International Women's Day was this past Sunday on March 8. It was celebrated in different ways around the globe, but for a Brandon native, it was celebrated in front of some bright lights.

Leah Hextall took over the reins of play-by-play for the Calgary Flames vs Vegas Golden Knights game. 

The broadcast team included Cassie Campbell-Pascall and reporter Christine Simpson. 

"The experience was just thrilling and how can it not be. I had the chance to call (in my opinion) the greatest sport at the highest level," said Hextall. "I think it was also magnified because of who I was working with. To call an NHL game, it's truly a dream come true. I survived and I think it went pretty well and I can't wait to do it again if that opportunity comes up."

The end score saw the Golden Knights get past Calgary, 5-3. Although it wasn't Calgary who came out on top, Leah's favourite memory of the game was when a Flames forward scored.

"I think one of my game calls when Dillon Dube scored. There was an excitement to my voice and it was extremely genuine," continued Hextall.

Although Sunday's game was Hextall's first National Hockey League play-by-play opportunity, she has called games on big stages in the past. Last year she became the first woman ever to do play-by-play on ESPN for the NCAA men's hockey championship. She also was calling women's hockey games on Sportsnet for the past two years. 

Calling a game in the NHL was always a dream for the Brandonite. That dream grew bigger after she called the NCAA action and that dream has officially come true.

"There were a few nerves early in the day, but I was actually kind of surprised by how calm I was," she added. "I knew I could do it because I had been doing it for years and that NCAA experience helped me. All in all, it's a dream come true."

Hextall did confirm that she has a busy rest of the month when it comes to calling games; however, she couldn't share exactly where. So that means if you're a big hockey fan and you enjoy listening to Hextall, stay tuned.