Latest / Rinkside Rundown / Michelle Pasiechnyk on Community Support, Rediscovering Her Passion, and a Journey to the Pros
Transcript
- speaker-0: And I remember talking to my parents, I'm like, why can't girls just play a sport and get paid? So now it's nice to see that that's finally evolved and yeah, it's just nice to help grow the game and actually give this younger generation something to see and believe in. speaker-1: Hello and welcome back to Rinkside Rundown, the podcast that brings you inside the world of women's hockey one story at a time. I'm your host, Chris Sinclair, and today I'm joined by Michelle Pasechnik, an Ottawa, Ontario native and goaltender with Boston University, who is preparing for the next chapter of her exciting hockey career with the upcoming PWHL draft. Michelle, welcome to the show. How are you doing? speaker-0: Doing good. Thank you so much for having me. speaker-1: Of course, fellow Ottawa native. So I'm super excited to have this conversation with you. ⁓ I wanna start with learning how hockey found you, or maybe how you found the sport and ultimately fell in love with it, as well as of course goaltending. speaker-0: Yeah, so it all started essentially like the minute I could walk, my parents threw me on skates and I started just practicing and then very early on, I think at three or four, they introduced me to hockey and I just kind of immediately fell in love with it. And then ⁓ the hawk the goalie side, I'm not sure exactly what made me want to be the one standing in the crease, maybe like the y uniqueness of it or just the pressure that comes with it. But growing up, like outdoor rink, mini sticks, road hockey, even soccer, like I was always goalie. So I think it was just bound to happen or just inside of me. speaker-1: Of course, yes. ⁓ and that's ⁓ everything you said there felt so Canadian, you know, like you know, mini sticks and outdoor rinks and all those sorts of things. It feels like that's exactly what it should be, your origin story. I love that. As you were growing up, especially early on. speaker-0: Exactly. ⁓ speaker-1: Who were some of those, maybe those fellow goaltenders that you were like, you know what? I kind of like their style, or maybe I'm gonna try. I saw this thing on the in this game. I'm gonna try to make a save that way. Or I'm gonna try to move that way, like that player. Who were some of those fellow goaltenders or fellow hockey players maybe that sa that you kind of emulated your style? speaker-0: Growing up I mainly watched Henrik Lunquist. Like he was my idol. I tried to like mimic how he played and stuff like that and his technique, but ultimately I just don't like growing up, I thought we were similar, but like as I got older I realized we're maybe a little different. He plays a little deeper in his net, or as I'm more aggressive. So now I'd say I'm more so similar to like maybe Ottinger or even Bobrowski. So I could start watching them a bit more, but Yeah, growing up it was always Henriclunquist though. speaker-1: Yeah, it's a still a pretty good ⁓ pretty good role model or pretty good ⁓ influence. That's for sure. Absolutely. ⁓ and it's worked out really well for you to ⁓ to kind of take pieces of their their style and make it your own, of course. So you, as I mentioned, Ottawa native, fellow Ottawa native, gotta keep pointing that out, of course. Love that. You had the opportunity to play your whole junior career in Ottawa. speaker-0: Mm-hmm. speaker-1: Around the community and around the support system that I and can only imagine was so helpful for you early on, especially early on in your in your career. What was that like for you? Because a lot of players, they don't get that same opportunity. A lot of them have to travel somewhere else or move somewhere else in order to pursue their career. You played with the junior 67s as well as the Nippian Wildcats. What was that like for you to be able to play at home? speaker-0: Obviously it was great growing up, not having to move away, having my parents and friends and just their support, even the community, the coaches, like everyone. It was great. So it was just really nice to have that constant support and you kinda take it for granted as you get older. And growing up, my parents came to every single game and now we can probably only catch a few a year. So it was just really nice knowing I had their love and support and But the development too, like my dad was my coach for a few years when I played for the sixty seven. So that was really special. So yeah, overall it's just really nice to have that support and love from them and just develop me into the player and person I am today. speaker-1: Of course. And part of that as well, of course, again, like I said, ⁓ junior sixty sevens or the lady sixty sevens as they used to be referred to as, and the being Wildcats, talk about those organizations and maybe the the you know how they help to shape your game. And also it's such an important part of your life away from the ice as well, too. So I'm sure that there was some impact ⁓ as ⁓ you know to developing the person that you are now too. Could you talk about those organizations and how they influenced you. speaker-0: Yeah, those were great organizations I played for, the coaches, the teammates. Like I have nothing but good things to say. Like the coaches, especially, they always push me, saw the best in me, and gave me the confidence to trust my game and just do what I'm able to do. And same goes with my teammates. Like every day just showing up, practicing and pushing each other, raising everyone's compete level. I think it had a huge impact on my development there in the Ottawa system and the environment it just gave me like ⁓ ultimately it just gave me the foundation that I've carried through my career. And yeah, like I couldn't thank them enough. So in contact with some of the coaches and teammates to this day. So yeah, it's really nice. speaker-1: So you mentioned confidence there. And I think especially as a goaltender, that confidence piece is so important because, you know, you're the last line of defense. You let that goal in. You know, maybe the teams played so well and you're the one that let that goal in. And it's such a mental I mean, maybe I'm not a goaltender. I'm maybe I'm projecting here a little bit, but there it feels as though there is that added pressure. So having that confidence instilled in you. from your coaches, from your teammates so early on, how important do you think that was to being able to, you know, ultimately, I mean, it certainly paid off. You have had one heck of a career and that confidence piece has clearly been an important part of that. speaker-0: Yeah, obviously it's huge, just mentally like having the support. Like, of course, mistakes are gonna happen. It's the game of hockey. I'll let in the sh go here and there, but just knowing that my teammates and coaches still have my back and still trust me, like that's the biggest thing is just trust. Like we're all gonna make mistakes. It's game of hockey, so just knowing, ⁓ next shot you got it, or next shift, you'll be okay. Yeah, it makes a big difference. speaker-1: How important is it too? You know, you mentioned you're still in touch, you're still in contact with some of those people. How how great is that too that you still have that connection and that relationship with some of these people who are so important to your career, especially so early on? How how important is that to you too? speaker-0: It's great. It makes a big difference in my life just knowing that after not really like playing with them or seeing them for so many years that they're still supporting me, tracking my career, reaching out, letting me know that I did a good job for whatever reason. And yeah, it just feels really nice. Like the friendships last forever, the relationships with the coaches last forever. It's just a really nice community. speaker-1: Yeah, and I feel like it's something special about the ⁓ the city of Ottawa too when it comes to that, of course. ⁓ okay, so when we look at continuing in your hockey journey, of course, the next step is ⁓ your collegiate career. So you started off with Clarkson and you said you've said in the past that when you were looking at your different options, Clarkson just, you know, you step foot there and you're like, this just feels like home. Could you talk a little bit more about that and and what ultimately made you feel like that next stage in your career was gonna be best suited at Clarkston University? speaker-0: Yeah, so as soon as I stepped on Clarkson, like it was just a small campus. It gave me that tight knit feeling and I was just immediately comfortable. And also it was really nice. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. And I think you get that from like the small communities rather than big cities. ⁓ so yeah, I just knew I wanted to go there somewhere that was smaller, not overwhelming and You really make a connection with a lot of people, not just your teammates, but other students, even locals. Like it's just it's a different community with those small towns. speaker-1: And when when we look at the your career over your time at Clarkson, that there was a noticeable jump in your start the the number of games that you played between your your ⁓ first season and then into your second season. So it got me thinking, what was what was that jump like for you to go from, of course, junior to collegiate, but then you clearly from first year to second year. kind of moved right into that that that starting role and and were a a key part of that team, that organization, that program. What were those jumps like for you? Both of course your performance on the ice, but also you as a person. How did that feel to be making those jumps? speaker-0: Going from junior to my first time in college was a huge jump. Like it was just very overwhelming playing with girls who are older, stronger, faster, best of the best. So it was very overwhelming. Took a bit to adjust and get used to the speed and structure and all that. But once I got comfortable again, it was just another game of hockey. And so I think I fit in pretty easily and got adjusted pretty quickly. My first year there is also a bit of a rough year with COVID and all that. But yeah, and then my by my junior year I think I just I became stronger in the gym and I had a lot more confidence and experience which helps in the league and just knowing the game more, knowing people's tendencies. And so yeah, I think just the experience and the confidence comes with that too, which made a huge ⁓ what do you call it, impact in my game and ultimately led me to where I am. speaker-1: Yeah. And a part of that journey, of course, is, you know, being named goaltender of the year as a semifinalist and then ultimately taking home NCAA goaltender of the year. And and when you look at who you beat out for that, it's like it's the Reagan Kirks of the world. It's the Gwyneth Phillips here in Ottawa. We know all about Gwyneth Phillips. And you were able to, ⁓ based on your performance, of course, beat them both out. ⁓ so what was I guess I'm gonna start with when you won that award. What did that show you or maybe instill in you or reaffirm in you about the the kind of goaltender that you would you were becoming or had become to that point? How did how did that impact your confidence as a goaltender, but of course as a person as well? speaker-0: Obviously it increased it by a lot. It was just really nice to be recognized ⁓ for that award and like have the recognition that like my ⁓ training and all my hard work I put in throughout the year really paid off. So yeah, it was really nice. Obviously I beat out two incredible goalies who are doing phenomenal in the P Dumb today. So it's just really nice and just to give me that recognition, like, yeah, I guess I am pretty good. It's nice, nice. speaker-1: Yeah, it's never it's never a bad thing to hear. Yeah, you're you're you're pretty good at the thing you're you that you the the th the thing that you're doing, of course. Yeah. It so then I guess it it I mean, we're gonna kinda jump ahead just for a moment to then come back ⁓ to this ⁓ but I do wanna know as well, especially as someone who's looking at taking that next jump, of course, into the into the PWHL with the draft coming up, how again, how good does it feel knowing that or maybe the confidence that you have, knowing like You beat out these goaltenders who are now in the PWHL, who are having, of course, incredible careers in the PWHL. You were right there with them. You were, of course, you're now in heading into the draft. So they have a couple of years pro ⁓ under their belt now. But how how good does it feel to be able to or and maybe inspiring and and dr and ⁓ fueling is it to also see them be as so successful knowing that you beat them out for that award? speaker-0: Yeah, obviously it's great to see. Like again, I'm so happy for them that they're killing it. But yeah, it gives me a little confidence coming into the league that I'll be able to keep up. Like I've played against so many of these girls, even with so like I know I know I can keep up with it. It'll just be about adjusting to it the first few weeks. But yeah, it's nice to know that I feel like I belong there and I know I'll be able to make an impact. speaker-1: Yeah, and I love what you just said there, that you belong there. I l I love that. I I couldn't agree more. I couldn't agree more. ⁓ when we look as we continue, of course, looking at your career, there was, ⁓ for for people who may not know, you did step away from the game of hockey for a year. And I wanted to talk about that. I wanted to know how it felt to take that year away, to step away from the game and maybe what you learned about yourself in that time. what you also learned about your love of the game of hockey ⁓ as well too, if you if you could. speaker-0: Yeah, obviously I took a year away. Stephanie wasn't easier to decision that I had to make 'cause I was just mentally and physically burnt out and didn't know what I actually wanted to do in life. So I think just taking that year away just gave me gave me a lot of clarification. It made me really miss the game and realize like how much I love it, how much I wanna play and how much it's a part of me. So yeah. ultimately it just gave me a lot of clarification that this is what I wanna do with my life. I did play a bit of beer league here and there and it just didn't give me the same satisfaction. I do need that like competitiveness and that team environment. So yeah, as hard as it was that year was really a tough mentally, but I think it was for the best just figure out what I truly wanted and made me miss the game and want to come back and Just look at it from a different light, not look at it as like, ⁓ sh I have to grind through this today. You know, it's like, ⁓ I love it. And I get to go practice, I get to do all these things, you know. speaker-1: Yeah, and I and I do wanna know like how how good did that feel for you to be learning? I know that not necessarily the way that you would want to have learned some of those really important lessons. Of course it's it would be much better if you just get got to continue going through, but sometimes it's good to step back to be able to move forward. How good was it f how how good did it feel for you to have taken that step away? But then to almost like I don't wanna say feel reignited, but maybe, maybe that's a little bit over dramatic, but feel reignited with your passion towards the game of hockey. How great did that feel to be like, yeah, like that's where I want to be. I know for sure. Cause you stepped away being unsure. And now you're stepping back in, being like, heck yeah, this is it for me. speaker-0: Yeah, yeah. That clarification was all I needed. Obviously sucked in the moment 'cause I really missed it and I didn't know what to do and I was really lost. But once everything worked out the way I needed to and I just let things happen, it just it all worked out the way it needed to and I couldn't be more thankful. And yeah, it just I really like that clarity it gave me and yeah. speaker-1: Absolutely. So then you ultimately came back and you you had mentioned competitive environments. Well, you picked one, ⁓ certainly that would be competitive at Boston University. ⁓ just talk about maybe what went into I mean, maybe we just answered it, what went into your decision to ⁓ to go to Boston University to go ultimately complete your collegiate career and and what that experience was like for you. speaker-0: Yeah, so that was a bit of a weird story. Like it only happened like a month before everyone is coming back on campus. I got a call from Boston and they needed a goalie. They were in a scram and immediately I knew I love the city. It's a great place and I knew how much I missed the game. I love their program. Like they have a lot of good history. So I didn't even hesitate when I told them yes. But yeah, it was kind of a weird situation 'cause I wasn't actually supposed to come back, but like thank you, Boston. Gave me what I needed and couldn't be more thankful. But yeah. speaker-1: And and so then how what was that what was that like for you, that year of coming back and and also of again, it when you look at your stats, like it is remarkable that there's really no change in how good you were, right? Like that year away didn't look like, at least on the stat sheet, didn't look like you took a year away. Like the only reason you know that you took a year away was there's a gap in it. It's like a missing year. No, no performance dip. What was that like for you as well? And how reaffirming was it to know you stepped away, came back, picked up right where you left off? speaker-0: Yeah, well it was nice to see that I still had it. Obviously it took a bit of time. I'd say it took a month or so before I really truly felt like myself again. Like the goalie came out of Clarkson. but yeah, it wasn't too, too bad 'cause I was still on the ice like once a week all year, like I said, playing the beer league, but that didn't really prepare me for the division one level. But yeah, I think it was it was nice to see that I could still play my game and Didn't really miss too much of a beat after that year off. speaker-1: Mm-hmm. So then you just mentioned ⁓ preparation. And I want to talk about as we s as we move towards the exciting next chapter. And I promise we're going to get to to talk about this in just but a moment. But before we do, how when you reflect on your collegiate career, the ups, the downs, the wins, the losses, the awards, the recognition, of course, those as well. What are some of those things that you feel have happened that have really set you up? for this next chapter, for this excit exciting next stage of your journey. What are some of those things between Clarkston, maybe the year away, of course Boston that have really helped prepare you to make this next jump? speaker-0: Yeah, so I think it was just all the experience I gained from Clarkson University with the big games like Frozen Four and the regional championship against Minnesota and also time away just maturing and yeah, growing as a person. I think it's gonna really help me and just ⁓ honestly it's the experience. Like I've had five years of college hockey under my belt and played for two good schools. Like it just I think that'll really take me a long way. speaker-1: Yeah, of course. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, and again, it's certainly ⁓ based on the stat lines, it certainly looks like you're going to be just fine. ⁓ now let's we have buried the lead. We have put this off long enough. We are now going to talk about this next exciting chapter of your career in the PWHL with the upcoming 2026 PWHL draft. ⁓ I'm going to start with how you feeling. What's it like being in this moment right now? speaker-0: Little stressful, a little overwhelming, but I'm excited. I'm really excited for this next chapter and just cracking down at it, finalizing everything with the agency stuff and declaring and all that. But yeah, right now I'm just continuing to train off the on and off the ice and enjoy the process and yeah, just finalize those little tasks. But it is really exciting. As much as it is a little overwhelming, it's exciting. speaker-1: Yeah, and that's something that I wanted to talk about as well, because of course, like, you know, and we're gonna get into the excitement around the PWHL and the continued records that are being set in in terms of attendance and ⁓ fans and all those sorts of things. But I think it's also interesting to find out like, how in the world do you prepare for this? Like how what are some of those things that you're doing both on and off the ice to as they say, be where your feet are, stay in the moment. Not think about, you know, try to get the you know, make the moment bigger than it is, ⁓ but just try to stay where your feet are. How are you preparing mentally and and physically, of course, as well to make this next ⁓ step in your career? speaker-0: Y honestly it's just staying level headed. Like, yeah, it's a big jump. We're going pro, but again, it's just another hockey league. Like it felt like a big jump going from junior to college, but like I still had the same routine. I still continue to train with my trainer and work with my goalie trainers on the ice and back home and yeah, just all the small details. It never really changes. Like you grew up doing it your whole life and so it's not gonna change now just because going to this big league, like that's still the same routine. So yeah, I'm just continuing to train and get stronger and better on and off the ice. speaker-1: I ⁓ I like how relaxed that answer was because I feel like I would be freaking out and I don't know that I would be able to put it into words. But I do think that it's worth pointing out, of course, you know, you mentioned that jump from junior to collegiate being a really big jump for you. Well, you did that and look at how that paid off, right? So I'm sure that you're kind of like thinking like, I've done this before and it worked out just fine for me. Is that is that fair to assume that you you're kind of relying on that experience as well? speaker-0: Yeah, exactly that. speaker-1: Yeah. ⁓ so in the past, you've described the PWHL, of course, as a a league that's giving women's hockey the vis visibility and resources. It's long deserved, and I couldn't agree more. ⁓ you could very well be a part of that, ⁓ that story that's currently being told. What would it mean to you to be a part of that and the growing excitement, the growing sport that is women's hockey, especially at a time Where it's getting so much attention that is very long overdue. speaker-0: Yeah, honestly, it's just really inspiring. It's about inspiring the next generation of young girls who are growing up playing hockey and showing them that there is a real pathway to play at the highest level. Like when I was growing up, we didn't have that visibility. It was just college and then done. And I remember talking to my parents, I'm like, why can't girls just play a sport and get paid? So now it's nice to see that that's finally evolved and Yeah, it's just nice to help grow the game and actually give this younger generation something to see and believe in for their future. speaker-1: So then I feel like that begs the question the ⁓ around role models and around influences and and knowing full well, of course, throughout your career, especially here in Ottawa, I'm I'm sure of it, and and the ⁓ other communities that you've been a part of, people have young girls have looked at you and said, Hey, I want to be just like Michelle. But n especially taking that that next step, that that step into the pro leagues, do you feel like there's any added pressure or responsibility? To ensure that you continue being the best version of yourself so that you can make sure that you're inspiring that next generation. speaker-0: Yeah, obviously feel like there's a little more pressure 'cause you got more eyes on you and stuff, but against but being a good person and just going like do what you do every day and like nothing should really change. Yeah, you have a little more pressure, but if you still remain a good person and do what you gotta do on off the ice and help make an impact, then it's not too bad. speaker-1: Okay. I like that. Once again, a a super chill answer that I would be very very much the opposite trying to answer. ⁓ so last one for you around the PWHL draft. I wanna I wanna also maybe put on my GM hat for just a moment here and live ⁓ out a a a longstanding ⁓ potential ⁓ a dream job of mine for just a moment. So humor me here for just a sec. ⁓ if if if I'm sitting across from you and I'm gonna ask you. Michelle, what kind of player are you? What kind of what are you going to be able to bring to my team, bring to my organization, both of course on the ice, but as well off of the ice, in the locker room, in the community? What what what do you think you'd say to me? speaker-0: the ice I think I can I can bring consistency and bring it ⁓ give a chance for my team to win every night as well as I have I think I have that ability to like stay calm under pressure in certain situations. And off the ice I think I just bring a personality. I'm very laid back, fine, like I just wanna goof around in the walk room, not be too serious. So I think that's nice, especially in like high tense situations when everyone everyone's emotions a little more heightened, like you need that comedic relief. So I think that's what I bring and and then community too. Like I just I just like to be myself and not put on an act or anything and hopefully people love it. speaker-1: Okay. Well, we're soon going to very much find out because I cannot wait to hear your name called at the draft. ⁓ so of course, good luck. ⁓ Thank you. So we're gonna now move into the final buzzer segment of the show. And this is a fun, rapid fire way to wrap up the conversation. I'm gonna start with the question around what your go-to pre-game meal is. speaker-0: have one. I'll honestly eat anything but I do need a coffee before a game. Okay. But food doesn't matter. speaker-1: Okay. Is do you have a specific coffee order? speaker-0: ⁓ either a nice vanilla latte from Day ⁓ from Duncan or ⁓ shake an espresso from Starbucks. speaker-1: Both are good choices, okay? What is one song or artist that is your go to on game day? speaker-0: Probably Nickelbat. I think it's really upbeat and kinda fires me up. speaker-1: Right, I like that. Good answer. What is something that people may not know about you? speaker-0: ⁓ I was actually a defenseman up until I was eleven years old. speaker-1: Wow, I spent a lot of time preparing for this conversation and I did not know that. So that definitely passes the test. ⁓ that's great. So then I I feel like it I try not to ask any follow up questions. I've already asked follow up questions in this segment, but ⁓ what made you decide to switch or what ultimately led you to switching? speaker-0: ⁓ just growing up, like I said before, I was always in that mini stick, sodiar I had an older brother too, so he'd kinda just throw me in the net and rip shots on me. And I don't know, I just kinda fell in love with it and then I up until I was eleven I was always trying to convince my parents, like, please let me try a goalie, please, please, and they always say no. So I was like, Hmm, who can I ask? And they can't say no to me. Santa Claus. So remember that year on my list I only wrote I wanna be a goalie and ⁓ Kiki, the worst pair of pads could have asked for, but I loved them. I fell in love with them and then we didn't turn back so it's don't regret it, yeah. speaker-1: And it worked out really. Yeah, yeah. I'm sure they I'm sure they don't now. But at the time I'm there, I'm sure they were like, couldn't you have chosen a a less expensive position? Right. ⁓ so last one for you. You you know, when we look again at your entire journey, you've you know, it you're you're you started off playing at home here in Ottawa, you won national awards, you stepped away, you came back, and now you're getting ready to ⁓ enter into the PWHL draft, which is such an exciting, exciting time, an incredible journey. If you were to go back and tell talk to your younger self and maybe give her some advice about the journey ahead, what do you think that advice might be? speaker-0: would say there's no straight path in hockey and there's gonna be several setbacks and moments where things don't go the way you want it to. And obviously I've lived that myself, so I just tell my younger self, don't compare your journey to anyone else's. Just trust what you're doing, follow your heart and keep working through everything 'cause you never know where you can make it. speaker-1: Ooh, good advice. Good advice. ⁓ that wraps up the final buzzer segment and of course this episode. ⁓ Michelle, this has been an absolute pleasure. We were talking before we started recording. I wrote a story for you on or on you for the hockey news about six months ago. And now here I am having the opportunity to chat with you ahead of the PWHL draft. I am so thankful for you taking the time. ⁓ you have a ton of other things that you need to prepare for. So I thank you so much for taking the time to join the show and I wish you good luck in the draft and of course the next chapter I'll be cheering for you for sure. speaker-0: Thank you so much. I appreciate it. speaker-1: And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow hockey fans. Your support helps me to continue bringing you stories just like this one from around the world to women's hockey. I'm Chris Sinclair. Thank you so much for tuning in and I'll catch you next time on Ringside Rundown.