Tamara's Hockey Journey: From Timbits in the GTA to getting drafted to the PWHL

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Pam is joined by Tamara Giaquinto — standout Canadian hockey player from Boston University, who captained the team in 2024–25, earned the 2024 Hockey East Defender of the Year title, and was recently drafted by PWHL Montreal — along with her longtime mentor, Rob Nixon of SCORE Hockey SchoolTamara traces her path from boys' Timbits to Brampton Canadettes, Oakville Hornets, and Etobicoke Jr., through Team Ontario Red and Team Canada U18 (yes, the infamous beep test 10), to BU, the Beanpot, and a Master's in Real Estate. She and Rob unpack goal-setting, training (and not over-training), balancing academics, leadership, and coming back from a chronic knee issue.Rob adds parent/coach wisdom: keep it fun, make it their journey, and let athletes own conversations with coaches. A candid, practical guide for players and parents eyeing NCAA or the PWHL path.