Welcome back to the 206 Sports Collective! In this episode, host Erica L. Ayala sits down with Seattle Torrent center Mikyla Grant-Mentis—also known as MGM or Buckey—for a lively and insightful conversation about her journey in professional women’s hockey.

From her recent move from Montreal to Seattle to the chemistry she’s building with her current linemates, MGM shares what keeps her passion for the game alive. She talks about the thrill of playing against friends, embracing the city’s growing hockey fanbase, and the ever-evolving tunnel fashion—thanks to her mom's behind-the-scenes style expertise.

Erica and Buckey dive into meaningful topics like cultural heritage, Black excellence in hockey, and what it means to represent both Indigenous and Black communities in a sport that’s rapidly diversifying. Listeners will also get an inside look at team dynamics, friendly cross-border rivalries headed into the Olympics, and the unique stories behind Grant-Mentis’s many nicknames.

Whether you’re a die-hard Seattle Torrent supporter or just curious about the faces and personalities shaping the future of women’s hockey, this episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

00:00 "Embracing Change and Connections"
06:19 "Seattle Torrent Line Dynamics"
07:05 Team Chemistry Sparks Recent Success
13:02 "Bucky: A Childhood Nickname"
16:51 Discovering Family Roots
18:47 "Black Hockey Player's Unique Journey"
22:03 Relentless, Gritty Teamwork Wins
24:03 Friendly Wagers Among Teammates

Erica L Ayala
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Ava Wood
🦋 https://bsky.app/profile/avapwhl.bsky...

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