary. But you did it and you overcame it. And look at how well things have turned out for you. Like you overcame those obstacles, but you also overcame those obstacles really early on in your journey. How important was it to be able to see yourself as someone who can overcome whatever challenge might be in front of you? speaker-0: Yeah, I I really think even though I said it w it was difficult when I was young, you kinda end up learning this this is bad, this is happening. You kinda are like, my gosh, and then you're like, like I can get through this. So then next thing you know, each step is a little bit easier. And I mean, in grade eight, it was very intimidating, but I kinda would look back when I was sixteen and I was like, I went through this, this is better. it's okay. And each step was a little bit better. So it forced me to mature. And I think I think without those experiences, I wouldn't be where I am as a hockey player or personally today. So like I'm thankful for them. But it was hard. It was really hard being in those scenari uncomfortable scenarios. But I think the uncomfortable scenarios is where you do grow the most. speaker-1: Yeah. I I often say that it's life begins at the edge of your comfort zone, right? So yeah, you gotta you gotta find that, right? So and that's certainly going overseas is we'll get to later on in this conversation in terms of your career. That's talk about uncomfortable. my goodness. so you we we spoke about edge you had spoken about that, that being you called that specifically out just a moment ago as well. So I want to talk about that. coach Carla McLeod, Ottawa Charge fans are certainly going to be very familiar with that name. Of course, long history in the sport as well, but specifically more recently with the Ottawa Charge. and Blair Turnbull, which I'm really excited to hear about what it was like for you to go through those, to go through that. program and to be coached by my goodness. Talk about some royalty right there. What was that like to be able to get that advice and to to have that input directly from some of the biggest names in the sport? speaker-0: Carla McLeod is Carla McLeod. she she really shaped me as a person. I think I went to I went to Edge on a whim. I I literally had called up and was like I was I wanted to leave and I was like I just went there pretty quickly. It wasn't like a planned out thing. And I got there and she really made me feel like home. But something with Carla is she she knows the buttons to press. And I think with me, she would in my personal life and my hockey life, she really did press buttons that were maybe uncomfortable or something that I wasn't wasn't doing that like pushed me to be better. And she really she's the reason I was prepared for university for sure. And especially in the personal life, like she really, really grew, helped me grow as a person. And just the way she would do things with the team I'd never had from a coach before. So we would do things, I for kind of forget what it was, but we would do these like charts in the room. And I'd never done stuff like that before. And even sometimes after after a skate, she'd like talk to me and be Like, hey, how was that? How was that skate or something like that? Or would ask me about my personal life or Would always come up to me and, ask this or tell me to do this. And growing up, I, especially on Rebels, I'd always been a little bit more offensive. That she kind of brought in more of that defensive game. Like she's a defenseman, right? And so she she was very helpful in my development. And yeah, Blair Blair Turnbull was kind of just, she was an assistant. She helped out. She was here and there sometimes, but not always. But she was awesome. She when she got on the ice, I was just like, Clear turn bull, speaker-1: Mm-hmm. yeah, it's always interesting when like a coach you realize that a coach doesn't just have to tell you what to do. Like sometimes like leading you to the answer or helping you to discover and unlock something different that you didn't expect was in you. I think that's what separates the coaches from the coaches. speaker-0: And that's what Carla was. That's what Carla is. she she she really cares about her players. And sometimes I remember thinking does she not like me? is this why she's doing this to me? but it was never that she didn't like me. I think she saw the potential in me and pushed me farther. And that's what did help me. And she was an awesome person and still is. And, I respect and love her for everything she did for me in my career. speaker-1: So you had mentioned being born over in England, but you have you have lived in Regina for quite a while. And so I wanted to get your perspective on that pride. So here in Ottawa, you know, we have Brooke Hobson, we have Emily Clark as well. Emily Clark has spoken at length about being proud. of being from Saskatchewan, you often see Saskatchewan flags in the arena as well, which is is so cool to see. there's a lot of pride there. Could you talk about your own pride, especially when you think about your journey that is now taking you overseas as well? Did that also maybe change your perspective on your speaker-0: Think it really changed my perspective. I think I'm more so just proud of where I'm from. Some people will be like, you're like Saskatchewan. What's there to do? I'm like, hockey? I love, I love home, Saskatchewan's my parents, it's the hockey culture. It's the nice summers. It's I love being from Saskatchewan. And the players that have come from Saskatchewan, I'm so proud of as well. I played against Brooke Hobson actually in when I was in the Rebels. And I remember my dad being like, That girl, she's gonna go places. She's a really good defenseman. And then look at her now. And he speaker-1: Working it out, yeah. speaker-0: would have he would also be like, Hey, Ken, if you see her, maybe go to the other side and go on the other defenseman. I'm like, Yeah, good idea. speaker-1: Yeah, yeah, yeah. that's that's awesome. Yeah, and I I think that it's it's great, you know, I've never been to the to the prairies, but I can t there's just something anytime somebody talks about being from the prairies, being from, you know, again speaking with Emily Clark, there's always a smile. It's the answer starts with a smile. And I think that tells you everything about that, about what that place means. speaker-0: think it's home. I think that's what like when you think of Saskatchewan, at least when you're from there, it it's home. Like it's you feel connected with other people and it's yeah. speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And sometimes you don't need words, right? That's mine too. Absolutely. so you know, as we look at continuing throughout your career, obviously, as I had mentioned off the top, Minnesota State University. What made that the right landing spot for you? Like when you were looking and considering the options and considering where you could go, why Minnesota State? speaker-0: So I had grown up my whole life wearing North Dakota jerseys because that's where my dad went. And I was just my dad's my hero. So I would always be like, I wanna do what my dad did. And and I I was talking to a few schools and I went to Minnesota State and I was I was in the bookstore and I just like looked at my dad and I started crying. I'm like, this is my home. Like I've never felt this before. And What's funny enough is my dad was deciding between Denver and North Dakota. And at that time, John Harrington recruited my dad to go to Denver and he chose North Dakota. So X amount of years later, John Harrington goes to my dad. He goes, I may not have gotten you, but I got your daughter and I'm even happier with that. So that was it was cool. And yeah, it was home immediately. And I spent five years there and loved it. Loved it. Sherry Dickerman, I got Goose, John Harrington, great coaching and great people too. I've been really blessed with the coaches I've had. just really great experiences. speaker-1: What was that transition like for you to go from junior to that's that's a that's a pretty big jump. what was that like for you and and and what did you learn about yourself? Again, talking about those obstacles, what did you learn about yourself during that process too, that that journey? speaker-0: Yeah, it was difficult. I had already moved away from home when I was younger, so I was kinda used to that that distance piece. I think one of the hardest things was I mean, you go into the WCHA and very few people are I mean, let like are going to be on that first PK or power play and stuff right away, you know? And I think coming in, I didn't expect it at all, but I was like, like I gotta work for this. And I think that was something that really made a difference was I wasn't I didn't expect anything on a silver platter, but I made sure that if I was given an opportunity, I was I was doing my best. And I think that was probably one of the biggest successes for me because it did give me opportunity like to be on the power to be on the penalty kill because whenever whenever the mock PK come on came on for the power play, I was like, I am stopping this and this is going to be my spot. And that's I think really just pushing yourself, even when you're like, why aren't I getting this spot? why can't I get this spot? And I mean when you're younger and june like the kind of junior stuff, you kinda if you are one of the better players, you kinda do get to play everything. And then you hit college and it's like, I'm not the number one right now. You have to climb to get there, you know? speaker-1: So as you said that, as you answered that, it's it got me thinking because you're a psych major. And so I was wondering, did that sort of mentality shift, that understanding that you have to work for things and you have to maybe approach things a little bit differently, did that influence your decision to take psych? And how has taking psych helped you to navigate those ups and downs because a lot of the game is a mental game, right? it's not it isn't it isn't just the physical side, which is what everyone sees. speaker-0: So this is funny because I started off as a biology major and I changed my degree halfway into my sophomore year to psychology or like my second semester sophomore year. And that is actually when me as a player really started to bloom, blossom, right? I from my junior year on is w when I was really proud of my game. And I don't know if it was classes I was taking, I was enjoying school more or what was happening. But yeah, as soon as when I just changed my major, everything did seem a little bit like it started going out better for me. So I don't know if it did play a part to begin with, but it it definitely was something that made life easier now that I actually look at it, 'cause I actually didn't think about it that perspective before. speaker-1: You also, as I had mentioned off the top, you were also an assistant captain. And so I wanted to get your perspective on what it what that meant for you to have that letter sewn on your jersey. And especially when you look at your at your journey to get to that point and to have that recognition as being a part of the leadership team at a at a university. speaker-0: Yeah. that that is something I'm very, very proud of. it really made made me f feel happy and that I all the work that I'd done like was seen and evident from my coaches. I think I think having that letter was based on what I did every day at the rink is I I really worked hard and, you know, we had some other leaders, we Charlotte Ackerbick, which is our captain, she was great, and Maddie Meshuga, Sydney Langseth, that we all had a really good leadership group and connection, that it made it really easy to be a leader on that team. so I think it had a lot to do with them and the support they gave me, but just having having someone notice or appreciate the work you do with a letter was nice. I mean, it's not necessarily always needed, but It was nice to have that leadership role that f my final year there. speaker-1: So, getting a letter is one thing, but then, there are also lessons and growth and development that you're gonna go through as an athlete and almost more importantly as a person, for you after getting that letter, what did that teach you about yourself? What did that show you about yourself? What did you learn about yourself from becoming a a leader within that organization? speaker-0: Yeah, I I learned a lot having a letter or being one of the older players on the team, really learning how to help these players out or talk to them or have different relationships with people. I definitely found myself reaching out to more people or going maybe even a little bit more the extra mile, maybe just because I was the older player or I knew, but I definitely tried to keep the same things that I was doing before of my work ethic on the ice. how I was playing the same because I think that's what gave me the letter. But I also wanted to be a little bit more of a leader with talking and having better relationships with everyone else on the team and maybe talking a little bit more in the dressing room or kind of talking with our leadership group in general about how we can make the team better. So which we did we would do a lot of things that would try to get our group closer. And yeah, I think that was a definitely an eye opening to what captains do do. And but more respect for the role because sometimes you see the letter and you're like, they just got a letter sewn on their jersey. But I don't think I realized at that college level how much actually goes into being a captain. speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. Cause as fans, we just see okay, that's the captain. that's cool. I'd love to be a captain of a team, but you don't necessarily realize, my goodness, there's a lot of stuff that goes on away from the ice and managing relationships and making sure that you're connecting with people, like you said. So it's great that you learn those those lessons during that experience. And I'm sure that they have paid off. Certainly. as we now look at your your European well call I was gonna call it an adventure. I don't know why I was gonna call it a European adventure, but that's what was gonna come out of my speaker-0: It can be an adventure. It can be an adventure. I'm fine with that. speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. but you have been playing the past two seasons with H V seven one. What went into that decision to go overseas and and how has that experience been for you thus far? speaker-0: Well, even before the PWHL started, I had always wanted to continue playing. like I said, I I really love hockey so much. But that journey was more so through Spencer. Spencer really helped me decide where to go. And he put me at H V, which I'm so thankful because I love H V. My coach is the place, everything. But that was a bit of a conversation between Spencer and I of what would be best for me. But yeah, I'd always wanted to continue playing hockey after university. So it was just more so figuring out where to play or what to do. And yeah. So that HV was where I went and loved it there. speaker-1: And the rest is history is they say So I guess then what what makes H V that that place like I I know of course going into it you may not have kno ha had necessarily and knowledge as to exactly what makes it such a special place. May have been one of those things where you just get a feeling. But for you, what was like what now that you've done you've been there for two years, what makes that that such a special place that that The culture stand out to you. speaker-0: Culture itself is is great. I love my team. I love my coaches, my equipment manager. the hockey side. Yeah, it's it's great. But I mean, selfishly, one of my favorite things about it is I brought my dog overseas and I get to he gets to come to the rink with me. everyone loves him. He is our fridge manager, so basically Anytime someone has ham or makes a sandwich, he's their best friend. But just even having before it just kind of started off, Charlie can come, Charlie can come. Now it's just like, where's Charlie? From my coach. You know? And it's it's nice. Even the girls, like if he's not there for two days, you're like, is Charlie okay? Like, what where is he? So I think just having that like my little child in fur fur. being so welcomed, it was something that was so nice for me and he loves it. Like he can't go a date more than a day without going to the rink. He'll he'll park himself in front of my door and he's like, Whoa, what's happening? speaker-1: We're we're supposed to be going somewhere, Mom. What's going on here? speaker-0: Mum and we take the we take the bus too and he just he's so good on the bus now and he sometimes he got his own pair of designated skate guards because one of our goalies would always play with him and like ruined her skate guards. But he'll bring people stuff like rolls of tape and stuff, and it's it's so awesome to have him there and be so loved by the team. And my coaches too, and my equipment manager who gets some Christmas presents and watches him on the road. So he's the best. I think it's it's that kind of stuff, the culture of why you wanna go back, of I love the hockey side of it and everything, but when some place makes you feel home and loved, that's that's when you're gonna play your best too, is when you feel that safety of the people, the place and everything. And I think even when I started bringing Charlie to the rank more is my game even started going better plu and I started getting closer with other players and Yeah, it just everything felt so much smoother and it occurred in my hockey game as well. speaker-1: Okay, so once again, great segue here because I I'd like to talk about your game and the evolution of your game. because a lot of for a lot of fans, the SDHL is not necessarily something that they have much exposure to. So they're not necessarily certain as to what kind of development a player can go through in the SDHL, although we do see often from the PWHL's perspective, we see the end results of that development. with the success of players coming over. but for you, I I know that it's it's I'm gonna say only been two years, speaker-0: Mm-hmm. speaker-1: but over that two years, how have you seen your game grow? Where have you seen your game grow over that two years with H V? speaker-0: It's funny 'cause I was just watching video the other day and I was looking back to Minnesota and then watching from last year and I was like, my gosh. Like I feel like I have developed and gotten so much better as a player and I think I'm so blessed with my decision to go there because I don't think I'd be where I am. And you know, some players do develop a little bit later and I I think that's something that I was. I I think I d I've developed a lot more confidence. I've developed a lot more skill. And yeah, it was so helpful going there. And something else is I had played guys hockey growing up until I started girls. So I really liked the body contact. And being able to go to body contact, I think is that's something that has made my game better because I think before I would kind of stop on things and be like, don't want to get a penalty because my freshman year I got All body contact penalties. And now that body contacts allowed, that's my favorite thing. And it's funny though, because I'm I'm five one, you wouldn't expect that. But that's something that I love, like giving the reverse hit or someone coming to hit me because I'm small and I'm like, no. Like, you know, it's it's really has made the game way more fun. And that's another thing when you asked about the SDHL. It's that is something that you might see of players that are just coming out. of the NCAA may not be as prepared for that physical contact or you don't know if a player is able to play with that physical contact, right? You don't know if a player thrives off body contact or is gonna shy away from it. So that is the one thing about the SDHL that is that is good is you know, you're gonna know if your player is able to take that body contact. And if you want someone who you want a physical game and you know Then there you go, it really gives you an opening to what kind of player they're gonna be more so in the P WHL. speaker-1: My goodness, did you light up when you're talking about body contact there? My goodness. speaker-0: It was so speaker-1: She loves herself so I do. Yeah, yeah, that's fair. That's fair. yeah, and I mean now it's it's great to see that as a part of a part of the women's game, right? For so long it wasn't, but everyone wanted it to be, and now it is, and it's it's becoming, you know, hopefully we'll see where that takes us. but but hopefully there's a little bit more because it's it It really adds that edge to the game. I know that kinda goes without saying, but and it makes you light up, right? So speaker-0: Yeah. It makes the game more fun to watch and play. And I think that's especially with the women's side is I mean, we want we we want people to watch our games. We want people to be interested and I think with the body contact it makes it definitely more interesting when you have that in a game. speaker-1: Okay. So we may as well just keep going with the segues here. We're just gonna ride these segues right to the end of the conversation because let's talk about the PWHL. And before we get into your own pathway to the PWHL, I just want to get your perspective. I'm I'm always hesitant to ask because I I feel like it might be a cliche question, but I think there's still a lot of value in in in hearing it and and bringing it up. And that's just when you think about your own journey, when you started your journey, this wasn't an option, right? It was, yes, you could ultimately go professional in the SDHL, but there was no professional league here that really that that is certainly on the level that the PWHL is now. Now that there is this as an option, what does the PWHL mean to you? speaker-0: It's it's so exciting because little girls are now gonna grow up saying, My favorite player is Pulen, right? They're not gonna have to wait every four years to watch her, right? Now it's broadcasted and all these players, maybe Heisey, the different players now, they can watch like every all the time in the wintertime, right? Instead of just every once every four years. And now, like when I was growing up, my favorite player besides my dad. was Crosby. But now, I mean, I have favorite players as well, right? Like you watch I you watch these games and you really become more connected with the social media and everything like the men are. And I think the PWHL is really has really created a spot for little girls and girls and women in general to like feel empowered. And we now have a place to play now. Like not the SDHL is great as well, but having that exposure of of of it in North America where where I'm from is is really powerful. And I think it's just so exciting that it's an opportunity for people. And now girls can look up and be like, that's what I want to do. I have a goal in mind. Whereas boys a lot of time it's, I'm gonna I wanna go to the NHL. But now it's like, I wanna go to the P WHL and you can be proud of that and proud of the women that created this this league and everything they've done. I mean, it it's incredible because I mean few years ago, even when I was in college, I would have never expected this to happen. And it's here and it's blowing up. Mm-hmm. speaker-1: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I must I was gonna say it must put a smile on your face, but it literally is, it did literally did put a smile, another smile on your face. So speaker-0: Yeah. speaker-1: when you so talking about your specific approach to the the PWHL, and I want to talk about heading into this this this year, we're we're taking the free agency route. And so just maybe if if you could just talk about what that experience has been like, maybe not going through the draft, but going through this free agency and you know what what what kind of emotions that may bring up, because that may not be the route that is highlighted for a lot of a lot of women in their journey, but an equally important avenue, an i an equally important approach that these players can take. with free agency. So shedding some light on that might remove some of those uncertainties. Of course there are always variables, but maybe some of those uncertainties for other people as well. speaker-0: Yeah, what what girl, what person doesn't want to be drafted in the PWHL? I mean, that would be a dream come true. but Spencer and I have my agent and I have had lots of conversations and we kind of decided like the free agency might be our best route for me. And, you know, it is interesting because there's I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, but Free agency route gives you a little bit of perspective because maybe a team drafts a bunch of right-handed players that are really fast, and say maybe I get an invite to that camp. I'm like, I'm a left-handed player, and maybe another team has some interest in me. I'd be more so blessed if I could have more than one. But they're all, they're all big, tall, left-handed wingers, and I get. If I were to get an invite to both, then it's like, maybe I can go this one, have a better chance of making it instead of going somewhere where I pr I may not make it compared to the draft picks or who's going. So I think it does give a different option to the free agents because, you know, if you do get more than one invite to camp, you you kind of do have a a pick of and it doesn't necessarily matter. or not matter, but determine if you'll make it or not. But maybe you see a place with a better fit, being like, I I don't I think I'd be coached better with this person, or maybe go here. So it doesn't really you're not necessarily locked in as much, but you you might not get invited to the camp you want, but any camp would be amazing. But just saying for for some some players, I think so that was kind of the root of okay, maybe this would be the best pick for you. Just so if you do get more an invite you can work your way into camp 'cause that's what we've talked about is I wanna fight for a spot if I get an invite to camp. And so that's kind of the route we decided. And I trust my agent. He's awesome. He's so such a good agent that I'm like, you know what? I believe in you and he's like, I believe in you. So I'm like, Okay, let's do it this way. speaker-1: Okay, that's fantastic. Yeah, absolutely. And and and I love that. and I I I also I wanted to, as you think about the opportunity, you mentioned specifically around being able to choose, I'm gonna say choose your destination. Of course, again, variables, but there's a little bit more flexibility, do we wanna say? A little bit maybe. Still not sure I found the right word there, but we're I feel like we're right on the cusp. But anyway, so. When you think about your journey, China and Minnesota State, then Sweden, and now potentially into the PWHL, what experiences and what what opportunities and what challenges along the way have helped to set you up for a potential career in the PWHL? Yeah. speaker-0: I think I think everything has really, really helped me, but it's also been like the pushback of maybe you can't play in the P WHL, you're too short, or something like that, that it's something that that, okay, I'm gonna keep working. And even when I was at Minnesota State, it's like, you're not gonna start a power player PK and we don't see you there right now. It's like, okay, you don't see me there right now, that's okay. I'm gonna work as hard as I can so that you do see me there and I'm going to get to that. part point. And I think the biggest thing for me is is just believing in myself because I there's a difference between being cocky and believing yourself. And I I think I think, you know what? If I don't make it this year or something else happens, that's okay because I believe in myself that if I keep working as hard as I am, if I keep doing what I want to be the better player, like I will get there. And that's I really hope so. But I think just everything on my way up ha has helped me. you know, people, coaches, so blessed with all my coaches, the places, struggles, everything has really, really helped me to be in this place where I I think I am ready this year. based on my last year, based on my training now. And I just would love the opportunity to to get an invite to camp and really just prove myself because I I I think I can do it and I'd I'd love the opportunity to try and have someone to, you know, take a take a chance on the five one player that that will play their heart out for you. And that's something I think I have done for my coaches is and my teammates is is I will play my heart out for you and and I'll do my best. And I think that's really a lot of times all you can ask for. and yeah, that's That's it, speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And I think to to to your point earlier, there's a there is a difference between cocky and confident, right? You know what you're capable of because you've demonstrated along your your journey. And I mean, look at the look at your career to this point. My goodness. so it's been great, a great career. There have been accolades, there have certainly been goals and points and all of those different things. but my goodness, absolutely. the journey is may have not felt great in the moment all the time, may have pushed you a little bit further than you thought you could go, but I think it worked out. speaker-0: Yeah, I think so. And that's kind of the path of, you know, if you aren't one of those top, top players, you do really have to work hard to get there. And I think, yeah, pushing yourself, maybe it isn't always about the the points or the goals. It's about the the second effort back checks or the second effort puck battles that, you know, those are what's gonna those are what's gonna get me land me a spot because I know that's that would be my role and I think really making sure Or pushing yourself to be that person or be that player for yourself and for your team is is what's gonna get you success. speaker-1: I don't want to derail the conversation for too long, but I will say that here in Ottawa, we have had the opportunity to see players and I will forever celebrate her, but a a player like Alexa Vasco, who doesn't always show up on the score sheet, but as a little engine out there that is absolutely driving so many plays that again don't get the recognition that they deserve. But in the playoffs, it's players like that. that a team will absolutely want to bank on because it's players like that that can impact the game. So when you were saying that, that's a name that came to mind. And that's a name that has absolutely endeared herself to the fan base for sure, because of the way that she plays. So sized or not, there's absolutely a way to to be able to make an impact on the game. And I love that you c called out Things like back checks. It's like those things that don't again, that don't always show up on the score sheet. It's not always about points, although they are nice to get. speaker-0: Yeah, they are a nice skip, but when you have when you have a third line your third line or fourth line out there, I mean, they gotta be stopping those players. Like they gotta be stopping those, they gotta be working hard. They may not be getting the points and the goals, but you know what they are doing? They're stopping those points or goals or they're blocking that shot. Their efforts are are so important and that's what makes teams successful, right? speaker-1: Absolutely. Yeah, especially in the chase for the Walter Cup. all right. So, and I'm gonna say it again at the end of the conversation, but I wanna make sure that it's very topical now. Of course, good luck in that free agent pursuit. You are very easy to cheer for, very easy to root for. so I know I am not alone in saying we are absolutely root. I'm gonna say we because I know that there's a lot of people who are gonna be rooting for you. but very much looking forward to your pursuit. Of course. landing here in Ottawa would be great. but as long as you make it, that's all that matters. And I can't wait to cheer you on. speaker-0: Thank you so much. This has been such a nice interview and you're so kind. You're so kind. speaker-1: I appreciate that. We I we cannot end this episode without the final buzzer. Because we have a few more questions, few more rapid fire questions to get through before we can finally say goodbye. and I need to start with by saying this is only rapid fire because I'm gonna try not to ask a single speaker-0: Yeah. speaker-1: follow up convers or f follow up question. I Almost always fail. but I will try. I will sit on my hands to try to make sure that I don't ask any follow up questions. The first one, what's your go to pregame meal? speaker-0: it changes. It changes. Depends on the how I'm doing. But for a little bit it was like salmon and rice. But pregame day before. Pre game changes all the time. So that's a hard question. speaker-1: Okay. Do you have is there a pregame is there a snack then, for example, that you that you tend to gravitate towards? I a lot of it's like juice boxes and some people do like I wanna say candy, but I doubt that is that's the thing that I'm that's the word I'm looking for. But there are certain quick snacks that you maybe a granola bar or something like that as well. speaker-0: More of I like the electrolytes in my drink. That's the only thing I'd say I'm more so superstitious about, but like I am probably one of the most superstitious people. Like I do everything one way. and if it works, it works. If I change something, it was because of that. speaker-1: Well, I guess then that would explain why the everything changes. You just said everything changes all the time. Because I was like, that's interesting. Most people have a routine, but it depend you said it depends on how things are going. So I guess superstition plays a part in that as well. speaker-0: Yeah, and if I have a bad game and I've done something, I'm like, Okay, well I'm never doing that again. Yeah. speaker-1: I have to retracing your steps. speaker-0: I have leather pants that my mom got me and I had the worst game my life and I was like mom can you take these home because I am never wearing these leather pants again speaker-1: Yeah. speaker-0: And yes my bad game was definitely because of my leather pants speaker-1: Hundred percent. Absolutely it was. Yeah, yeah. okay, so then do you have like a game day playlist? or is there an artist or song that kind of at least gets you maybe it isn't necessarily right before the game, but that gets you game day ready. speaker-0: I actually like to read before games. speaker-1: Great, okay. speaker-0: I love books, yeah. So I don't have a necessarily a exact playlist, but sometimes so I'll read before, just relax, and then I always take Charlie for a walk. So then sometimes I will switch to the audible book while I'm while I'm walking and or I'll watch some pregame some of my games that I've had. But I always walk my Charlie and normally try to have an audio book or I'll read the book in my hand when I'm walking. So that's my game routine. speaker-1: Okay. What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you? speaker-0: I'm left-handed. I'm left handed. speaker-1: But a lot of people are. speaker-0: I'm left-handed, yes. And I I don't know. I got Charlie. I got my dog when I was in s a sophomore in college. When my parents said, You are not allowed to have a dog, you are not allowed to have a big dog, you're not allowed a dog that sheds. And I said, All three? Yeah. And they that is that is their baby. Like that is their grandpuppy. We call it Nana and Papa. And So probably that is that my dog has two loving grandparents that did not want him at all. speaker-1: We don't have to sell him though. He'll he'll never have he never has to he never has. speaker-0: He as soon as he came my parents came for Christmas and they held him. They were like Yeah They're like how big is he gonna get? And I'm like, like fift like twenty pounds and he's like sixty so speaker-1: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, 'cause then by that point, once he gets to twenty pounds and plus, they've already like they've committed. Yeah, yeah. So I speaker-0: Can't take him back now. speaker-1: I see your game. I see your game. I see it. Yeah. speaker-0: They're Is he gonna shed? I'm like, No. He's part of us. speaker-1: A whole lot. Yeah, speaker-0: He's more Nazi. speaker-1: well yeah, he's shedding. okay, last question for you. I want to find out from you if you could go back and give your younger self some advice about the journey that you're gonna take, what do you think you would tell her? speaker-0: Have fun. Love every minute because, the teammates that you have during those times appreciate them because you might not be teammates with them ever again. And just keep doing what you're doing. You'll get somewhere. I think that's what I tell her. speaker-1: That's great advice. Just keep doing what you do, and you're gonna get somewhere. I love it. I love it. That's great. That's great advice. All right. That wraps up the final buzzer segment. And sadly, this episode. Kennedy, this has been I can't believe how fast time flew by during this conversation. but this has been an absolute blast. Yeah. I know. speaker-0: That was awesome. speaker-1: but I just wanna say thank you, thank you, thank you so much for taking the time. Again, you are very easy to cheer for. And I know that I'm not the only one, as I said earlier, that will be cheering you on as you look to make that next jump into the PWHL. Whenever that happens, we're gonna root for you. We're also gonna root for you, regardless of wherever you end up. Yeah. Because you are one heck of a person, one heck of a player. And I'm so thankful you took the time to join the show. Thank you so much. speaker-0: Thank you so much. It was so awesome. I really enjoyed my time. speaker-1: Good, I'm so glad. And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow hockey fans. Your support helps me to continue bringing you stories just like this one from across the world of women's hockey. I'm Chris Sinclair. Thank you so much for tuning in and I'll catch you next time on Ringside Rundown.