Two Women Who Give a Puck

twowomenwhogiveapuck
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This podcast is hosted by Sarah and Tera, two former college hockey players who have now found themselves coaching their children in their local youth hockey association in Minnesota. Within the MN youth hockey world, they have experienced some of the same struggles they experienced while playing on the forefront of women’s hockey. They started this podcast to highlight the experiences of females in hockey, coaches and players. As well as to provide tangible actions on how it can be improved.

  1. May 13

    EP 20 - A Hockey Dad’s Legacy Is Helping Kids Play the Game They Love

    If hockey has ever felt out of reach—because of cost, access, or opportunity—this conversation matters. In this episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, we sit down with Lori Highby, founding board member of the Joseph Cocking Memorial Hockey Scholarship Fund—a foundation helping kids play hockey regardless of financial barriers. After losing her father, a lifelong hockey coach and advocate, Lori and her family turned his legacy into something powerful—providing scholarships, creating opportunities, and opening the door for more players to experience the game.   🏒 In this episode, we talk about: - Why hockey is one of the most expensive sports—and what that means for families - How the scholarship fund works and who it helps - The impact of community in hockey (on and off the ice) - Why “belonging” matters just as much as skill - How one coach’s legacy is still shaping players today   This is more than a hockey conversation— it’s about access, opportunity, and making the game better for everyone.   👉 Learn more or support the foundation: https://joecockingmhsf.org/ https://www.facebook.com/JCMHSF https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-cocking-memorial-adult-hockey-tournament-2026-tickets-1979115712372   👉 Subscribe for more conversations about women in hockey, culture, and belonging: http://www.youtube.com/@TwoWomenWhoGiveaPuck

    25 min

  2. Apr 1

    EP 19 - Two Women Said Yes to Coaching… Only One Got the Opportunity

    What happens when women step up to coach in hockey? In this episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, we follow two very different coaching journeys.   One said yes… and was welcomed in. The other said yes… and was told no.   Both stories reveal something bigger about hockey culture, belonging, and what it really takes to create space for women in the game.   We talk about: • What it feels like to put yourself out there • The impact of being accepted—or not • Why communication and culture matter in associations • How women continue to show up, even when it’s hard • What belonging in hockey actually looks like   This is a real, honest conversation about growth, resilience, and why more women are needed in hockey—not just as players, but as leaders.   💙 Because belonging in hockey should never be something you have to earn.   Ep 15 - Kimmi & Kelly - Pre-Coaching Interview

    41 min

  3. Feb 11

    EP 18 - If I Can Do It, You Can Do It | Starting Hockey at 40+ with Julie Johnson

    🎙️ Welcome to Two Women Who Give a Puck | If I Can Do It, You Can Do It In this episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, Sarah and Tera are back after a busy hockey season to sit down with Julie Johnson — adult women’s hockey player, hockey mom, and living proof that it’s never too late to start.   Julie shares her honest and hilarious journey into hockey, including: - Starting hockey at age 40 - Being terrified of the ice (and the goalie mask 😳) - Wanting to return her gear… and deciding to try one more time - Falling in love with the game anyway - Playing today in women’s leagues, including over-50 hockey - Bringing hockey into her family and community   This conversation dives into: - Why hockey can feel intimidating from the outside - Why adult women hesitate to try new sports - The power of being asked (more than once) - How women’s hockey builds real community, on and off the ice - Why hockey is more than a game — it’s belonging, confidence, and connection   Julie’s message is simple and powerful: If I can do it, you can do it.   If you’re a hockey mom, a former athlete, or someone who’s ever thought, “Hockey isn’t for me,” this episode is for you.   💬 Key Takeaway You don’t need to have grown up playing hockey. You don’t need to be “sporty.” You don’t need to be fearless. You just need someone to invite you in.   🎧 Listen, share, and don’t forget to invite someone else in.   Because women belong in hockey — at every age.   🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about women, hockey, and changing the culture of the game.   #TwoWomenWhoGiveAPuck #WomenInHockey #AdultWomenHockey #HockeyCommunity #HockeyMoms #GirlsInHockey #BelongInTheGame

    29 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    EP 17 - Empowering Female Coaches | Action Steps for Coaches, Parents & Boards

    A Minnesota female hockey coach was suddenly replaced by a less experienced male coach—right in front of her daughter. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated story. In this episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, Sarah and Tera break down the key takeaways and actionable steps to fight gender bias and create a more positive hockey culture for girls and women.   🔥 What you’ll get: - Real talk on gender bias in youth hockey - How boards and associations can do better - Tangible tips for female coaches to advocate for themselves - Ways parents and allies can support change   These actionable insights aren’t just for coaches—they’re for anyone who wants to make hockey fairer, more supportive, and empowering.   💡 Listen, share, and help us build a hockey community where everyone belongs!   Listen to the original story here: EP 17 - Unbenched: The Untold Reality of Female Coaches in Minnesota Hockey   YouTube - https://youtu.be/re6BiOVC0as Podbean - https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3zcuk-19dabd3

    21 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    EP 17 - Unbenched: The Untold Reality of Female Coaches in Minnesota Hockey

    In today’s episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, we share a powerful, true, anonymously submitted story from a Minnesota female hockey coach whose world was turned upside down overnight. After years of playing, coaching, developing players, and building a positive culture, she discovered—without warning—that she had been removed from her head coaching role and replaced by a man with no hockey playing experience. No explanation. No conversation. No accountability.   What happened next reveals a painful truth about female coaches in youth hockey: mistrust, dismissal, and unfair replacement are not rare—they are part of a wider pattern happening quietly across associations, even in the “State of Hockey.”   In this emotional episode, we explore: 🏒 The impact of losing a coaching role without reason 🏒 The message these decisions send to young female athletes 🏒 Why female coaches must constantly prove competence 🏒 How associations can make better, more equitable decisions 🏒 What support, advocacy, and community can look like 🏒 How YOU can help change the culture for girls and women in hockey   This story is raw, real, and deeply important. It’s a reminder that female coaches belong in hockey, their voices matter, and their presence changes the game for the better.   If you’re a coach, parent, board member, or anyone who cares about the future of girls’ hockey—this is a must-listen.   🔗 Share this episode with someone in your hockey community. 📩 Have a story? Want to stay anonymous? Email us at: twowomenwhogiveapuck@gmail.com   🌐 Learn more: TwoWomenWhoGiveAPuck.com   #TwoWomenWhoGiveaPuck,#GenderBiasInSports,#WomenWhoCoach,#GirlsHockey,#SportsAdvocacy,#SilentStruggles,#WhatThePuck,#FemaleCoach,#WomenInSports,#StateOfHockey,#SupportFemaleCoaches

    32 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    EP 16 - The Ref’s View: Confidence, Safety & Women in Hockey with Diane Smith

    In today’s episode, Sarah and Tera sit down with Diane Smith, a former collegiate hockey referee, to explore an often overlooked but critical part of the sport: officiating. Diane shares her journey into hockey, the moment she fell in love with the game, and how seeing one female ref changed the entire trajectory of her future.   Together, we dive into: 🏒 What it’s really like to be a female official 🏒 Why new referees quit — and how we can help change that 🏒 How coaches, parents, and players contribute to a safe and positive environment 🏒 The emotional and physical challenges of the job 🏒 Why representation in officiating matters more than ever 🏒 What Diane hopes her legacy will be in the world of hockey   Whether you're a parent, coach, player, or someone who simply loves the game, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the refs who keep hockey safe, fair, and fun — and inspire more girls and women to pick up a whistle.   💬 Key Takeaways - Seeing one female ref opened a door for Diane — and she hopes to do the same for others. - Officiating builds leadership, confidence, communication, and quick-decision skills. - Keeping refs in the game requires support from everyone — coaches, parents, and players. - Representation matters: young girls need to see women in roles they might never have imagined. - At its core, hockey should always be fun, safe, and inclusive.   🤝 Join the Movement If you loved this conversation, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. And remember:   We belong in hockey — and we deserve to be part of the greatest game in the world. Don’t forget to invite someone else in.

    42 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Ep 15 - Kimmi & Kelly - Pre-Coaching Interview

    In this inspiring episode of Two Women Who Give a Puck, hosts Sarah and Tera sit down with Kimmi and Kelly — two women who began their hockey journeys as adult players and are now taking on coaching roles. They discuss what drew them to hockey, how they found confidence in a new sport, and what it means to step into leadership as women in a male-dominated arena. Together, they explore: The value of female coaches in youth hockey Overcoming impostor syndrome and self-doubt Creating safe, supportive, and empowering team environments Advocating for inclusion and balance in sports and family life Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode celebrates the strength of women who choose to lead, mentor, and uplift others in hockey — proving that representation truly changes the game. ✨ Follow and subscribe for more real stories of women shaping the future of hockey — on and off the ice.

    53 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    EP 14 - Haley Mathison - Buzzer Beaters Player

    On this episode Tera and Sarah interview another one of their Buzzer Beater players, Haley Mathison.    Haley grew up LOVING hockey, but it wasn’t in the cards for her to play organized hockey in her youth. Instead, she practiced solo on frozen lakes and city rinks, dreaming of one day playing organized hockey.   She achieved her dream after attending a WHAM 101 clinic solo. Even though she started on her own, she quickly and easily formed a team with fellow clinic participants.   With this team she found a deep sense of camaraderie and support among teammates, leading to lasting friendships and a strong sense of community.   Haley’s story shows how trying something new, even on your own, can lead to personal growth, leadership opportunities, and unexpected joy. Her and her teammates’ friends, kids, and families are inspired by seeing moms and women play hockey, breaking stereotypes and building legacy.   Haley hopes her legacy is one of being coachable, athletic, supportive, and a leader. Her hope is to be a role model for others entering the sport.   She has already inspired so many around her to try hockey and she believes that women belong in hockey. And that it is the greatest game in the world!   Whether you're seeking friendship, fitness, or fun— she believes there’s a place for you on the ice.

    32 min
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About

This podcast is hosted by Sarah and Tera, two former college hockey players who have now found themselves coaching their children in their local youth hockey association in Minnesota. Within the MN youth hockey world, they have experienced some of the same struggles they experienced while playing on the forefront of women’s hockey. They started this podcast to highlight the experiences of females in hockey, coaches and players. As well as to provide tangible actions on how it can be improved.

Information

  • Creator
    twowomenwhogiveapuck
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Two Women Who Give a Puck