Chris Sinclair

Host and producer of the Rinkside Rundown podcast, covering women’s hockey from U Sports and the NCAA to the PWHL and SDHL.

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

This week on the show, I’m joined by Viivi Vainikka, star forward with Brynäs IF of the SDHL, as we sit down and talk about her journey from Espoo, Finland to the PWHL Draft.

Episode 126 is available now: https://t.co/aBcp1Y3odv

[U SPORTS @USPORTSca]

➡️ Jessymaude Drapeau revient sur un parcours de championne

➡️ Q&A: Jessymaude Drapeau looks back on a championship career

EN: https://t.co/yi3NiPydrI
FR: https://t.co/xVr1U5DS4i

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

ICYMI: here’s my breakdown of the three players Ottawa protected, as well as the notable players left unprotected, following Phase One of the expansion process.

[Ian Kennedy @IanKennedyCK]

The Ottawa Charge named Rebecca Leslie, Gwyneth Philips, and Ronja Savolainen as the team's protected players, leaving notable names exposed and some likely to have played their final games in the nation's capital.

✍️ @ChrisSinclairrr

https://t.co/buezFSDCgs #PWHL

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld met with the media today to speak about the organization’s decision to protect Gwyneth Philips, Ronja Savolainen and Rebecca Leslie.

This is part of his response when I asked how those players help set the culture for the organization.

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Here’s a clip from my conversation with Viivi Vainikka, as she talks about how each step of her hockey career has helped to prepare her for the 2026 PWHL Draft.

Episode 126 with Viivi Vainikka is out now. Check it out and make sure to subscribe: https://t.co/aBcp1Y3odv

[SophiesSquad @SophiesSquad]

@ChrisSinclairrr @lifesazoo33 More information coming soon!
If you sign up for our newsletter you can stay up-to-date on everything: https://t.co/M6PfROHUKB

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld on Carla MacLeod’s return behind the bench:

“All of the indications we’ve gotten are of a really positive prognosis at this point. We anticipate her being behind the bench [next year]. She’s actively involved in all the stuff that’s going on right now.”

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

I asked Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld about how the organization’s three protected players contribute to the growth of the culture within the team:

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld on why the organization protected Gwyneth Philips, Ronja Savolainen and Rebecca Leslie:

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld on captain Brianne Jenner:

“We have had conversations with her over the last couple of days. We expect a resolution on her within the next couple of days, within Phase 2 or Phase 3.”

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

@jferencz And there’s also intriguing options in the draft as well as free agency! Hopefully that helps grow that sliver of hope!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Alright Charge fans, it’s official, as the team has protected Gwyneth Philips, Ronja Savolainen and Rebecca Leslie. How we feeling?

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

This has been rescheduled to next week, which will also mean we’ll have a lot more to talk about! Stay tuned!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

I’ll be on TSN radio here in Ottawa in the 5 o’clock hour to talk more about the Ottawa Charge, who they protected, what it means, and what’s next!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

Today’s the day! Episode 126 of Rinkside Rundown drops at 3:00pm EST and features a very familiar Finnish star who is more than ready to make an impact in the PWHL.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss it: https://t.co/XsooJ3BgHT

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

In my latest for @TheHockeyNewsW, I break down the three protected players, where things stand for the remaining contracts, and what this means for some of the players left exposed:

[Ian Kennedy @IanKennedyCK]

The Ottawa Charge named Rebecca Leslie, Gwyneth Philips, and Ronja Savolainen as the team's protected players, leaving notable names exposed and some likely to have played their final games in the nation's capital.

✍️ @ChrisSinclairrr

https://t.co/buezFSDCgs #PWHL

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

The Boston Fleet have announced François Méthot as the organization’s next head coach.

Méthot most recently served three seasons as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Rochester Jr. Americans of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

@jferencz Same. I’m wondering if they could sneak through given the number of other high end players who were left unprotected yesterday!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

I’ll be on TSN radio here in Ottawa in the 5 o’clock hour to talk more about the Ottawa Charge, who they protected, what it means, and what’s next!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

@SENSible_Views Expansion certainly has its pros and cons from an existing fan base’s perspective!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

@morgan_sco55300 Exactly! Very much agree!

[Chris Sinclair @ChrisSinclairrr]

@Kylmao Agreed that Guilday is likely gone, and Jenner is fielding offers too.