About this episode

Issy Wunder discusses her journey as a top-ranked prospect for the PWHL Draft, balancing athletics and academics while exploring leadership and neuroscience.

Issy Wunder is the top-ranked Canadian prospect heading into the 2026 PWHL Draft, but her journey to the professional ranks began long before the league’s inception. From the backyard rink her mother built in Toronto to her tenure as captain of the Princeton Tigers, Issy has defined her career through a balance of elite athletic performance and strong academics. In this episode, we move beyond the scoresheet to explore the person behind the "C." A neuroscience and psychology student at Princeton, Issy explains how understanding the brain allows her to "reframe" the immense pressure of the collegiate and professional game as a privilege. We discuss her junior roots with the Toronto Aeros and Durham West, the influence of Olympic legend Sami Jo Small, and why she views being a role model as a non-negotiable responsibility. As she prepares to transition from the Ivy League to the PWHL, Issy reflects on the growth, leadership, and community that made this path possible. Discover more at www.rinksiderundown.ca Follow the podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rinksiderundownpod

People in this episode

Host: Chris Sinclair

Guest: Issy Wunder

Topics covered

• PWHL Draft
• athletic performance
• neuroscience
• leadership
• role models
• collegiate sports

Keywords

• PWHL Draft
• Issy Wunder
• Princeton
• neuroscience
• leadership
• hockey
• role model
• athletics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Princeton Tigers, Toronto Aeros, Durham West, PWHL

Places: Toronto

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• Tory Mariano on Family, the Road to Northeastern, and Why She's Ready for the PWHL Draft · April 2, 2026 · 31 min
• Béatrice Bilodeau on Growing Up in Quebec Hockey, Choosing Ottawa, and Wearing the 'C' · March 26, 2026 · 31 min
• Molly Jordan on Minnesota, Team USA, and Chasing the Biggest Stage in Hockey · March 19, 2026 · 32 min
• Haley Box on Growing Up in Wyoming, Team USA, and the Road to Wisconsin · March 12, 2026 · 29 min

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