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.

On Episode 72 of Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Anna Bargman, captain of the Yale Bulldogs and one of the most exciting names heading into the upcoming PWHL Draft.

In this episode, Bargman shares her journey from winning state and national titles to leading Yale through a pivotal era for the program. We talk about what it means to wear the “C,” how she’s grown as both a player and a leader, and why now feels like the right time to take the next step into professional women’s hockey.

Whether you're following the NCAA season, curious about PWHL draft prospects, or just love hearing from the game’s future stars, this conversation offers a real look at what it takes to lead, win, and keep growing in today’s women’s game.

Bargman opens up about her competitive drive, the importance of team culture, and her mindset heading into the next phase of her career.

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.

Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts on Bargman’s story and who you’re watching in the upcoming PWHL Draft!

On this episode of Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Shay Maloney, a dynamic forward making her mark with the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

Maloney reflects on her journey from a standout NCAA hockey career to the pro ranks—where she now competes alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. We dive into her experience joining the Fleet in the PWHL’s second season, what the adjustment to pro hockey has been like, and the mindset that fuels her both on and off the ice.

Whether you're a longtime NCAA fan, new to the PWHL, or just love a great hockey story, this episode gives you a front-row seat to one of the league's rising stars. Maloney talks development, leadership, and what excites her most about the future of women’s hockey.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Rinkside Rundown—the podcast that takes you inside the world of women’s hockey, one story at a time.

On Episode 70 of Rinkside Rundown, I sit down with Reichen Kirchmair, a star forward for the Providence College Friars.

In this episode, Kirchmair shares her journey from the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins to representing Team Canada at the U18 Women’s World Championship, where she won gold. We dive into her standout 2024-25 season—where she was named Hockey East Player of the Year, earned a unanimous First Team All-Star selection, and was honoured as Female Athlete of the Year for Team Sports at Providence College.

Whether you're a fan of NCAA hockey, Hockey East, or women’s hockey in general, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars. Kirchmair discusses her path to success, what drives her on and off the ice, and how the women’s game continues to evolve.

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

On Episode 69, host Chris Sinclair sits down with Jenna M. Prestidge—athlete, author, and creator of the ”Rosie the Hockey Player” book series.

Jenna shares her journey from hockey player to published author, the inspiration behind her newest release, ”The History of Women's Hockey” (created in partnership with the PWHL), and how storytelling is helping grow the women's game.

We dive into representation, inspiring the next generation, and why honoring women's hockey history is more important than ever.

If you’re passionate about women’s hockey, sports storytelling, or youth development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe for new episodes every week and make sure to like, comment, and share to help grow the women's game!

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Website: https://www.rosiethehockeyplayer.com

On Episode 68 of Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Grace Beer, goaltender for the Dalhousie University Tigers.

Beer shares her journey through the ranks of Canadian hockey—from her junior days with the Oakville Hornets to becoming a standout in the AUS with Dalhousie. We talk about her evolution between the pipes, what it takes to compete at the U SPORTS level, and the experience of representing Canada on the international stage at the FISU Winter Games. Beer also offers her thoughts on the growing momentum in women’s hockey and how increased visibility is changing the game for the next generation.

Don’t miss this conversation with one of U SPORTS’ most poised and passionate goaltenders, only on the latest episode of Rinkside Rundown—the podcast that brings you inside the world of women’s hockey, one story at a time.