Rinkside Rundown

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Boston University standout Sydney Healey. Her story starts on backyard rinks and how those moments playing sports with her family turned into a obsession with the game, how she learned to lead through the ups and downs of junior hockey, and why she chose Boston University to build her foundation. Sydney also opens up about the mental and physical shift required to get ready for the professional level, why the PWHL changes everything for players coming up today, and how she maintains a team-first mentality even when the pressure to succeed rises. We talk about that and so much more on this week's episode of Rinkside Rundown. If you’re enjoying these stories, subscribe and share the podcast with your fellow hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET, bringing you closer to the players shaping the women's game. This conversation was recorded ahead of the 2026 PWHL Draft, so we also had the opportunity to discuss how she was preparing for the next stage in Sydney's career.

What does it actually take to stand alone in the crease when the pressure is at its highest? This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Penn State goaltender and Vancouver Goldeneyes draft pick Katie DeSa, where she opens up about the journey that brought her from falling in love with the game during the 2010 Olympics to anchoring the Nittany Lions' historic run. During our conversation, Katie talks about the importance of keeping things fun when the stakes are massive, the mental resilience required to bounce back, and how she unwinds away from the rink through fly fishing and music. This episode was recorded before she was selected in the fourth round, 37th overall, by the Vancouver Goldeneyes. On September 1, Katie signed her first professional contract, inking a one-year deal with the Goldeneyes. If you’re enjoying these stories, subscribe and share Rinkside Rundown with your fellow hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET, bringing you closer to the players shaping the women's game.

Building a foundation beyond the ice. This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Brown University captain India McDadi. Instead of just tracing her collegiate steps in the ECAC, we explore how her athletic roots outside the rink ultimately shaped her competitive edge and leadership style. India opens up about growing up as a multi-sport athlete in Mississauga. We discuss how her early success in baseball taught her unique lessons in confidence, as well as the pivotal moment she decided to focus entirely on hockey. We also talk about her evolution as a leader at Brown, the realities of building a strong team culture, and how she translates those collegiate lessons into her own game. Because we recorded this conversation just before the 2026 PWHL Draft, India shares an honest look at her preparation for the professional ranks. She provides a rare, unfiltered window into the nerves and mindset required when a top collegiate player is waiting to take that next big step. If you’re enjoying these conversations, subscribe and share Rinkside Rundown with your fellow women’s hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET, featuring players from across the women’s game, from youth and college to the pros. Link in bio.

When a career comes full circle. This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Colgate University graduate and PWHL Detroit draft pick Casey Borgiel. We trace her path from youth hockey with Little Caesars through her collegiate stops at Holy Cross and Colgate, and what she discovered about herself both on and off the ice along the way. Casey opens up about the impact of team culture and leadership, the reality of transitioning from junior to NCAA Division I, and how mental resilience and sports psychology helped her handle pressure at every level. We also dig into how she’s preparing for the pro game and what it means to build a career beyond the scoresheet. Since we spoke, Casey’s hard work has paid off in a big way. At the 2026 PWHL Draft, she heard her name called by her hometown club, PWHL Detroit, who selected her 22nd overall. In doing so, she became the organization’s first-ever draft pick from the state of Michigan. On August 14, 2026, Casey signed her first professional contract, inking a one-year deal with Detroit ahead of the 2026-27 season. “It’s a dream come true to come home and play in the same arena that helped me fall in love with hockey and find my passion for the game,” Casey said via team release. If you’re enjoying these conversations, subscribe and share Rinkside Rundown with your fellow women’s hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET, featuring players from across the women’s game, from youth and college to the pros. Link in bio.

What does a journey look like from small town Indiana to the pros? This week on Rinkside Rundown, I catch up with friend of the show Megan McKay, defender and graduate of Clarkson University, who grew up in Zionsville, Indiana and is now preparing for a professional career in the PWHL. Since Megan last appeared back on Episode 96 of the show ( https://youtu.be/q6yg3V-ip9w ), she wrapped up her collegiate career and declared for the PWHL Draft. In this episode, she shares the lessons she learned and growth she achieved while at Clarkson University, and how it’s helped prepare her for the next step of her career. We also chat about her own podcast, Her Shift , her blossoming broadcasting career, and the work she’s done within her community to help support and develop the next generation of women’s hockey stars. This conversation was recorded before the 2026 PWHL Draft. Since then, Megan has accepted an invite to PWHL San Jose’s camp this fall. If you’re enjoying these conversations, consider subscribing and sharing with your fellow hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00pm EST and feature talented players from across the world of women’s hockey. Link in bio.

Community, leadership, and resilience. Three words to describe the journey of forward Maddy Christian, who joins me this week on Rinkside Rundown to share her inspiring hockey story. Maddy talks about the importance of community back home in Elk River, Minnesota and how they helped shape her into the player she is on the ice and the person she is away from it. She also reflects on the growth she went through in becoming part of the leadership group at Penn State University and what it took to pursue her dreams of playing alongside the best in the world. This conversation was recorded before the 2026 PWHL Draft where Maddy was selected 33rd overall by her hometown Minnesota Frost. If you’re enjoying these conversations, consider subscribing and sharing with your fellow hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00pm EST and feature talented players from across the world of women’s hockey.

Antigonish, Nova Scotia native Sara Stewart joins me this week on Rinkside Rundown to talk about her early love of hockey, the impact of community and family on her career, her growth and development at Colgate University, and what it means to be representing the East Coast for her and the next generation of female hockey players. This conversation took place prior to the 2026 PWHL Draft, where Sara also shares what it would mean to hear her name called at the draft and to embark on a career in the best league in the world. Since we spoke, Sara has signed her first professional contract, joining MoDo Hockey of the SDHL. If you’re enjoying the conversations, make sure to click that subscribe button so you never miss a brand new episode, releasing every Thursday at 3:00pm EST.

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Belleville, Ontario native Zoe Uens. Zoe walks me through how her love of hockey started from watching her dad and brother play, why playing multiple sports mattered for her development, and what it was like growing up in Belleville. We talk about her junior career with the Kingston Ice Wolves, her decision to commit to Quinnipiac, and the growth she went through over four years as a Bobcat. Since we recorded this conversation, Zoe was drafted in the third round, 36th overall, by the Montreal Victoire. Follow Zoe’s food journey on Instagram: @chueyeats If you like deep dives into women’s hockey and hearing the stories behind the players, click that follow button and subscribe on Substack .

Alex Therien went from playing her junior career in her hometown to representing Canada on the international stage to beginning an NCAA career with the University of New Hampshire, and this week, she joins me on Rinkside Rundown. We talk about the value of being a multi-sport athlete, Alex’s leadership experiences, and what it means to have a professional women's hockey team, the Ottawa Charge, playing in her hometown. Since our conversation, Alex has begun a new chapter with St. Lawrence University.

Chloe Glass, founder of the Girls and Women's Hockey Academy, joins me this week on Rinkside Rundown to discuss her transition from a college athlete and professional player in Germany to a leading advocate for athlete development, both on and off the ice. Chloe shares her journey from a young hockey player inspired by her father to a college athlete and eventually a coach, and the lessons learned along the way. We dive into how her academy supports young players by focusing on personalized physical wellness, psychological training, and proactive health habits to help keep athletes on the ice. We also discuss the Girls and Women’s Hockey Academy’s workshops, their work with the PWHL, and its future plans to continue making a positive impact on the next generation. Website: https://www.gwhockeyacademy.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580099482512 Instagram: @gw.hockeyacademy Contact: glasschloe42@gmail.com Subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for weekly interviews with the voices of women’s hockey.

Margot Page has seen the women’s game from every angle, first as an elite athlete on the world stage and now as the head coach of the Brock University Badgers. In this week’s episode of Rinkside Rundown, we dive into her transition from the ice to the bench and her perspective on the growth of women’s hockey, both in Canada and in the PWHL. In this episode, we explore: Her journey from collegiate and international competition to elite coaching. The critical role of multi-sport participation for developing well-rounded athletes. Reflections on her time competing at the World Championships and the Olympics. The rapid growth of U Sports and the shifting landscape for female athletes. Her vision for bridging the gap between collegiate hockey and the PWHL.

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Dr. Katie Peterson, a licensed sports psychologist at Achieve Performance Psychology and two-time NCAA champion, as we discuss the mental side of sports and its impact on performance, growth and development. Dr. Katie Peterson shares her own journey through hockey, including championship success, as well as what inspired her to swap the locker room for the doctor’s office when her playing days came to an end. Join us for a really interesting conversation where you’ll also learn practical tools for managing stress in your own life, and just how important confidence can be for success. Achieve Performance Psychology: https://www.achieveperformancepsych.com/ Instagram: @achieveperformancepsych Follow Dr. Katie Peterson on Instagram: @kmf_peterson Girls and Women’s Hockey Academy: https://www.gwhockeyacademy.com/

Michelle Pasiechnyk grew up in Ottawa playing mini sticks and falling in love with hockey before going on to a collegiate career that saw her take home NCAA Goaltender of the Year. On this episode of Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with the Ottawa native to discuss a career defined by success on the ice, what it meant to step away from the game and the perspective she learned from doing so. With the 2026 PWHL Draft on the horizon, Michelle also shares what it would mean to hear her name called, and the importance of creating a true pathway for the next generation of girls in hockey. Discover more about Michelle Pasiechnyk and her hockey journey at www.rinksiderundown.ca , and follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod .

This week, I'm joined by University of Minnesota forward Jamie Nelson, as we discuss her early days growing up in Andover, Minnesota where she was put in skates at three years old, to how important it was to remain close to home and the growth and development that led to a career year in 2025-26. With the PWHL Draft around the corner, we also discuss the anticipation Jamie feels ahead of this next chapter of her career, and how important it is to her to recognize the players who paved the way for her to have this moment. Some of the key topics we cover include: Jamie Nelson's early hockey influences in Minnesota The importance of multi-sport athleticism Building a championship mindset and resilience Transitioning between college programs and growth The significance of community support and role models Reflections on collegiate achievements and awards The journey to the PWHL draft and professional aspirations Discover more about Jamie Nelson and her hockey journey at www.rinksiderundown.ca , and follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod .

This week on the show, I'm joined by Viivi Vainikka, Finnish national team member and forward with Brynäs IF of the SDHL, as she shares her journey from Espoo, Finland, where she started playing the game as a way to spend time with friends to becoming a star in the Swedish league. Viivi talks about how her competitive nature helped her to discover a passion for hockey, how that passion drove her to make the leap to Naisten Liiga, the top league in Finland, when she was only 15 years old, and how she's continued to see success at every step of the way, including internationally. We also discuss why she spent an extra season in the SDHL before declaring for the upcoming PWHL Draft, and why now is the right time for her to take the next step and play in the best league in the world. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca , and follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod .

On this week's episode of Rinkside Rundown, I'm joined by College of Holy Cross standout forward Charlotte Sonntag as we skate our way through her journey from Sun Valley, Idaho, through the Shattuck St Mary's organization to her record-setting collegiate career with Holy Cross. We talk about the important lessons Charlotte learned during her junior career and how they helped set her up for a collegiate career that saw her leave a lasting legacy on the ice while successfully balancing an academic career away from it. We also discuss Charlotte's excitement for the upcoming PWHL Draft and the preparation she's putting in to achieve her ultimate goal of playing professional hockey alongside the best in the world. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca , and follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod .

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I'm joined by forward Carina DiAntonio, captain at Yale University, to discover more about her journey from the outdoor rinks in Mississauga, ON, where she was an active kid who wanted to be just like her sister and play hockey, to becoming captain at Yale, and preparing for the upcoming PWHL Draft. We talk about the leadership experience she gained during her junior career with the Brampton Jr Canadettes, the lessons she's learned through her four years at Yale University, and what it would mean to have the opportunity to play professionally in the PWHL. This is an exciting episodes with one of the most reliable and effective forwards in the NCAA, and a name that you'll definitely want to know heading into this year's PWHL Draft. Discover more: www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod .

Thea Johansson, a forward at the University of Minnesota Duluth, joins Rinkside Rundown to talk about her path from Sweden to NCAA hockey and now toward the 2026 PWHL Draft. Read and subscribe at www.rinksiderundown.ca . Growing up in a competitive athletic family in Sweden, Thea was surrounded by sport and learned early how to train, compete, and handle pressure while still enjoying the game. She walks through her early years in the SDHL, what it meant to leave home for Mercyhurst University, and how transferring to Minnesota Duluth challenged her and helped her grow as both a player and a person at the NCAA level. Thea also reflects on her mindset and professionalism, the skills she has worked to refine, and what she took from her time with the Swedish national program, including Olympic dreams and the reality of chasing them. With the 2026 PWHL Draft ahead, Thea also shares how she is preparing for that next step, what excites her about the opportunity, and the advice she would give younger players: have fun, be in the moment, be curious, ask questions, and remember that you love this sport for a reason. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod

Visit Meg's Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/madebymegsimon14 Middlebury College forward and 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award winner Meg Simon joins Rinkside Rundown to share how a life spent around the game shaped who she is on and off the ice. From moving more than 50 times for her dad’s pro hockey career and growing up in NHL locker rooms, to coming to Middlebury as a golfer and betting on herself to join the women’s hockey team, Meg’s path has been anything but typical. We talk about the team culture she fell in love with, the community work inspired by watching her parents use their platforms to give back, and how she now tries to be “more than just a hockey player” for the kids and community around her. She also opens up about homesickness, finding home in a small Vermont town, running a little Etsy shop on the side, and the three simple rules from her parents that still guide everything she does: play fair, play hard, have fun, and be a good person. Since our conversation, Meg was named the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award recipient, and you discover more here: https://hockeyhumanitarian.org/news/middlebury-colleges-meg-simon-named-2026-hockey-humanitarian-award-recipient/ Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod

Friend of the show Alyssa Regalado returns to the show for the first time since Episode 35, and shares how Cornell University has helped to prepare her for the next chapter of her hockey career with the upcoming 2026 PWHL Draft. Alyssa shares more about the mental side of the game, how she's grown as a leader, and the lessons she's learned through the ups and downs of collegiate hockey. We also discuss what it would mean to Alyssa to see her professional dreams become a reality with the PWHL Draft on the horizon. Check out Episode 35 here and discover Alyssa's origin story: https://youtu.be/Gmv92jxJlRs Subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for weekly conversations with players from around the world of women's hockey, and for ongoing coverage of the upcoming 2026 PWHL Draft. And visit www.rinksiderundown.ca for even more coverage.