Kenzie Lalonde is no stranger to breaking barriers or making history, but this one hits closer to home—literally. The Ottawa native recently became the first woman to provide play-by-play commentary for a Canadian NHL broadcast, calling the iconic Battle of Ontario between the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs on TSN. For a broadcaster who grew up cheering for the Sens, with roots firmly planted in Carleton Place and Stittsville, this moment carried weight far beyond the record books.
Lalonde’s rise has been marked by tenacity and a deep love for the game. From her early days at Eastlink Community TV to calling the first-ever Walter Cup Championship in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, her career has evolved in lockstep with some of hockey’s most defining modern milestones. Now, she joins TSN’s regional coverage of the Ottawa Senators, providing a new voice to moments that define a city’s—and a fanbase’s—collective memory.
Here, she reflects on her groundbreaking NHL moment, the influences that shaped her career, and what it means to call games for the team she’s always called her own.
We last interviewed you in 2022. How has your journey evolved since then, and what moments stand out for you?
Time flies! Since we last spoke in 2022, there is now a Professional Women’s Hockey League. I am one of the play-by-play voices for this league. I called the first-ever Walter Cup Championship, which remains the most meaningful broadcast I have ever been a part of. I joined our World Junior Championship coverage at TSN. Like many hockey households in Canada, watching this tournament is part of my family’s holiday tradition, so to now be a part of the coverage is very special. I am looking forward to working at the tournament in Ottawa.
Lastly, the most fulfilling opportunity has been joining our TSN Sens regional show as a new play-by-play voice.
How did you find out you’d be calling the historic Leafs vs. Sens game?
The talented Jon Abbott held this position for many years with TSN. He recently joined the Calgary Flames, which led to a vacancy. I applied for the opening with TSN, and the rest is, well, history. I have called hundreds of games, not just hockey–since I began my broadcasting journey 10 years ago, so I felt ready to take the next step. It’s rare for a play-by-play position to become available, let alone with the team you grew up cheering for.
Who was the first person you called?
I FaceTimed my parents immediately. I still remember that moment to this day; they were sitting in their family room in Carleton Place. My mom screeched with joy. When I told them my first game was going to be Sens vs. Leafs, my dad just laughed with disbelief because the Battle of Ontario rivalry has always been a signature game in our household.
You worked with Jamie McLennan that night. Did he give you any advice?
He just told me to do my thing. Jamie is so easygoing and has some of the best stories in the NHL, so it’s a joy to be in the booth with him!
You’ll be calling more Senators broadcasts this season. What does this opportunity mean to you?
It’s part of the responsibility that comes with the role—capturing the energy and words that match the defining moments of an athlete’s career. That’s what I love most about play-by-play: you’re experiencing the highs and lows of the game in real time, experiencing all the emotions I remember when I played.
Who has influenced your broadcasting style the most?
There are a lot of people I look up to. Leah Hextall paved the way for women in the booth. When I think of the “voice” of the Senators, I hear Dean Brown. The person who has had the greatest impact on my understanding of the position is Kevin Northup. We worked together at Eastlink Community TV in Nova Scotia. Kevin was the lead play-by-play voice in our sports department. When I first started play-by-play, he took the time to show me the ropes, how to prepare, what stats to look for, and how to improve. I would not be here today without his guidance.
What’s the most memorable play-by-play call you’ve ever heard?
I was talking to someone about this the other day—a specific Mike Fisher goal call. Former Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher was playing for the Nashville Predators at the time when he scored a triple OT winner in the 2016 playoffs. I remember Chris Cuthbert saying, “he’s more popular than Carrie Underwood tonight in Nashville!”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into broadcasting?
Give it a try! This job is all about reps.
Reach out to your local sports teams to see if you can call games or start a YouTube channel. I used to interview my fellow student-athletes at university with a camcorder and a mic that never worked, but to me, it wasn’t about the final product; it was about getting used to conducting interviews.
Who would you like to thank for supporting you along the way?
My parents are at the top of this list, Rob and Sandi. They sparked my passion for sports and instilled a strong work ethic in me. My father worked nights for many years, yet always made time to drop me off at hockey practice or drive to Toronto to watch me play. My mom used her vacation days to take my brother and me to hockey tournaments. They always put us first. We’re a sports-oriented family, and even though my brother and I no longer play, hockey remains a big part of our family identity. My niece’s favourite stuffed animal right now is a mini Spartacat she got at the Ottawa Charge game at CTC. She will only know a world where professional women’s hockey is possible.
What is the best thing about being from Stittsville?
The people, the parks, and the rinks. The outdoor rink at A. Lorne Cassidy remains the best ODR in the city!
