As Canada prepares to defend their title at the upcoming Women’s World Championship, fans of the game are turning their attention towards those who will be responsible for analyzing the action. From seasoned hockey veterans like Cheryl Pounder to rising stars like Kenzie Lalonde, TSN’s coverage of the tournament promises to be top-notch. In this article, we will explore how these experts approach the event and what fans can expect from TSN’s coverage.
Kenzie Lalonde, an emerging play-by-play voice at TSN, and Cheryl Pounder, the Canadian Olympic hockey veteran, have teamed up to broadcast the IIHF women’s world championship for TSN in Brampton, Ont. The duo will share a booth for about 24 games, including the biggest ones at the end, sometimes doing up to three games a day. Pounder, who has spent more years in the booth than Lalonde, started in women’s hockey when it was not covered extensively. She learned on the job from former national team defenceman Cassie Campbell-Pascall, who advised her to get out of her notes and highlight the plays she wanted to discuss later in the broadcast. Pounder has become a staple across the network’s hockey coverage, from the Toronto Maple Leafs to its all-day NHL trade deadline show. Lalonde, who became the first woman to call a game in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2021, is now a reporter in TSN’s Montreal bureau.
Lalonde and Pounder have developed a series of non-verbal signals in the booth. They can raise their hand or share a quick look, but with practice, they have learned to read each other’s cadence and wait for an opening. Even though they will spend many hours together in the booth, the duo is not planning to limit their chatter between games. Lalonde said they’re both women who are continuing to find more opportunities and be a part of more things with TSN. Pounder said it’s not rocket science, but there needs to be chemistry and a level of enjoyment. Lalonde said it’s all about getting the stories out there. Lalonde and Pounder’s partnership will feature five more Canadian Olympic champions in the broadcasts.
Overall, it is clear that Cheryl Pounder, Kenzie Lalonde and TSN demonstrate a deep commitment to promoting the women’s world championships and ensuring that women’s hockey receives the recognition it deserves. Through their tireless efforts, they have helped to increase awareness and visibility around this important event, and have inspired countless young women to pursue their passion for hockey. As we look towards the future, it is essential that we continue to support and invest in women’s hockey, so that it can continue to thrive and grow in the years to come. With advocates like Pounder, Lalonde, and TSN leading the way, there is no doubt that the women’s game will continue to flourish and make an impact on and off the ice.
