EPISODE 18: MELANIE JUE
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This week on the pod: Melanie Jue takes the mic!
She’s making her debut as head coach of Team BC in 2025 — and brings an incredible hockey journey with her. From starring at Cornell, to four seasons with Kunlun Red Star, to helping Team BC win its first-ever U18 Nationals medal, Melanie has seen it all. Now she’s ready to lead the next generation. We delve into her journey from player to coach and her ambitious vision for Team BC’s future. |
EPISODE 17: MILAN DRAGICEVIC
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In Episode 17 of BREAKAWAY COVERAGE, we sit down with Milan Dragicevic, Director of Hockey Development for the Richmond Ravens and a respected figure in Canadian hockey.
With a coaching career spanning three decades — including time behind the bench at UBC and in the WHL — Milan shares his deep knowledge and passion for developing young athletes, especially in the growing world of girls' hockey. He discusses the evolution of the game, the importance of building confidence in players, and how organizations like the Ravens are helping shape the future of the sport from the grassroots up. |
EPISODE 16: ANDREW SEPPANEN
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Andrew Seppanen began his hockey journey at a young age and transitioned into coaching by the age of 21.
Today, he is the owner of Top Level Performance Institute, a specialized hockey training facility dedicated to developing players of all ages and skill levels. Seppanen works closely with athletes across the spectrum — including a growing number of female players. He recently sat down with BREAKAWAY COVERAGE to share his story, reflect on the rising participation of girls in hockey, and discuss the ongoing barriers that female athletes continue to face in the sport. |
EPISODE 15: KORI HUDRICK
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Female hockey on the Sunshine Coast has come a very long way since it started a few years back and that's in large part because of the efforts of Kori Hudrick.
Kori is a hockey mom and is also the Director of Female Hockey for the Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association. She is passionate about growing the game and is very optimistic about where it can go in the future. |
EPISODE 14: NINA-JOBST SMITH
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A second player drafted by PWHL Vancouver, Nina Jobst-Smith, joins the show in this episode!
The PWHL squad picked the hometown player 19th overall, and you'll get the opportunity to hear all about that from her perspective and so much more! Jobst-Smith's playing career includes time spent in Minnesota, Germany, and Canada! |
EPISODE 13: CHANREET BASSI
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THIS IS A BIG ONE!!
We are joined by UBC hockey alumn and PWHL Vancouver draft pick Chanreet Bassi. Fresh off the PWHL Draft which took place on Wednesday, Bassi joins the show to discuss her playing career, what her time meant at UBC, and the excitement about being the first UBC player to be drafted. |
EPISODE 12: DANIELLE DUBE
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Danielle Dube’s journey breaks the mold—from being the only girl on boys' hockey teams to suiting up for Team Canada and starting in a pro men’s game.
After stepping away to raise a family and become a firefighter, she made a remarkable return to varsity hockey at UBC in her late 30s. This episode explores her courage, resilience, and evolving definition of success, showcasing how one woman's unconventional path can redefine what it means to follow your passion—on and off the ice. |
EPISODE 11: GRAHAM THOMAS
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We’re joined by UBC Head Coach Graham Thomas, who started coaching at just 19 and went on to lead one of the biggest turnarounds in Canadian university hockey.
From his early days behind the bench to taking a one-win team to a conference championship in 2012-13, Graham shares the journey that turned UBC into a perennial contender, including their first-ever No. 1 national ranking and back-to-back Canada West titles. Don’t miss this in-depth exploration of leadership, resilience, and cultivating a winning culture. |
EPISODE 10: KAREN MASSICOTTE
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This week we’re diving into the full-scale transformation happening at the PNE.
From major digital upgrades across the venue to a groundbreaking partnership with the PWHL it’s a new era for fans and athletes alike. Tune in for an inside look at how this transformation came together and meet the visionary behind the deal that’s bringing professional women’s hockey to the spotlight. |
EPISODE 9: TESSA WILSON
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In this episode, Tessa from Unmasked Performance opens up about her personal journey, the importance of mental health in sport, and how athletes — especially women in hockey — can embrace vulnerability as a form of strength.
From navigating performance pressures to building supportive communities, Tessa shares tangible ways to maintain mental wellness on and off the ice. This is a must-listen for players, coaches, and fans who believe that strength isn't just physical — it’s mental too. |
EPISODE 8: BRIAR McNANEY
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Briar McNaney believes some of the talent in the PWHL is strong enough to compete at the men’s level.
As Director of Player Personnel and Development for the Coastal Tsunami of the PJHL, and with experience coaching female hockey players, he’s no stranger to elite-level skill. But what he witnessed in the PWHL stood out. The women’s game is setting new standards—and the momentum is only building. Tune in to our latest episode as we dive into how the PWHL is reshaping the landscape of professional hockey. |
EPISODE 7: PETER HAY
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On this episode of Breakaway Coverage, we sit down with Trinity Western University Women’s Hockey Head Coach Peter Hay for an inspiring conversation about his journey through the game, what it means to lead at TWU, and his thoughts on the growing impact of the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Coach Hay shares insights on coaching, culture, and the future of women's hockey — don’t miss it! |
EPISODE 6: WHITNEY JUSZKIEWICZ
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We had such a great time speaking with Coach Whitney on a previous episode that we decided to bring her back for a second time!
On this podcast, you'll hear more about what it's like coaching male hockey players as a female coach, what it's like for Vancouver to have a PWHL team, and more! |
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We are pleased to have Kaci Ellerby, the athletic therapist for the North Vancouver Wolf Pack of the Pacific Junior Hockey League, join us on today's episode!
Kaci got her first taste of the PJHL this past season and had a great time with her new team. She shares stories of her hometown in Powell River, BC and has words of wisdom for other female therapists and young girls interested in breaking into sports. |
EPISODE 4: KRISTALEE WALCHUK
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Kristalee Walchuk is the reigning back-to-back Trainer of the Year in the Pacific Junior Hockey League and sits down with @BreakawayCoverage to share some great stories!
From getting her start with the Abbotsford Pilots to attending AHL games and weddings of former players, she has created many memories over the years that we are fortunate enough to hear about. You may also see her at a Chilliwack Jets game as their trainer, too. |
EPISODE 3: WHITNEY JUSZKIEWICZ
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On the third episode of BREAKAWAY COVERAGE, Giancarlo Nadeau is joined by Whitney Juszkiewicz, the owner of Fire & Ice Hockey Development and a Hockey Canada Skills Coach.
The duo talks about the evolution of the PWHL, how females are overcoming even more barriers, and Juszkiewicz's personal experiences as a player and coach. |
EPISODE 2: LAUREN RUNGE
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Lauren Runge from the Coastal Tsunami and Coastline Health and Performance joins BREAKAWAY COVERAGE to talk about being an athletic therapist, her favourite memory from the past year, and more!
Be sure to follow @breakawaycoverage for more updates and news surrounding females in hockey. |
EPISODE 1: KAO LAWRIE
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The first episode of BREAKAWAY COVERAGE is FINALLY HERE!
Join your host, Giancarlo Nadeau, as he sits down with the founder of THIS TOURNAMENT HAS EVERYTHING (TTHE) for a conversation about this incredible event and how hockey is changing for the better. Be sure to like and follow BC on all your social media platforms. |