Kendall Cooper: From Burlington Ice to Forging the Next Wave of Women’s Hockey

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Abby Hustler, who shares her journey from the rinks of Prince Edward Island to NCAA stardom at St. Lawrence University and now toward the PWHL. She reflects on how her PEI roots shaped her game, the challenges she overcame, and what she’s aiming for next in professional hockey.Please note: This conversation was recorded prior to the 2025 PWHL Draft, where Hustler was selected in the second round by the Minnesota Frost, becoming the first player from PEI to join the league.Subscribe for more stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode: melissaboufounos.comCheck out more episodes: linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

Natalie Snodgrass, forward for PWHL Seattle, joins Rinkside Rundown to share her hockey journey. From her roots in Minnesota to UConn, through Team USA and two seasons with the Ottawa Charge, Natalie reflects on the importance of family support, leadership lessons, and transitioning to professional hockey. She also shares her excitement about helping shape the future of women’s hockey in Seattle.Subscribe for weekly stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. Fuel your game with expert guidance at melissaboufounos.comCheck out more episodes: linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

Nina Jobst-Smith, captain of the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, shares the story of her journey from North Vancouver to representing Germany on the international stage. Jobst-Smith reflects on the challenges of leading a top collegiate program, building team culture, and navigating life as an elite athlete balancing academics and international competition.Jobst-Smith discusses what it means to take the next step into professional women’s hockey and how her leadership experiences shaped her approach to the game.This episode was recorded before the 2025 PWHL Draft, where Jobst-Smith was selected in the third round by PWHL Vancouver. Subscribe for weekly stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. Fuel your game with expert guidance at melissaboufounos.comCheck out more episodes of Rinkside Rundown: linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

Olivia Muhn shares her journey from Burlington, Ontario, to Yale University, where she became a standout defender both on the ice and in her community. In this episode, we explore her growth as a player, the leadership and mentorship roles she’s embraced, and what’s next as she prepares for the next chapter in her hockey journey, including a recent camp invite from the Boston Fleet.Subscribe for weekly stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. Fuel your game with expert guidance at melissaboufounos.comNote: This conversation was recorded prior to the 2025 PWHL Draft.Find more episodes at linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

Natálie Mlýnková shares her journey from Zlín, Czechia, to NCAA stardom and now the PWHL’s Montreal Victoire. In this episode, we explore her growth as a player, the pride she carries representing her country, and what’s next in her pro hockey career.Please note: This conversation was recorded prior to the 2025 PWHL Draft, where Mlýnková was selected 12th overall by the Montreal Victoire.Subscribe for weekly stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. Fuel your game with expert guidance at melissaboufounos.comFind more episodes at linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

The Grindstone Award Foundation is helping young girls break through financial barriers and chase their hockey dreams. In this episode, we dive into the incredible impact of Grindstone and the power of community support in women’s hockey.Learn how this Canadian nonprofit provides grants, gear, and opportunity to girls who love the game but face financial challenges.Subscribe for weekly stories from inside women’s hockey.Thanks to MB Performance Nutrition for sponsoring this episode. Fuel your game with expert guidance at melissaboufounos.comFind more episodes at linktr.ee/rinksiderundownpodcast

Kendall Cooper joins Rinkside Rundown for an in‑depth interview about her journey from backyard rinks in Burlington, Ontario to becoming a standout defender and leader at Quinnipiac University.She shares what it takes to grow as a player and leader, and how she’s preparing to take the next step toward professional women’s hockey and the PWHL.This conversation was recorded before the 2025 PWHL Draft, where Kendall was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Frost.Subscribe for weekly interviews and stories from the voices shaping women’s hockey.Sponsored by MB Performance Nutrition, helping hockey players fuel and perform at their best. Learn more: https://melissaboufounos.com

Join me this week as I talk with Alanna Mah, captain of Canada’s National Women’s Para Hockey Team and a practicing Exercise Physiologist. Born in Edmonton and diagnosed with neuroblastoma as a baby, Alanna found her passion through the Paralympic Sports Association and has risen to lead Team Canada.In this episode, Alanna shares her inspiring journey, what it takes to captain a national team, and how she’s preparing for the first-ever Women’s World Para Hockey Championship. We dive into leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers in women’s para hockey.Whether you’re a hockey fan, athlete, or interested in stories of overcoming challenges and leading change, this episode offers powerful insights and inspiration.Sponsored by MB Performance Nutrition: Get free tools and coaching to help hockey players perform at their best. Learn more at melissaboufounos.comSubscribe and follow for weekly episodes featuring the voices shaping women’s hockey.

In this episode of Rinkside Rundown, host Chris Sinclair sits down with Olivia Mobley to explore her remarkable journey from skating on backyard rinks in Minnesota to a standout five-year NCAA career.Olivia shares insights from competing across multiple collegiate programs, the passion and persistence that have driven her growth, and what it means to prepare for the next step into professional women’s hockey.This interview was recorded before the 2025 PWHL Draft, where Olivia was later selected by Boston.If you’re a fan of NCAA women’s hockey, the PWHL, or inspiring stories about chasing pro dreams, this episode is a must-listen.Subscribe for more stories from inside the world of women’s hockey. New episodes weekly.Sponsored by MB Performance Nutrition: Free tools and coaching to help hockey players perform at their best. Learn more at melissaboufounos.com

Emma Bergesen joins host Chris Sinclair to share her journey from Norway to the PWHL’s Ottawa Charge. As the league’s first Norwegian player, she talks about following in her mother’s footsteps, adapting to different levels of play, and developing her game at Mount Royal University and in Sweden’s SDHL.She also reflects on what it means to join a growing professional league and be part of a key moment in women’s hockey.Sponsored by MB Performance Nutrition – free tools and coaching to help hockey players perform at their best.Learn more: www.melissaboufounos.comFollow the show for more stories from inside the world of women’s hockey. New episodes weekly.