When the Game Changes

“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

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.

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