THIS IS SPORTS SPECTRUM’S WHAT’S UP PODCAST
WITH ANNABELLE HASSELBECK
On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Joy Dunne, an Ohio State women’s ice hockey player and 2024 NCAA national champion.
We’re excited to talk to Joy about winning the national championship, playing for Team USA, growing up with six siblings, and her perspective on where to attend college.
THIS IS SPORTS SPECTRUM’S WHAT’S UP PODCAST
WITH ANNABELLE HASSELBECK
On today’s episode of Sports Spectrum’s “What’s Up” podcast, we have Oluchi Okananwa!
Oluchi shares about how she brings the Lord into her basketball career, her passions outside of sports, and insight into this year’s Maryland women’s basketball team.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power, Feb. 25, 2026 (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II).
For much of this season, the numbers haven’t told the full story for Owen Power.
One of the top defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres and a former No. 1 overall pick, the 23-year-old endured a 24-game goal drought earlier this year — an unusual outlier even for a blueliner, who typically isn’t counted on to produce like a forward. Statistically, with only 19 points through 60 games, it hasn’t been a banner season for Power.
But it’s shaping up to be a strong year for the Sabres. After a 5-8-4 start through Nov. 13, Buffalo caught fire, winning 10 straight to close out 2025. The surge vaulted it into second place in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, and the squad has now won 10 of its past 13 games and four in a row since the Olympic break as it pushes toward what would be the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2011.
And Power insists he’s playing the best hockey of his career.
“You look at the numbers, it probably doesn’t say that,” he told the Olean (N.Y.) Times Herald following a February practice. “But being out there, the feel I have, I feel like I’m playing better than I have in years prior. And when you’re winning, everyone looks a lot better.”
For Power, the difference has been confidence — and details.
“I think I’m using my feet a lot better (than) what I have, and with that, I think my defending comes a lot easier when I’m able to use my feet defending rather than just kind of using my stick,” he told the Times Herald. “So I think that’s kind of been a big thing. I’ve been able to close guys quicker and have tighter gaps. When you do that, the game’s a lot easier.”
— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) March 4, 2026
His steadiness has mirrored Buffalo’s turnaround. Following a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday — in which Power scored on a deflection, his fifth goal of the season — he credited the group’s resilience after the long break for the Olympics.
“The rest was big,” he told reporters. “But I think we did a good job of coming back and just continuing to roll and play confident, so it’s definitely nice to come out and win four straight. Hopefully we keep it rolling.”
While his on-ice growth has been evident, Power says the most important transformation in his life has been his relationship with God. Raised in a Catholic family, he was around church growing up, but his faith was more routine than relationship.
He attended on “the big holidays,” he said, mostly to “check it off the box.” It wasn’t until before college that he began attending a Bible study. When he arrived at Michigan, that habit continued. There, he also met his future wife, whom he credits with helping lead him into a deeper walk with Christ.
That foundation became especially important once hockey success — and the contract that followed — arrived, especially when it can be easy for athletes to let their identity get wrapped up in the money and fame of pro sports.
“One thing I realized pretty quickly is I signed that contract, and you realize right away that this doesn’t change how happy you are at all,” he said on the podcast. “If anything, it comes with more temptations and ability to live with more selfish desires.”
He believes God has given him those things for a reason, and he’s ready to embrace that. But using his platform to talk about his faith is not something that comes naturally.
“I’m not the most comfortable doing it,” he told Sports Spectrum, “but I think especially in the last couple of years, I’ve kind of had the opportunity to do different things that have allowed me to come out of my shell and be able to spread the Gospel to different people around the community. It’s something I know I need to do better at, and I know God has given me a platform to use.”
Like the saying goes: Giving to others often has a way of returning the favor.
“When you’re able to go and spread the Gospel, even if it’s just getting to one person, it’s some of the most fulfilling work you can do,” he said. “I think it brings a ton of joy to my life.”
The Sabres get back on the ice Thursday in Pittsburgh to face the Penguins at 7 p.m. ET.
