Cassie Campbell-Pascal is leaving Sportsnet and 'Hockey Night in Canada': 'A trailblazer for women in hockey'

Cassie Campbell-Pascal is starting a new chapter in her career.

The three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medallist, 50, is stepping away from her roles at Sportsnet and "Hockey Night in Canada." The former ice hockey player has chosen to retire her 18-year commentary career and take on a significant position as a special advisor with the recently-established Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

In a statement released by the PWHL on Monday, the Canadian TV host shared her excitement about switching gears professionally, saying, "The opportunity to join the PWHL, and continue to have an impact on the women's game, was one that I absolutely had to accept. ... I'm extremely pleased to take an active advisory role in the advancement of a top pro league that is so full of promise."

After her announcement, Campbell-Pascal's Sportsnet co-host David Amber shared "it's a bittersweet night." In a thank-you video dedicated to her, Amber emphasized the impact she has made throughout her tenure.

In response to Amber's farewell message, Campbell-Pascall took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share her gratitude for all of the support she has received.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me. NHL players, coaches, GM's, colleagues on and off the air, you have always supported me and I thank you," the Richmond Hill, Ont.-native broadcaster penned. "I am grateful and look forward to new adventures and home."

Her post was met with supportive messages from fans who congratulated and wished her luck on her latest milestone.

"All the best to you, Cassie! I have always enjoyed watching you first as an amazing player and then on the media side. PWHL is lucky to have you!" an X user wrote.

Another person chimed in: "Congratulations to you on your new role. One of the trailblazers for women's hockey for sure. Continued success in expanding the women's game."

"All the best!" someone else shared. "A true Canadian hockey icon and complete class act... Not to mention a bit of a crush back in the day. On to bigger and more important things."

"Thanks for being a pioneer, Cassie, and a role model to so many. Good luck in your next chapter," a fan commented.

The PWHL launched earlier this year following the dissolution of the Premier Hockey Federation and Professional Women's Hockey Players Association. The PWHL boasts teams in six key markets, including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Boston, New York and Minnesota, and it's scheduled to begin its first 24-game season on Jan. 1 in Toronto.

Jayna Hefford, senior vice president of hockey operations with the PWHL and a former teammate of Campbell-Pascall's, commended the addition, saying, "Cassie is an excellent addition to the PWHL and one that we're all thrilled about."

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.