In this episode of WOMEN ARE PLAYERS TOO, host Eva Hartling sits down with Karell Émard — former pro hockey player, coach, analyst, and PWHL agent who's now officially Chief, Athlete Strategy & Innovation with Collective Pivot — to talk about her incredible journey through the game and her ongoing impact on the future of women's hockey.

From playing on boys' teams as a kid, to captaining St. Lawrence University, to winning the Clarkson Cup with Les Canadiennes de Montréal, Karell has worn just about every hat in the hockey world. After helping lead the charge with the PWHPA (pre-PWHL), she's now advocating for athletes as an agent and using her voice in sports media as an analyst for RDS.

We talk about what it's taken to push for progress in a sport that's been slow to change — and how Karell is helping ensure the next generation of women in hockey is better supported. Plus, we dive into the power of marketing and brand partnerships in women's sports, and how these opportunities can truly change athletes' lives.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Her early days in the game and why she never saw limits

• Stepping away from the ice to coach — and what brought her back

• Being a player-leader during the formation of the PWHPA

• Her role as a PWHL agent and advocate for players

• How brands and marketing can be game-changers for athletes

• What still needs to change in the game

Karell isn't just part of women's hockey history — she's helping shape its future.

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WOMEN ARE PLAYERS TOO is produced by The Brand is Female. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn!