Five at The IX: PWHL New York’s Laura Brennan

Five questions

Earlier in the week I spoke with PWHL New York Assistant Coach Laura Brennan about joining the new league after doing every job under the sun (goalie, goalie coach, assistant coach, assistant to the GM, acting GM, might’ve even sold some merchandise or tickets as well) for the NWHL/PHF’s Connecticut Whale. The former netminder told us about a reunion of sorts behind the bench, what she has been doing in between these two coaching gigs, and more.

Meet our newest coaches! 👋

Assistant Coach Laura Brennan is no stranger to the tri-state area, as she played collegiate hockey at Quinnipiac University and professional hockey for the Connecticut Whale. Brennan then kicked off her coaching career with the Whale, serving as… pic.twitter.com/CNGXMTcTiA

— PWHL New York (@PWHL_NewYork) November 21, 2023

The Ice Garden: How has it felt working for a pro hockey team after a few years away?

Laura Brennan: It’s been great to be back in the pro game! I really (missed and) enjoy being in a team environment on a daily basis.

TIG: What do you like about the trio of goalies—Corinne Schroeder, Abby Levy, and Lindsey Post—that you get to work with with PWHL New York?

LB: I love that our goalies are always hanging out together. They bring great energy daily and push each other, and the team, to be the best that they can be,

TIG: Having fun working alongside coach Colton Orr again?

LB: It has been so much fun to be reunited with Colton again! With everything being so new and blending different styles and cultures – it has been comforting to have him here (on this journey) by my side.

TIG: What did you do between working with the Whale and PWHL New York?

LB: During my gap years I continued to run a small ice hockey training facility, as well as coaching a local boys high school hockey team (Staples in Westport, Connecticut). Along with that, I started a masters program in Sport Psychology. Last season, I was a part of the Diversity and Inclusion scouting mentorship program with the Boston Bruins.

TIG: Any favorite moments for you from the PWHL season thus far?

LB: My favorite moment so far this season was having the honor of our team playing in the first PWHL game on January 1 in Toronto. Getting the win and it being a shutout for us was something truly special.

Linky Dinks

A guide to some of the best links in women’s hockey from the past seven days

• Original Riveter Sydney Kidd wrote a powerful piece about how we need to be careful not to replace or revise history as the PWHL celebrates growing and striving for milestones.
• Who are the three finalists for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award? Angelica Rodriguez breaks it down for The Ice Garden.
• Mikyla Grant-Mentis looks for a fresh start in the PWHL with Montreal after being released by Ottawa. Habs Eyes On The Prize has the latest.
• Former Wisconsin Badger star Meghan Duggan to headline UW-Madison spring commencement, via Wisconsin State Journal.
• The 2024 NCAA Women’s Hockey Tournament is about to begin and Tyler Kuehl previews it all for Daily Face-off.
• Former pro goaltender Tera Hofmann stopped by The Ice Garden’s Around the Rink podcast for an hour long chat with Allie Morse & Dan Rice about her career and what she’s been up to over the past year.
• Hailey Salvian from The Athletic has all the details on the comings and goings on PWHL rosters recently, and some other nuggets of info, too.

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