Leah Hextall is a groundbreaking figure in sports broadcasting, known for shattering barriers and redefining what’s possible for women in hockey media. She made history as the first woman to provide play-by-play commentary for a nationally televised NHL game, as part of Sportsnet’s all-female broadcast team. In 2019, she also became the first woman to call the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship for ESPN.
With nearly two decades of experience, Hextall has worked for major networks across North America. But her path wasn’t linear—after being laid off and briefly pursuing a political career, she returned to sports determined to become a professional play-by-play announcer. Her journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, and she continues to inspire others by proudly standing out, rather than trying to fit in.
A native of Brandon, Manitoba, Hextall graduated from the Columbia Academy of Radio, Television and Recording Arts in 2003. She built her early career at CTV Winnipeg and NESN before making her play-by-play debut in 2018 with Canadian Women’s Hockey League broadcasts. She joined ESPN’s NHL team in 2021.
Hockey runs deep in Hextall’s blood—her grandfather, Bryan Hextall, is a Hockey Hall of Famer; her cousin Ron and uncles Bryan and Dennis each had lengthy NHL careers. Today, Leah Hextall continues to break new ground, inviting more women to follow her lead in the sports world.
Speech topics include:
A Conversation with Leah Hextall
Not One of the Boys
First woman to call national NHL game play-by-play.
Called 2019 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship for ESPN.
Joined ESPN NHL broadcast team in 2021 as commentator.
Worked nearly 20 years with major North American networks.
Debuted play-by-play in 2018, CWHL women’s hockey games.
Veteran host at CTV Winnipeg, NESN Today, and Sportsnet.
Reinvented herself after career setbacks, pursued new broadcasting path.
Graduated 2003 from Columbia Academy, Vancouver, broadcast arts program.
Received formal training in radio, television, and recording production.
Made sports broadcasting history with multiple first-time achievements.
Honored for pioneering efforts in male-dominated hockey industry.
Grandfather Bryan Hextall, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee.
Cousin Ron Hextall, Flyers goalie, Penguins general manager.
Uncles Bryan, Dennis Hextall had 20+ year NHL careers.
Resilient, outspoken, and committed to growing women’s hockey presence.
Advocates for women in sports broadcasting with unwavering determination.
Rejects conformity, embraces individuality, and opens doors for others.
Faces adversity with courage, defies harassment and criticism publicly.
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We are the talent liaisons that curate, ideate, and connect you to the right artists to transform special events into experiences of a lifetime. Our roots are those of musicologists and culture hawks, deeply embedded in the living performing arts. This is the foundation of our work, the soul of our business, and what we've been doing for over 25 years. We have the capacity and capability to bring any artist from anywhere in the world to your event.
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