Local Journalism Initiative: Casey Dobson

Bubbles have become the norm across the sports landscape as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc. Leagues across a variety of sports have pulled off tournaments and regular-season play in a bubble format. From the WNBA, to the NWSL, the  MLS, and the NHL there are an abundance of examples on how to operate a successful bubble. With this in mind, it was nearly impossible to imagine the NWHL bubble ending up in the situation in which it was: having to suspend their tournament due to an abundance of positive cases. Yet, here the league is, still without a 2021 Isobel Cup champion. So how did this happen? How did the bubble burst?

This story by Casey Dobson is part of the Local Journalism Initiative, a project by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Why the Bubble Burst: Gaps in the NWHL's Protocols

CJRU speaks with industry leaders on the future of women's sports, its relationship with the media, and tactics for audience growth.

This story by Casey Dobson is part of the Local journalism Initiative, a project by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Women's sports and its relationship with the media

While it may seem clear that the NWHL 2022 season is the next step for women's hockey, it's the longterm future that's in question. 

This story by Casey Dobson is part of the Local Journalism initiative, a project by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Note that the interviews in this segment were recorded prior to the Isobel Cup where The Boston Pride became 2021 champions, defeating the Minnesota Whitecaps 4-3 on March 27. The Pride had faced the Toronto Six in the semi finals, winning that matchup 6-2, while the Whitecaps had to get past Buffalo in their semi final, which they did by a score of 7-0. The Pride hoisted the Cup despite entering the second iteration of the NWHL bubble as the lowest seeded team.

Understanding the PWHPA and NWHL

Shiann Darkangelo and Holly Morisson discuss women's hockey in Canada, ranging from the NWHL, CWHL, and the olympic games.

This story by Casey Dobson is part of the Local Journalism Initiative, a project by the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

Between the Red and White: Women's Hockey in Canada with Shiann Darkangelo and Holly Morisson

Toronto Metropolitan University's campus and community multi-media hub. Listen at 1280 AM or online at metradio.ca

Local Journalism Initiative: Casey Dobson

Met Radio