The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

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.

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how parents can help their players when their confidence is low.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 some great ways to end a practice.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 pod producer Steph to join them on the other side of the mics to get a hockey mom’s perspective on the youth hockey journey.Steph has two kids in hockey (a daughter playing in college and a son playing 18U), a husband that coaches, she worked for her local youth association for 11 seasons, and has experience on the facilities side of our sport as well.In this episode we talk about:— Embracing the youth hockey journey— How best to support your player during the highs and lows— Staying focused on what’s best for your player’s development amidst the noise— Acknowledging that FOMO is real, and how to navigate some of the crazinessAND 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 how coaches can instill an offensive attack mentality in younger players.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.

Let's try this again! On the latest SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how coaches can plan practices better for their goalies.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!Apologies if this episode downloaded twice for you - Apple Podcasts wasn't playing nice the first go-around! 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 how coaches can plan practices to help their goalies.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 devote the entire episode to some awesome questions and topics that we have received from the Hockey Think Tank Community.If you’d like to join, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!In this episode we talk about:— Mentorship— Transparency— Cultivating your child’s passion while embracing that it’s their journey— Development, synthetic ice, lazy coaching, problem parents, & the cost of youth hockeyAND 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! 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 2-on-1s, offensively, and ways to work on them in practice.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 tracks & gaps! A team that tracks hard is problematic for opponents because it allows the defense to gap up and create more offensive opportunities.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 Ashlea Jones, from Athletes In Training, to the podcast. Toph calls this one “a fantastic hockey nerd episode” - and he means that in the absolute BEST way possible! Ashlea is a phenomenal skating coach in Ontario who works with high level players (junior, college, and pro) as well as youth players with big dreams.You can’t play hockey at the highest levels without being an incredible skater, and Ashlea gives such tremendous insight to help players of any level.In this episode we talk about:— Edgework, Skating stride & mechanics— Ankles,foot action, and mobility— How today’s players’ posture is inhibiting loading— Speed, power, acceleration & becoming a faster playerAND 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! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk to all of the players that did not get drafted (or tendered) in the recent USHL Phase I and Phase II drafts (which, by the way, is MOST players); or really ANY player that is dealing with the disappointment of not making the team they wanted to, or at a level they want to play.(ALERT: There is also a message for players that DID get drafted, and DID make the team they wanted to make. Don’t settle. Don’t stop working. Don’t stop chasing your dream.)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 some of the common characteristics of elite players (HINT: successful people in any endeavor tend to share many of the characteristics we talk about here).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 NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, 2-time Olympic Champion with over 18 years in the NHL - Chris Pronger! Absolutely unreal episode with someone that has found success at every level, and drops knowledge that EVERY player and EVERY player needs to hear!In this episode we talk about:— Defining success on your own terms— The importance of finding balance and taking breaks— What a championship mindset looks like and how to cultivate it— What the hockey (and youth hockey) journey should look like and be aboutAND 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! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk about how to handle setbacks and injuries. Every player - every person - has to learn how to navigate situations and circumstances that don’t go their way. Setbacks WILL happen, injuries WILL happen. How you deal with them will ultimately define your success on and off the ice.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 BENCH ENERGY! The guys say it all the time - teams with the best bench energy, generally find greater success!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!Follow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTank and @HockeyThinkTankPodcastX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok: @HockeyThinkTankFacebook: 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 Topher and Jeff welcome Nolan Graham to the podcast to share his incredibly inspiring story. Nolan grew up on Vancouver Island, played college hockey at RPI, and coached juniors before returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach. In 2018, while at RPI, Nolan suffered an unimaginable tragedy involving a car that changed his life.Nolan has not spoken in such a public way about his journey since the accident and the effects of his traumatic brain injury, and we are honored that he said yes to us.In this episode we talk about:— Resiliency, gratitude, and perspective— Getting cut by his own dad from Bantam AAA (HOT TAKE: dad said he needed to play where he could play in all situations and get as many puck touches as possible!)— Some incredible stories that reinforce the need to be authentic and genuine when handling highs and lows in any endeavor— The accident that changed his lifeAND 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! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to discuss the possibility of OHL (and other major junior) players eventually being granted NCAA eligibility - especially with all of the NIL changes and opportunities for student-athletes. Could it happen? Should it happen? Who would it be good for? So many questions to tackle in this one!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 pay tribute to legendary hockey broadcaster, Bob Cole, who recently passed. The guys talk about their favorite/most memorable broadcast calls over the years (and yes, Vechs brings up the call of one of his own goals! EPIC!), as well as some of their favorite broadcasting personalities.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 Dan O’Donoghue back to the podcast! We recorded this one LIVE from Long Island - and had some minor technical difficulties, but it’s a great episode nonetheless! Dan’s journey through hockey is unique and one that every player (and parent) should hear!In this episode we talk about:— The 50th Annual NYPD vs. FDNY hockey game that Dan is a part of and how Barstool’s support is pivotal to its success— The importance of giving back to the game— Ways our game - and the adults in youth hockey, can be better for the kidsAND 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! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk about breakaway/shootout moves that work well at the younger ages. 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, Topher wants to talk about centers winning draws. Possessing the puck is so important, and winning faceoffs is critical. We run a little long, but it’s because the guys have so much to say! (“If you’re not cheating a little, you’re not trying hard enough.” ~Toph on the art of winning faceoffs)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 Luke Croucher to the podcast. Luke plays Division III hockey at Neumann University and is doing some terrific things on social media for young players. We talk a lot about “what’s your why?” on this podcast, and Luke’s “why” is the first line of his social media bio: “Helping the hockey player I once was…”Always giving back - putting out terrific information for freeIn this episode we talk about:— Life lessons being caught not taught— How adversity has fueled his journey— Surrounding yourself with like-minded people to reach your goals— Building habits and confidenceAND 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! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk about the penalty kill forecheck!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, Topher wants to talk about the cycle. While it’s not a part of the game like it used to be, we talk about how to use (and defend) it effectively 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.

This week Topher and Jeff welcome Duante’ Abercrombie to the podcast. Recently nominated for the NHL’s Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award by the Washington Capitals, we talk to Duante’ about his incredible journey in our sport and his work with The Rising Stars Academy in the Washington D.C. area. The Rising Stars Academy was designed to provide minority hockey players with elite on-ice skill development and off-ice training geared toward problem-solving and handling some racist elements in a sport that remains predominantly white.In this episode we talk about:— Grassroots hockey and its importance to the health of our game— The importance of teaching kids the idea of community— Having the courage the be differentAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com - PLUS, our newest sponsor, NHL Sense Arena! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk about O-zone faceoff plays. Great stuff in this one! 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, Topher asks Vechs what it means to be tough to play against, both individually and as 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 Wendi Irlbeck to the podcast. Wendi is a registered dietitian, certified sports nutritionist, and lifestyle coach with an M.S. in nutrition. Wendi specializes in enhancing health, athletic performance, and injury prevention by focusing on nutrition. A former collegiate athlete, Wendi works closely with teen, collegiate, and adult athletes of all calibers.In this episode we talk about:—The importance of having a positive relationship with food— How nutrition impacts sports performance, what to eat on game days, and what to eat before and after training sessions— Protein, creatine, supplementsAND SO MUCH MORE!Link to Wendi's Health & Performance Playbook that folks can purchaseQuick LinksThank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com - PLUS, our newest sponsor, NHL Sense Arena! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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, Vechs wants to talk about walking the line for D men, and ten minutes isn’t enough time for they guys to hit on everything!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! (This episode runs a little long - it’s our week of “Medium Shift” episodes!)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, Topher wants to talk about wall play for wingers on the breakout! TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! (AND WE RUN A LITTLE LONG BECAUSE THE GUYS WERE ROLLIN’!)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 this week's episode, Topher and Jeff recorded LIVE in St. Louis from Jeff’s “Taj Mahal” of home gyms, with Vechs’ NFL client and NY Jets Safety, Tony Adams. This is one of the best conversations we have ever had - TA went from being an undrafted free agent to an NFL starter in two years, and opens up about adversity and low points throughout his life. A powerful episode that is not sport specific - there is something in here for everyone!In this episode we talk about:— Finding mentorship— Being vulnerable— Resiliency & gratitude— Building athleticismAND SO MUCH MORE!For information on TA’s charity, the Tony Adams Foundation - a community driven organization dedicated to underserved communities through scholarship and mentorship - follow on Instagram @tonyadamsfoundation and @ta06_Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com - PLUS, our newest sponsor, NHL Sense Arena! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; 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.