The Bits

In this episode, the Bits welcome Paige Martin, the in-game host and reporter for Oilers TV, who shares her journey in hockey media, emphasizing the importance of female representation and the challenges faced by women in sports broadcasting. She discusses the behind-the-scenes work at Oilers TV, the impact of the recent trades, and the culture of Oilers fans. Later, the Bits get into the newest hot show (emphasis on the "hot), 'Heated Rivalry,' its cultural impact, and the ongoing discussions around LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

In this episode, we discuss the recent two-year ban of Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak due to administrative failures, highlighting the complexities of anti-doping regulations. Then, is there a new "Special Boy" on the rise? Why you should root for Oiler Matthew Savoie. The conversation shifts to the ever-controversial Tkachuk brothers' recent comments targeting girls and nicknames. Finally, we touch on the World Cup draw and Canada's prospects in the upcoming tournament.

This week on The Bits, we’re joined by Cara Cotter, founder of So Pretty, to chat about her brand’s new So Pretty × NHL jewelry collection. Cara breaks down how the collaboration came to life, the design inspiration behind the pieces, and what it means to bring a feminine, fashion-forward touch to the hockey world. A fun deep-dive into creativity, sport, and an unexpected crossover.

The Blue Jays are flying high, and so is the bandwagon. This week on The Bits, we’re joined by guest host and die-hard Jays fan, CBC AM host Tara McCarthy, to talk all things Jays World Series run: Vlad, team vibes and fun facts, the bandwagon, and why Canada can’t help but fall for the Birds again. Not sure if you're a baseball fan? You will be after this episode.

Canadian rugby great Jen Kish joins us to talk about Alberta’s Bill 29 and what it means for girls’ and women’s sport, youth participation, and inclusion. Kish is known for her ongoing LGBTQ2S+ advocacy and for never shying away from the heat when it comes to making sure everyone has a place in sport. She’s joined by Leah, a parent of teen daughters and a nonbinary kid who wants to play. Together we dig into the new eligibility rules for girls 12+, the ripple effects for kids, parents, coaches, and teachers, and the risks of ‘eligibility policing’ that can unfairly target tomboys, gender-nonconforming athletes, and even girls who are simply taller, stronger, or don’t fit narrow expectations of what a girl should look like. We also explore the government’s fairness and safety arguments, how consent and notification policies in schools intersect with sport, and what this all means for team culture. Disclaimer We’re not experts, but we’re trying to process this too. References:One in three girls drop out by late adolescenceWomen and Sport and several allied reports (e.g. Alberta Women’s Health Foundation’s Practice More Parity) report that about 1 in 3 girls quit sports during adolescence. REF: Alberta Women's Health Foundation (https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/our-impact/practice-more-parity)Girls leave at twice the rate of boysThe drop-out rate for teenage girls (ages roughly 16–18) is around 33%, versus only about 10% for boys in the same age range. REF: Alberta Women's Health Foundation (https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/our-impact/practice-more-parity)Participation falls sharply after age 16According to the 2024 Rally Report from Canadian Women & Sport, nearly four in ten girls are missing out on organized sport overall, and this rises to five in ten (50%) by age 16. REF: Beyond Sport (https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/22/canadian-women-sport-release-report-to-ensure-all-girls-benefit-from-sports/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)It also notes dropout rates increase at age 16 and accelerate through the late teenage years. REF: Beyond Sport (https://beyondsport.org/2024/11/22/canadian-women-sport-release-report-to-ensure-all-girls-benefit-from-sports/)

The Bits are back just in time to talk about one of the Oilers recent additions… rookie Isaac Howard, who certainly knows how to cause a stir! When this kid was drafted in 2022, he proudly announced he was the "best-dressed at the draft". While we don’t know if he in fact WAS the best dressed, we dive into that kind of energy from a player. We also chat Oilers new coaching staff, plus a new segment "Things That Are Better Than The Edmonton Elks Right Now" to offer CFL fans a little perspective.

Snuggle up with The Bits and learn some fun facts about our sweet boy Zach Hyman. Quinn puts the girls to the test with trivia about the Oilers forward, and Paulina puts the psychology major she doesn’t have to use by psychoanalyzing your favourite Christmas movie. Follow along as Claire discovers where her fear of home invasions all began.