Rinkside Rundown with Chris Sinclair is your go-to podcast for women’s hockey stories, insights, and interviews. From rising stars and NCAA standouts to pro players and coaches, get behind-the-scenes access to the journeys, training, challenges, and milestones shaping the future of women’s hockey. Whether you follow the PWHL, college hockey, or international play, Rinkside Rundown brings you expert conversations and authentic stories from across the women’s game. Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on weekly episodes. Join a growing community passionate about women’s hockey and the sport’s biggest moments.
Sara Stewart on Community, Leadership and Inspiring the Next Generation of East Coast Hockey Players
33 min
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.
Zoe Uens on Family, Growth at Quinnipiac and Her Journey to the PWHL
31 min
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 on Growing Up in Ottawa, Why Pressure Is a Privilege, and the Importance of the PWHL
30 min
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 on the Gaps in Women's Hockey and Founding the Girls and Women's Hockey Academy
39 min
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 on Olympic Lessons, Transitioning from Player to Coach, and the Growth of Women's Hockey
37 min
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.
Dr. Katie Peterson on Mental Health in Sports and the Unique Pressure Females Face
45 min
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 on Community Support, Rediscovering Her Passion, and a Journey to the Pros
30 min
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 .
Jamie Nelson on Her Minnesota Roots, Raising The Bar, and an Unwavering Pursuit of a Pro Career
34 min
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 .
Viivi Vainikka on Staying Grounded, Representing Finland, and the Pursuit of the PWHL
35 min
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 .
Charlotte Sonntag on Family, Finding Home at Holy Cross, and Carving Her Path To The Pros
32 min
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 .
Yale University's Carina DiAntonio on Childhood Dreams, Leadership, and Turning Pro in the PWHL
31 min
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 on Sweden, NCAA hockey, and the PWHL Draft
39 min
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
Meg Simon: Middlebury’s Hockey Humanitarian
30 min
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
Alyssa Regalado: Cornell University, Growth, and the Road to the 2026 PWHL Draft
31 min
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.
Issy Wunder: Princeton Leadership, Neuroscience, and the PWHL Draft
32 min
Issy Wunder is the top-ranked Canadian prospect heading into the 2026 PWHL Draft, but her journey to the professional ranks began long before the league’s inception. From the backyard rink her mother built in Toronto to her tenure as captain of the Princeton Tigers, Issy has defined her career through a balance of elite athletic performance and strong academics. In this episode, we move beyond the scoresheet to explore the person behind the "C." A neuroscience and psychology student at Princeton, Issy explains how understanding the brain allows her to "reframe" the immense pressure of the collegiate and professional game as a privilege. We discuss her junior roots with the Toronto Aeros and Durham West, the influence of Olympic legend Sami Jo Small, and why she views being a role model as a non-negotiable responsibility. As she prepares to transition from the Ivy League to the PWHL, Issy reflects on the growth, leadership, and community that made this path possible. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
Proving Yourself Right: Alaina Giampietro on the Robert Morris University Legacy
27 min
"I didn't prove anyone wrong. I proved myself wrong." Alaina Giampietro joined Robert Morris University in 2023 as part of a newly reinstated program, but her journey in the game started much earlier at her grandfather's local rink in Ohio. Now, as the captain of the Colonials, she is balancing the weight of Division I hockey with the responsibility of building a team culture from the ground up. On Episode 119 of Rinkside Rundown, Alaina shares: The Ohio Origins: How early mornings skating with her grandfather laid the foundation for her career. The Rebuild Reality: What it actually takes to establish a culture and a legacy in a program’s first years back on the ice. The "Prove Myself Right" Mindset: How shifting from external validation to internal growth changed her development as a player and leader. The Impact Beyond the Scoreboard: Why leaving the program better than she found it is her ultimate goal at RMU. Join the community: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and follow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes coverage of women’s hockey: https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
PWHL Draft Prospect Stephanie Bourque on Leadership, Consistency and Growth
32 min
Episode 118 of Rinkside Rundown continues the “Road to the PWHL Draft” series with Union College defender and captain Stephanie Bourque. A native of Moncton, New Brunswick, Bourque has built a standout NCAA career defined by consistency, durability, and production. She became Union’s all-time leader in points and assists among defenders and set an ironwoman streak, appearing in over 140 consecutive games. This season, she was also among the most utilized players in NCAA women’s hockey, averaging more than 28 minutes per game. In this episode, Bourque reflects on her journey through junior hockey and the NCAA, her development as a leader, and how she’s preparing for the next step as she looks toward the 2026 PWHL Draft. “Trust the process and be patient.” Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
Tory Mariano on Family, the Road to Northeastern, and Why She's Ready for the PWHL Draft
30 min
Tory Mariano grew up in a household where sport was everything. Her dad took her to events across every discipline imaginable, and where she started in tee-ball, competed in multiple sports, and carries all of that athletic foundation into the way she reads the game today. And it was her grandfather, a professional tennis player and someone she never got to meet, who has been a role model and North Star through it all. "I want to be as good as him," she said. That drive led her to Northeastern, where she found the right coaching staff and the right environment to help push her to become the player she always knew she was. "Everything just kind of clicked. This is where I need to be." In Episode 117 of Rinkside Rundown, Tory shares that journey from where it all started to being on the cusp of the 2026 PWHL Draft. She talks about her first championship team in 8th grade, how competing across multiple sports shaped her hockey IQ, what drew her to Northeastern, what her year of focused preparation actually looked like, and what she wants a PWHL team to know about her before draft day. "Everything that I've done, I feel like it's starting to pay off. I'm proud of myself, and it's been hard, but I'm glad to see where I am now." This is the first episode in my "Road to the 2026 PWHL Draft" series, so be sure to subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for more conversations with players and leaders shaping the future of hockey. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
Béatrice Bilodeau on Growing Up in Quebec Hockey, Choosing Ottawa, and Wearing the 'C'
31 min
Some players choose a program for the ranking. Béatrice Bilodeau chose Ottawa because it felt like home. The Gee-Gees captain grew up in Quebec's hockey culture, played on boys' teams until she was 12, and developed through one of the province's most competitive junior pathways before making a deliberate decision to come to uOttawa. Not for the profile. For the fit. In this episode, we get into what shaped her as a player, what leadership looks like from the inside, and how she carries that same commitment into her community work with youth programs, mentorship, and seniors in long-term care, which culminated in being awarded the Marion Hilliard Award in earlier this month. Subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for more conversations with players and leaders shaping the future of hockey. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
Molly Jordan on Minnesota, Team USA, and Chasing the Biggest Stage in Hockey
31 min
Molly Jordan is a defender at the University of Minnesota and one of the most compelling young players in the NCAA women's game. Mature, humble, and deeply passionate about the sport and her community, the native of Berlin, Connecticut brings a perspective that goes well beyond the ice. In Episode 115 of Rinkside Rundown, Molly talks about what it has been like to grow as a player and a person at one of the most competitive programs in college hockey, what it means to represent the United States on the international stage, and why she believes the American program is on a different level right now. Subscribe to Rinkside Rundown for more conversations with players and leaders shaping the future of hockey. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod
