International Women’s Day was the perfect opportunity to gather a panel of inspirational women for a candid discussion celebrating the achievements of women in corporate offices, hockey arenas, and everywhere in between.
Executives and players from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)’s Vancouver Goldeneyes – currently in the second half of their inaugural season – visited Amazon’s downtown Vancouver Tech Hub, where they joined Amazon Canada Vice-President and Country Manager Eva Lorenz and Prime Monday Night Hockey analyst Blake Bolden for an insightful panel discussion that explored the momentum behind women’s sports in the wake of the 2026 Milano-Cortino Winter Olympics and shared wisdom from their diverse career journeys.
Vancouver Goldeneyes General Manager Cara Gardner Morey – a hockey veteran recognized as one of the pioneers for women playing professionally – reflected on her trajectory, from struggling for ice time and playing in near-empty arenas to leading a team that welcomes thousands of devoted fans at the Pacific Coliseum.
“I still get teary-eyed at every home game, when I see how we’ve galvanized the city,” she said. “When I was playing professionally, maybe three fans were in the stands – and one was my baby. I never thought that the momentum we’re experiencing today would happen in my lifetime.”
As women become increasingly present in boardrooms and behind hockey benches across the nation, she encouraged those in the audience to not question their worth.
“We have such a delicate dance as women – trying to not come on too strong, which can lead to pushback in a male-dominated environment, but also knowing that we’ll be dismissed if we’re too soft. Similarly, a woman is more likely to talk herself out of applying for a job because she has nine out of the 10 qualifications – not the full list,” she said. “Apply, apply, apply for that job. Don’t talk yourself out of that opportunity. You’ll get the job, and you’ll figure it out.”
Goldeneyes defenceman Nina Jobst-Smith – fresh off her strong performance playing for Team Germany at the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament, where she scored the tournament’s first goal – and forward Mannon McMahon reflected on the importance for any woman to have a strong advocate in their corner. In their cases, their parents were pivotal early role models.
“My parents advocated me to have every opportunity to play – even if it meant being the only girl playing on a boys’ team when I was younger,” said Mannon. “Looking back, I know that advocating for me created some pushback for them, from both our hockey association and other parents. But it was so worth it when I got to college and saw my first examples of women in powerful positions in the sport.”
Nina praised her mother for nurturing her competitive spirit from early on.
“I grew up telling my mom that I was going to play in the NHL,” she recalls. “She encouraged my competitive spirit, and I owe so much to her.”
For Eva Lorenz, mentors during her more than 20 years at Amazon have included women and men who have championed her at different stages of her career, and she encouraged the audience to never underestimate the importance of nurturing relationships.
“Some of my most valued Amazon experiences come from relationships I've maintained for years,” she said. “Over the years, I've been fortunate to work across North America Stores and Kindle, learning from incredible mentors along the way who taught me how to balance data-driven decisions with customer anecdotes and insights, a combination that's proven invaluable. Remember that someone you work with today can end up opening a door for you years down the road – so think of every relationship as a long-term investment.”
Blake Bolden praised the people who opened doors for her in the hockey community when she hung up her own skates after playing professionally in the NWHL.
“I’m grateful to people like Luc Robitaille, who helped me get my scouting job with the LA Kings. There are sponsors out there who will put your name in a hat, and you won’t even know about it. I still have to give myself some serious pep talks before walking in to certain rooms, but it helps to have someone in your corner.”
As women forge new ground, the unique pressures facing female athletes and executives can feel daunting. Gardner Morey reflected on the temptation some women face to discourage their peers from climbing the ladder.
“There’s this myth that when you’re a woman, there’s only one spot at the top. So instead of helping other women climb the ladder, you’re tempted to kick the ladder out from under you,” she said. “Our collective mission should be to build more ladders and create more tables. There’s room for all of us, and we’re just getting started.”
The PWHL is in the second season of its partnership with Amazon Prime Video, which broadcasts 19 Tuesday night games for the 2025-26 season.
