Small-Town Roots, Professional Dreams: Maddy Christian on Hockey, Community, and Penn State

Community, leadership, and resilience.Three words to describe the journey of forward Maddy Christian, who joins me this week on Rinkside Rundown to share her inspiring hockey story.Maddy talks about the importance of community back home in Elk River, Minnesota and how they helped shape her into the player she is on the ice and the person she is away from it. She also reflects on the growth she went through in becoming part of the leadership group at Penn State University and what it took to pursue her dreams of playing alongside the best in the world.This conversation was recorded before the 2026 PWHL Draft where Maddy was selected 33rd overall by her hometown Minnesota Frost.If you’re enjoying these conversations, consider subscribing and sharing with your fellow hockey fans. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3:00pm EST and feature talented players from across the world of women’s hockey.