On Episode 75 of Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Vita Poniatovskaia, a standout defender for Yale and one of the most dynamic blue-liners in NCAA hockey.

Vita shares her hockey journey, from playing boys’ hockey in Russia to captaining a team in Toronto and earning her spot at Yale. She talks about adjusting to the North American game, growing as a leader, and what it takes to be a top defender in the ECAC.

We discuss her international experience with Russia, how she balances hockey and Ivy League academics, and what motivates her as she looks ahead to the next level.

This episode is sponsored by MB Performance Nutrition, which offers free resources and coaching to help hockey players perform at their best. Learn more at melissaboufounos.com.

Be sure to subscribe, like, and share Rinkside Rundown, the podcast that brings you inside the world of women’s hockey, one story at a time.

On Episode 74 of Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Riley Brengman, a steady and standout defender from Ohio State—and one of the top blue-line prospects heading into the 2025 PWHL Draft.

In this episode, Riley shares her hockey story, from growing up in Michigan and competing with elite programs like Little Caesars and Belle Tire, to becoming a two-time national champion with the Buckeyes. She talks about what it takes to deliver in big moments, how she’s balanced high-level hockey with academic excellence, and the lessons she’s carrying forward from representing Team USA.

We also get into her draft mindset, how she’s preparing for life at the pro level, and her perspective on where the women’s game is headed.

Be sure to subscribe, like, and share Rinkside Rundown—the podcast that brings you inside the world of women’s hockey, one story at a time.

On Episode 73 of Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Emma Gentry, a standout forward from St. Cloud State and a top prospect heading into the 2025 PWHL Draft.

In this episode, Emma walks us through her hockey journey, from growing up in Michigan and dominating at the youth level to developing into a high-impact player in the NCAA and representing Team USA internationally. She reflects on the physical style of play that defines her game, the growth she's experienced over five college seasons, and her readiness to make the jump to the professional level.

We also talk about what it means to be draft eligible in a changing women’s hockey landscape, how she’s preparing for the next step, and the mindset that has helped her become one of the top players in college hockey.

Be sure to subscribe, like, and share Rinkside Rundown—the podcast that brings you inside the world of women’s hockey, one story at a time.