When the Game Changes - by Evanka Osmak (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An engaging and deeply moving memoir from renowned Sportsnet anchor Evanka Osmak about finding a women's hockey community just as she was losing her beloved mother to ALS.

When fan-favourite Sportsnet TV anchor Evanka Osmak was forty-one years old, she became a hockey player for the first time.

She had her dream job, a solid group of female friends, and a beautiful family; still, she realized she needed something outside of work that was just for her, particularly in the wake of a pandemic that caused all our worlds to shrink. That's when she found Sister Sports, a local hockey league just for women. Evanka was used to reporting on hockey, so she knew the game inside and out--from the broadcast studio. But she'd never played before. And she wouldn't realize until later how much this league would come to mean to her.

At the same time as she was falling in love with the game as a player, not just as a sports anchor, she received some devastating news: her beloved mother, Jeannie--her family's rock--had been diagnosed with ALS.

As Evanka navigated her mother's treatment and progressing illness, she found a sense of hope and community within her hockey team of adult women that helped her deal with the unthinkable.

When the Game Changes is a deeply affecting memoir that shows Jeannie's care and influence throughout Evanka's life, from her childhood through her lively early career, to finding herself in the co-anchor's seat at Sportsnet. It's the profound story of a daughter's extraordinary love for her mom, and how a team of like-minded women provided solace at one of life's most challenging times.

This is the story of how sports, family, and women's community can get us through our darkest hours.

Review Quotes

"Evanka writes movingly about how it feels to juggle work and a young family while losing her mum and still trying to find happiness and community through hockey. This beautiful tribute to her mum will have you wishing you knew Jeannie. Evanka's personable and honest account of the pain and grief of losing a parent takes you on an emotional journey that is also a reminder to us all to carve out time for ourselves and find what brings us joy. It might even inspire you head to your local rink and sign up for hockey."
-- MARTINE GAILLARD, TV Sports Broadcaster

"Evanka's story is one that is deeply relatable, inspiring, and hits all of the emotions! As a fellow female broadcaster, a mother, and someone who has also experienced the loss of a mother, I found her honesty and vulnerability especially powerful, bringing her words to life. A highly recommended read for anyone navigating career ambition, personal loss, or just looking for a great read."
-- MEAGHAN MIKKELSON REID, Two-Time Olympic & World Champion and NHL Broadcaster

"When you sit beside someone for fifteen years you get to know them pretty well. After reading When the Game Changes, I now know Evanka more than ever. The story of how she coped with the loss of her beautiful mum, Jeannie, is literally an open book into Evanka's soul. Her writing, much like Evanka herself, is incredibly brave and open. This book made me cry, laugh and made me want to give my co-anchor a hug right away."
-- KEN REID, Co-Anchor of Rogers Sportsnet Central

"Evanka is incredibly relatable. The pain of losing a parent is universal, but she also demonstrates how there is life after loss. This book is a beautiful tribute to Evanka's mother and an excellent example of a daughter's enduring love."
-- JENNIFER HEDGER, Sports Broadcaster

"Evanka's journey is one I can relate to as both a woman in sports broadcasting and also as someone who has lost her mother. She shares some stories of her life so far with equal parts humour and heartbreak. And it's clear her cherished late mother, Jeannie, continues to inspire and guide her today just as she always has. Thanks for sharing her with all of us in this book."
-- CHRISTINE SIMPSON, NHL Reporter and Television Host

About the Author

Evanka Osmak is a veteran anchor at Rogers Sportsnet. Before television, she studied civil engineering at Queens University. Her passion for sports and broadcasting landed her a job in Arizona and then eventually Sportsnet in Toronto in 2007. Evanka lives in Toronto with her husband and two children.

Kristina Rutherford is a senior writer at Sportsnet, and in fifteen years there she has covered major events including the Stanley Cup Finals, the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the US Open Tennis championships. Kristina lives in Toronto with her partner, Adam, their two kids and their dog, Riggins.