Cassie Campbell makes a major announcement on Sportsnet

Longtime Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster and women's hockey pioneer Cassie Campbell announced this evening that she is leaving CBC and Sportsnet and joining the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) as a senior advisor

It's hard to believe but Campbell has been a fixture on Sportsnet and CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts for 20 years now, joining the broadcast booth as the first female color commentator in NHL history way back in 2003.

For those who don't know, Campbell is one of the most decorated players in women's hockey history. She's a three time Olympic gold medalist and an eight time World Champion and was named as a member to the Order of Canada in 2017. In short, she's a women's hockey legend and should provide the newly formed PWHL with a wealth of knowledge and insight.

“The opportunity to join the PWHL, and continue to have an impact on the women's game, was one that I absolutely had to accept,” said Campbell-Pascall in a statement from the PWHL. “I'm extremely pleased to take an active advisory role in the advancement of a top pro league that is so full of promise.”

The PWHL is a new six-team league founded after the former Professional Women's Hockey Players' Association (PWHPA) merged with the previous top women's league, the Premier Hockey Federation. The league's first game is scheduled for January 1st, 2024.

“Cassie is an excellent addition to the PWHL and one that we’re all thrilled about,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL senior vice president of Hockey Operations in a statement on the team's website. “In the years I’ve known Cassie — including many as teammates on the ice — her leadership, passion and knowledge of the game have always stood out. Her impact on women’s hockey cannot be overstated and we know her expertise will help propel the PWHL to success.”

Personally, I'm overjoyed by this announcement. Frankly, I've been concerned with the lack of well... anything... I've seen from the PWHL so far. The league is set to debut in just a couple weeks' time and we still don't even know what the teams' names or logos are yet. We only have an inkling of who will be playing where and we have no real idea of the 2024 schedule. Here's hoping that Campbell helps lend this league some stability.