The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

This week Toph and Jeff welcome the co-founder of TOP Sports, Kevin Shier, to the podcast. After seeing early specialization, hyper-competitiveness, and toxic sports environments become the norm in Toronto, TOP Sports was founded to create a more balanced youth sports model by focusing on player experience, long-term development, and a seasonal, set schedule that encourages multi-sport play. In this episode we talk about: — Importance of playing multiple sports — Importance of falling in love with the game — Thriving through adversity — Character building AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about killing plays fast, from both a player and a team perspective. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs is taking over the Wednesday edition this week and wants to talk about postgame routines - what are the non-negotiables, and what are some hacks to maximize recovery? TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Jeff is back from paternity leave and joins Toph for a full-throttled conversation on some of the biggest issues in youth hockey. We have mentioned some of them before, but today we hit them head-on and offer some insight on how the experience can be better. In this episode we talk about: — Recruiting vs. Development — Disconnect with clubs and parents — Lack of cohesion within clubs — Cost AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs is happy to be back in the podcast saddle as a NEW DAD, and he’s building on Wednesday’s Short Shifts episode (about tipping pucks) by talking about deception when shooting. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, VECHS IS BACK and Toph wants to talk about something Jeff did a lot throughout his career - tipping pucks! TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher is flying solo again as Jeff is on paternity leave this week (WELCOME TO THE WORLD SOPHIE TAYLOR LOVECCHIO), so Toph decided to follow up last week’s episode on individual habits for success and focus this week on what it takes for a team to be great.In order for a team to win championships, they need to be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:— Are you the closest team?— Are you the hardest working team?— Are you the most resilient team?Toph dives in to each of these, plus, so much more!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, with Vechs out on paternity leave, Toph is joined once again by his good buddy Nick Petraglia! They coached at Miami together and Trags is now with the AAA Blue Jackets in Columbus. Trags’ brings the topic - and the expertise - and wants to talk about how to help coaches who didn’t play the position themselves, be their best for their goaltender’s development.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, with Vechs out on paternity leave, Toph is joined by his good buddy Nick Petraglia! They coached at Miami together and Trags is now the Executive VP with the AAA Blue Jackets. As a goalie himself, Toph wants to tap into Trags’ expertise and talk about how coaches can help develop goalie hockey sense.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher is flying solo as Jeff is on babywatch (and doing all the nesting things getting ready for her eventual arrival), so Toph decided to share some insight on a topic we get asked about A LOT: What does it take to be great?Whether it’s on the ice, or in life away from the rink, here are some non-negotiables to be your best:— Grit and resilience— The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people— Learning how to be present and understanding your why— Responsibility and accountability AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff pay tribute to Grandpa Scott, Bob Sr. who was the energy of the family. He lived life to the fullest, he worked hard, loved hard, and was the guy we wanted to be like.In this episode we share some of our favorite Grandpa stories and we talk about:— The life lessons he taught us about hard work, sacrifice, and the importance of family— The impact his energy had on the legacy he leaves behind— The love he showed our Grandma, alwaysAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about team rules for cell phone use. We have talked about this topic before, but Vechs has changed his stance from when he coached, and wants to talk about some strategies coaches can employ to tackle team rules and expectations for cellphone use!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about drill progressions and how important they are in the transfer of what you’re doing in practice translating to your team’s games.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome one of Toph’s favorite former teammates to the podcast - Matt Moulson! Not only was he an incredible leader, he is proof that everyone has their own path. In this episode we talk about:— Getting cut from midget AAA only to play 650 NHL games— The art of goal scoring— Earning confidence through hard workAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk all things blocking shots. Ways to do it, ways to practice it, and what that kind of sacrifice says about team culture.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to know some of Vechs’ battle drills. We always talk about how important it is to compete hard in practice, and battle drills are a great way to work on that skill!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome Neil Lodin - the founder (and creator) of MyHockeyRankings.com - to the podcast to talk about why he REALLY started the site! We asked a lot of questions and Neil shed some incredible light on so much for us.In this episode we talk about:— How the algorithm works— How teams/coaches/parents are misusing the site— How the site can (and should) be used for development and retentionAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how coaches can help their goalies with hockey sense. *DISCLAIMER: this episode brought to you by two dudes who are neither goalies, nor goalie coaches, but have some pretty solid insight!*TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to continue on his topic from last week focusing on the defensive side of the puck - and this week he asks Vechs about defending 3 on 2s!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome Larry Hagner from The Dad Edge podcast - and what an impactful episode this was! Truly an amazing conversation that will inspire you to be a better parent, partner, and human being.In this episode we talk about:— The curse of “being busy”— Navigating the harder moments of parenthood— Importance of taking care of yourselfAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the things that kids can do at home to work on creativity, skills, mindset, and having fun. It’s a walk down memory lane for the guys to Toph’s basement and Vechs’ garage!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about defensive transition and what’s most important when going from offense to defense. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome Minnesota Hockey legend, Brian Bonin to the podcast! He grew up in the State of Hockey and lived every Minnesota youth player’s dream; this is an absolutely unreal episode.In this episode we talk about:— The MN Hockey mode— Youth hockey development— Winning Minnesota Mr Hockey, Hobey, and playing for the WildAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about what an ideal game day schedule looks like for a player to be at their best. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk 2-on-1s, but with a twist - from the D-side. Some awesome tips and tricks when defending a 2-on-1, Vechs gets to drop one of his favorite sayings, “play chess, not checkers," and we tee up the age-old debate on this for defensemen: to slide or not to slide!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome NTDP Head Strength Coach, Joe Meloni to the podcast! Awesome, awesome guy and this was a great conversation with some incredible insight into what it’s like working with, motivating, and developing the elite young talent in our game.In this episode we talk about:— The development environment they create at NTDP— How competition breeds excellence— Attributes of players that give themselves a chance to be the bestAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how coaches, players and parents navigate the reality of multi-sport athletes, in-season. It’s one thing to say we want our athletes to have a diverse skill set, and to say we encourage players to play multiple sports - but it’s an entirely different thing to manage that as a coach, parent and player. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to break down the 1-3-1 power play. How to be successful if you’re playing it - how to stop it if you’re killing against it. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome former UMD captain and eight year pro player, Jon Francisco to the podcast! Following his hockey career, he served as a firefighter for 10 years in California and Wisconsin before leaving the fire service to build Francisco Hockey & 4Check Hockey which make major impacts in hockey, training, skills and safety.In this episode we talk about:— Fostering passion as a parent— Encouraging multi sport athletes and how parents can help navigate the overlap during the season— Teaching players how to give and receive hits in today’s game— His experience parenting a player on their journey to the NTDPAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about what coaches should be doing with their first practice of the season. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph welcomes the CEO of SkillShark, Neil Anderson, to talk about the innovative way their product makes the tryout and evaluation process so much easier and more efficient for organizers.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! As a partner of ours, remember to use our discount code Hockey20 when you visit SkillShark.comWe appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome one of Vechs’ former teammates and 14 year pro, Olivier Latendresse. We dive into so many topics on the game and had an absolute blast!In this episode we talk about:— Being present and enjoying the hockey journey— The importance of versatility & hard work— Preparing for life after hockey - regardless of how long you play— An UNREAL Brett Hull storyAND SO MUCH MORE!Toph’s fundraiser for Team Racker - a team supporting Racker Rivals Big Red 2024:https://www.givegab.com/p2p/racker-rivals-big-red-2024/topher-scottThank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about not only the importance of players learning how to talk to their coaches, but tips on HOW to effectively navigate initiating them. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one of the biggest kesy to our game - puck protection! TEN MINUTES STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff are flying solo and talking about one of the things that every player struggles with at some point: figuring out how to push yourself in practice on the hard days. You’re not going to feel your best every day, developing strategies to still get the best out of yourself on those days is what fosters success - in any endeavor.In this episode we talk about:— Realities of a long season— Goal Setting— Routine— Competition breeding excellenceAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the things coaches need to consider when putting lines together - and the guys sound off on the types of players they liked playing with most. TEN MINUTES STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, we are switching it up and Vechs is going first this week - he wants to know what Toph misses most from the old playing days! TEN MINUTES STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome performance coach and former player, Jacob Newton. This is a must listen for some deep perspective on life, mental health, and optimal performance. Some of the topics discussed are sensitive and could be triggering (we do give you a heads up in the episode) - parents, you might want to listen first before hitting play with your kiddo in earshot.In this episode we talk about:— The curse of high achievers— Learning to breathe properly is more important than any other recovery strategy— The journey of healing— Learning how to take back your powerAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and our newest sponsor, Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about defense development and habits that young defensemen should be focused on to have success in today’s game.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all things F1 and “Crazy Legs LoVecchio” is HERE FOR IT! Tips, tricks, and F1 hacks (play chess, not checkers) and habits is ON THE CLOCK!TEN MINUTES STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome former NHL defenseman, Andrew Alberts to the podcast! Such an inspiring episode including playing with Zdeno Chara in Boston, the Sedins in Vancouver, and how a little belief from a mentor after getting cut at 15 changed his life.In this episode we talk about:— Playing Midget B at 15 to over 450 NHL games— How Zdeno Chara changed the Bruins— Defending the Sedins in practice every day— Working for NHL Sense ArenaAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, NHL Sense Arena! Visit NHL Sense Arena and use DISCOUNT CODE TANK-72A36D to get 10% off an annual plan of NHL Sense Arena.And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs is bringing his Twitter/X rant to the podcast with some opinions about advisors who don’t actually ADVISE.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the challenges of how to coach top players who don’t buy in.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher is flying solo and recorded LIVE from Nashville with Mike Berra and Kevin Muller of the Jr. Preds organization. Both have worked at multiple levels to grow the game and we had a fantastic conversation about community hockey, non-traditional markets, player development, and what it takes to make an impact as a coach in today’s youth hockey environment.In this episode we talk about:— The importance of building relationships as a coach— Defining culture and the role it plays in a team’s success— Preparation & being a detail-oriented coach— Taking individual skill and having it translate to team structure & successAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and NHL Sense Arena! Visit NHL Sense Arena and use DISCOUNT CODE TANK-72A36D to get 10% off an annual plan of NHL Sense Arena.And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the roles of a coaching staff, and the differences between head coaches, assistant coaches, and the expectations to grow and develop in each role to be successful.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about finishing and the importance of players practicing having a finish mentality when it comes to shooting and scoring.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome Larissa Mills from The Mental Game Academy to the podcast for an eye opening conversation about how phone use and social media is affecting our kids (and adults, too). The data is staggering - from mental health and even to hockey sense and physical ability, this episode with Larissa is going to cause a lot of folks to pause and rethink the routines they employ with respect to “smart” devices. In this episode we talk about:— Kids losing their skill sets— The worst time to check your phone— Advice for parents on strategies to help mitigate screen use— Tips for coaches on how to help decrease screen use among their playersAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, NHL Sense Arena! Visit NHL Sense Arena and use DISCOUNT CODE TANK-72A36D to get 10% off an annual plan of NHL Sense Arena.And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about controlled breakouts - when, why, and how to use them effectively.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about D zone faceoffs (and how important they are for a team).TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome newly promoted GM of the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL), Trevor Edwards, who is also the Program Director for the Pittsburgh Pens Elite youth program! Tremendous conversation about the journey from youth hockey to the elite levels and what the development process should look like for the health of the players and our sport.In this episode we talk about:— The pressures that younger players feel today versus years ago— The value of being patient in the development process— Helping players develop their passion for the game— Some unreal advice for parents navigating youth sportsAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and, our newest sponsor, NHL Sense Arena! Visit NHL Sense Arena and use DISCOUNT CODE TANK-72A36D to get 10% off an annual plan of NHL Sense Arena.And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.