Cheryl Pounder Establishing Herself as Best Color Commentator in Women's Hockey

As the Canadian network TSN continues to expand its scope and broadcasts women’s hockey games, Cheryl Pounder is the perfect choice as color commentator. Working with Rod Black (a former football player at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport level), the two have a remarkable on-air chemistry.

Like many great color commentators, Pounder is a former player of her respective game. Having competed with the Canadian national team, she won gold medals at the 2002 Salt Lake and 2006 Torino Winter Games, respectively.

Her knowledge of the game (and experience) makes her a trusted name among women’s hockey players. She is someone that players are comfortable speaking with because she once played at that level, and the preparation and effort that she has put into the on-air product comes across. 

In addition, Pounder is very good at providing smart analysis in a neutral tone (showing no bias). Her ability to keep up with the action and analyze key plays with great alacrity makes her one of the rising stars in sports casting.

Over the last few years, the famed Hockey Night in Canada program has employed women such as Cassie Campbell-Pascall (the first woman to win the Order of Hockey in Canada), Martine Gaillard, Andi Petrillo and Jennifer Botterill. There is no question that Pounder would be a remarkable choice to serve as a commentator on their NHL broadcasts.

With her reputation growing, Pounder has also earned many engagements in public speaking. She has worked for the Canadian Women’s Hockey League as a Master of Ceremonies at the CWHL Draft and at the CWHL Awards, respectively.

Recently, she was hired by Hockey Canada to serve as a Master of Ceremonies for the Awards Ceremony at the 2013 Esso Cup (a Canadian national women’s hockey championship for players under the age of 18).

Perhaps more remarkable is the fact that Pounder still finds the time to give back to the game. A mother of two, Pounder also serves on the board of the Ladies First Hockey Foundation (a foundation that raises funds for women’s hockey).

Pounder’s impact on women’s hockey broadcasts holds the same impact as John Madden to football broadcasts (except that Pounder is more attractive). In many ways, she is the embodiment of the spirit that encompasses women’s hockey. Hard-working, dedicated and articulate, she is a role model for working moms, current players and those looking to help the women’s game grow.