The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how to win faceoffs. Keys, techniques and the importance of understanding it takes more than just the center to win possession.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!The Hockey Think Tank Podcast is a proud member of The Hockey Podcast Network. 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 5 on 6 situations and how to best set your team up for success.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!The Hockey Think Tank Podcast is a proud member of The Hockey Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff sound off on the 5 Keys to Getting Recruited. Some great insight for players and parents trying to navigate the entire process from youth hockey and beyond.In this episode we discuss:— Focusing on what YOU can control— Remembering that it’s a marathon, not a sprint— The scouting and recruiting process— What scouts look for in a player— What players can do to proactively get on the radarAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 insurgence of players’ personal style beginning to permeate the game. Love it? Hate it? Good for the game, or not? Here we go…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’s topic is all about late bloomers! If you are one, a parent of one, or coaching one (or more) - this episode is for you!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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Corey Cumiskey of Humble Hockey. More than just a place to get custom team gear, Humble Hockey exists to celebrate the culture of hockey: grit, discipline, humility and integrity.In this episode we discuss:— The reality of youth hockey from a parent perspective— How Humble Hockey is making a difference in the team gear space— The unique way Humble Hockey gives back by helping KEEP kids in the gameAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 asks Toph about a hot-button topic in the world of player development - the use of on-ice instruments! Do their benefits outweigh some of their limitations? Is there an optimal age to start using them? These questions and MORE…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’s topic is all about the pregame pep talk. Tips, timing, messaging and more!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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher is flying solo! Back in 2011, Toph was on staff at Miami of Ohio as a Graduate Assistant and wrote his Masters Thesis on the Key and Common Elements of Successful College and Professional Programs and Coaches.Without a ton out (at that time) from a hockey-specific perspective, Toph turned to some of the all-time great coaches and programs: John Wooden, Coach K, Vince Lombardi, Phil Jackson, Tony Dungy, Lou Holtz, Pat Riley, Bill Walsh, Jim Tressel, and more!In this episode Toph hits on:— Big emphasis on people and personal relationships— Always had a look at the bigger picture (forward thinkers)— Different characteristics that these coaches possessed that set them apart— Habits (as individuals and what they preaches to their teams)AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 asks Toph is he’s a fan of the all-out pressure PK, or more of a passive penalty kill. GREAT conversation for coaches and players! (HINT: if you’re not a fan of youth players NOT being able to ice the puck on the kill, THIS IS FOR YOU because… 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, Toph’s topic is LINE CHANGES! Vechs has opinions and the guys talk about how critical line changes can be - from shift length, how to change to gain an advantage, changing hard, AND SO MUCH MORE!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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome former professional hockey player, Mike Radja. Mike, a former AHL player and Assistant Captain at UNH is now the head instructor at SpeedSkills Hockey doing tremendous things with player development in upstate New York!In this episode we discuss:— The absolute grind that being a professional athlete entails— Chicago youth hockey days of Radja and Toph playing against each other— Setting goals, being accountable, and finding success in your passion— Skill development should be FUNAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 asks Toph about a HOT topic in the hockey world - Mike Babcock’s firing. Everyone has an opinion - including our guys!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’s topic is from a listener who wants to know how a coach should handle players who start dogging it after making 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.

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome the father-son dynamic duo, Jimmy & Rutger McGroarty! Jimmy coached our very own Vechs in juniors and is currently the GM for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL). His son, Rutger, played for the USNTDP, was a first-round draft pick for the Winnipeg Jets, and is entering his sophomore year for the University of Michigan.In this episode we discuss:— The impact that coaches can have in players’ lives— The story of Rutger’s NHL draft experience from both of their perspectives— What strong leadership looks like— What it was like for Rutger growing up around high level players, and then putting in the work to reach the national team (where he says the REAL work started)AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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, Jeff’s topic is: How to talk to refs. The shortage of officials in every youth sport is a crisis, and part of the problem is the culture surrounding their treatment in games. Are they always right, and always good? No. But neither are we - and the example we set during the challenging games is critical to team energy and success.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 this SHORT SHIFTS episode, Topher wants to talk about BREAKAWAYS and Vechs is here for it! Successful breakaways and shootout moves, including tips to increase your chances of 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.

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on performance coach Gavin McHale! Gavin grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba where as a goalie he played up through junior hockey before becoming a highly successful performance coach working with many entrepreneurs.The guys had a great talk with Gavin hitting things like:Can you use anxiety for good?What are the commonalities of high achievers?How can you best set goals for success?Much More!!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode is all about Bench Energy! Jeff brought the topic and it’s absolutely in Topher’s wheelhouse. We talk about how vitally important positive bench energy is to any team’s success; from the player leading in time-on-ice to the teammate that doesn’t see a shift in a game (and everyone in between) - it’s crucial to set the tone and expectation early.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.

Welcome to “SHORT SHIFTS” with the Hockey Think Tank Podcast! Each week, we will put out two of these (Wednesdays & Fridays); Toph & Jeff take turns bringing a topic that the other one doesn’t know ahead of time - and the boys get it done in ten minutes!Toph’s topic today - NET FRONT PLAY! The boys talk about what’s important when playing in front of the net on both sides of the puck.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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher bring on some of the best in the game to talk about using technology in hockey!• Mike Monti, Video Coach for the Cleveland Monsters (AHL)• Bill Near, founder and CEO of Helios Hockey - our newest podcast sponsor!• Nils Satterstrom & Scott Goergen from IceHockeySystemsIn this episode we discuss:— IHS: How IceHockeySystems software and content, simply put, makes coaches (and associations) better with increased efficiency and an unbelievable library of resources.— HELIOS: Stride mechanics & data for players to enhance development, as well as real-time feedback that coaches can utilize IN-GAME, in real time, to enhance bench management. Also, JUST WAIT until you hear about Helios’ “Hustle Score” - it’s a game changer.— MONTI: Talks about some of the unique things he does using Google Drive as it relates to video and player developmentAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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.

Welcome to “SHORT SHIFTS” with the Hockey Think Tank Podcast! Each week, we will put out two of these (Wednesdays & Fridays); Toph & Jeff take turns bringing a topic that the other one doesn’t know ahead of time - and the boys get it done in ten minutes!In this episode, Vechs wants to talk about raising the energy level to start practice so players - and the team - get the most out of their time on the iceTEN 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.

WE HAVE A NAME FOR THE NEW SEGMENTS!(And THANK YOU to everyone who submitted suggestions. You guys are awesome!)Welcome to “SHORT SHIFTS” with the Hockey Think Tank Podcast! Each week, we will put out two of these (Wednesdays & Fridays); Toph & Jeff take turns bringing a topic that the other one doesn’t know ahead of time - and the boys get it done in ten minutes!In this episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of a preseason parent meeting to set the tone and set the standard to start 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk to Juliano Pagliero (Pags”), the Associate Head Coach at Penn State. A former goalie who played at Niagara and has been able to work with some terrific college head coaches, shares some terrific insight on things he has learned along his journey.In this episode we discuss:— Pags’ experience in juniors playing for 5 different teams and how he used that to learn, grow, and improve.— How shooters and goalies can help each other in practices, to use to their advantage.— Learning to believe in your preparation.— The unreal competition and leader boards for just about ANYTHING outside of hockey among the Penn State team! (It’s seriously epic.)AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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.

Welcome to our second 10-minute, quick hit, (as yet) unnamed version of the Hockey Think Tank Podcast! Each week, we will put out two of these, in one Toph brings a topic that Jeff doesn’t know ahead of time, and in the other, Jeff brings the topic!Up today: Vechs wants to talk about the half wall guy on the power play, and the boys get it done in ten minutes!WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are still looking for a name for these new segments - DM us @HockeyThinkTankPodcast with your suggestions.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.

Welcome to our very first 10-minute, quick hit, (as yet) unnamed version of the Hockey Think Tank Podcast! Each week, we will put out two of these, in one Toph brings a topic that Jeff doesn’t know ahead of time, and in the other, Jeff brings the topic!Up first: Toph wants to talk about 2 on 1s from both the offensive side and the defensive side of the puck, and the boys get it done in ten minutes!WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are still looking for a name for these new segments - DM us @HockeyThinkTankPodcast with your suggestions.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 episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk to Nick Bootland, Assistant Coach for the Calder Cup winning Hershey Bears (AHL)! Nick grew up in Shelburne, ONT, played in the OHL and professionally before spending 13 years as Head Coach of the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) before joining the staff in Hershey.In this episode we discuss:— The opportunity to play for the Memorial Cup (OHL)— Going from player to coach (from one season to the next), for the same team!— What it means to be back in Hershey as a coach and winning the Calder Cup— The importance of gratitude and perspective in the game and in lifeAND SO MUCH MORE!(HINT: want more Hockey Think Tank podcast? How about a couple of ten-minute quick hits each week to bang out on your way to or from the rink! YOU can help us name the new segment!)Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about ways to get a great start to the season! Whether you’ve worked hard all summer or had some bumps along the way (or both), it’s not too late to dial it in and get a great start TODAY! Coaches, setting the tone early with culture and expectations will help your team throughout the season.In this episode we discuss:— Strategies to earn your confidence— Setting a team identity early— Focusing on small details, consistently— The importance of goal-settingAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome Amanda Mazzotta Alessi, former Cornell goaltender and current Assistant Coach for Quinnipiac Women’s Hockey. Terrific discussion about Quinnipiac’s reputation of being consistently hard to play against and how they maintain that year-to-year.In this episode we discuss:— Player accountability, goal setting and developing culture— An unreal point system that they use to motivate players— The most epic player success plans that create ownership and tangible metrics from each player’s own goal-settingAND SO MUCH MORE!In this episode, Vechs mentions a fundraising event near to him.The link to donate to Kate is here: https://venmo.com/u/katejohnson10Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome the captain of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, Zach Metsa. An unreal story of his start in youth hockey, to the culture at Quinnipiac that helped them earn a National Championship this season - it was a terrific conversation with so much for coaches, players and parents alike.In this episode we discuss:— Playing Squirt House B and jumping to AAA hockey in Milwaukee—The difference coaches can make in the lives of their players—Relationships, resiliency, culture— Winning a NATTY CHAMPIONSHIPAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher turn to the D side of the puck and talk about Defensive Habits that teams and players must develop for success! In this episode we discuss:— COMMUNICATION— Gaps, Stick pressure, Tracking, and Transition— D Zone— Neutral Zone— ForecheckAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this week’s episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast we talk to one of Jeff’s longtime clients, Jakub Dobeš who just signed with the Montreal Canadiens after two seasons between the pipes for The Ohio State University.In this episode we discuss:— His journey that included leaving his home in the Czech Republic for the U.S.— His work ethic and outlook through adversity, and the support system he found here in the statesAs well as a couple of announcements:— A cause near and dear to Toph’s heart - his fundraising event at Cornell for Racker, a school for individuals with special needs. Link to donate is here (https://www.givegab.com/p2p/racker-rivals-big-red-2023/topher-scott)—A HUGE life-changing decision for Top and his family. Bittersweet but exciting too!AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher continue the talk about offensive habits and the attributes that will lead to success in today’s game. PLAYERS: Learning to do the simple things well, over time, make the biggest difference!In this episode we discuss:— Ozone habits— Neutral zone and entries— Breakouts— Puck protection, separation, shoulder checks and scans, and activating your DAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this week’s episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast we talk to two of the leaders from the University of Michigan hockey team - this past season’s captain, Nolan Moyle and the upcoming 23-24 season captain, Jacob Truscott. Their paths to play for the Wolverines were so different - and the conversation is incredible. Their stories are part of what have made them such unbelievable leaders.In this episode we discuss:— Learning to overcome adversity—Creating habits to be successful —Versatility & knowing your role on a team— Michigan’s run for the national championship this seasonAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about offensive habits and the attributes needed to have success in today’s game. In this episode we discuss:— Communication— Puck support— Having a finishing mentality— Positionless hockeyAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome Jack Smiley! You may have heard some of Jack’s story when he suffered a stroke on the ice in 2022 while playing at Endicott College - but its the story of his journey back to hockey that is unbelievably inspiring.In this episode we discuss:— Resiliency and motivation— The impact of your own words, to yourself— Realizing that someone out there is doing better, with worseAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this week’s episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher are talking about all things player leadership and its importance to any team. What does it look like? What do great player leaders do? What characteristics do great leaders they’ve played with (or coached) over the years possess? As Vechs says in this episode, “better leadership equals better everything!”ALL OF THIS AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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.

This week’s episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast - fresh off of winning the USHL’S Clark Cup Championship (with a Finals sweep) - we talk to Youngstown Phantom’s Head Coach, Ryan Ward and Co-General Manager, Jason Deskins.In this episode we discuss:— How team culture & identity impact success— The pressures that today’s players face— The importance of earning your players’ trustAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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.

This week it’s a MAILBAG episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast! Jeff and Topher tackle the AWESOME questions sent in by listeners, hitting on some of our favorite Inspo follows as well as advice for players and coaches.In this episode we discuss:— How much ice is too much during the summer/off-season— How to reach out to junior or college teams — How best to empower your leadership groupAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk with long-time Detroit Red Wings defenseman, Danny Dekeyser about his journey through Western Michigan University to a decade in the NHL as an undrafted free agent for his hometown team.In this episode we discuss:— His unconventional route in Juniors (he’s proof there is no ONE path)— Playing for Jeff Blashill at WMU and in Detroit— Getting to play with and practice against Kronwall, Datsyuk, Zetterberg as a young NHLerAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about what it means to be hard to play against as both a player and a team.In this episode we discuss:— Players who never quit on the puck— Relentlessness, speed & a good defensive stick— Discipline, finishing checks— Tracks, gaps & defending all the way up the iceAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome back THIRD TIME GUEST Alyssa Gagliardi to talk all things DEFENSE! A stud in her own right (Shattuck, Cornell, Boston Pride), Alyssa offers some unreal insight on D development. An absolute must listen for coaches and players.In this episode we discuss:— Manipulating the play without the puck— Learning what it means to be a defenseman in today’s game— Creating deception to make playsAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about EMBRACING THE GRIND! In life, in hockey, in ANYTHING you do, success requires finding joy in the details, the process - the grind.In this episode we discuss:— Strategies to approach the process— Winning the day with short-term goal setting— The importance of accountability partners— Perspective AND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk to Brian Renfrew! Brian, currently an amateur scout for the Winnipeg Jets, won an NCAA National Championship while coaching at Michigan State, and played for Western Michigan University. He has some terrific stories, unbelievable insight, and absolutely loves our great game!In this episode we discuss:— Some UNREAL stories from his coaching days— Things NHL scouts looks for in players (AND PARENTS) while scouting— What it was like growing up playing hockey in Alaska— The importance of competing and his passion for the gameAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about being present in the moment and living every day, starting TODAY! Tomorrow is not promised, and we talk strategies to help make the most of every day we are given.The episode gets a little emotional as Toph pays tribute to one of his best friends and college teammate, former NHLer, Ray Sawada, who passed away unexpectedly last week while playing the game he loved. A GoFundMe was set up to help his wife and two daughters during this unimaginably difficult time. If it’s on your heart to do so, please consider donating or sharing:In memory of Raymond Sawada https://gofund.me/d35db5a4Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about BIG MOMENTS! In hockey and in life, learning how to get the best out of yourself in the biggest moments is a skill that can - and should - be cultivated.In this episode we discuss:— Preparation gives you confidence— Pressure is a privilege— Being in the momentAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about MOTIVATION! A deep dive on the topic and how it can affect successful, or not, outcomes.In this episode we discuss:— Intention and passion— Goal-setting— Action— And identifying YOUR whyAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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 this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we talk to the founder and CEO of Athletix Testing, Robert Novotny. Athletix offers hockey-specific performance testing and data analysis services to support the development of athletes, teams, and organizations in North America and Europe.In this conversation we talk:— How data & analytics have evolved to monitor player development— The benefits of sport-specific testing for athletes AND coaches— How standardization and comparable results increase athlete competitiveness— EntrepreneurshipAND SO MUCH MOREThank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS! We appreciate you downloading, rating and sharing our podcast! YOU are the reason we do this and we appreciate your support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher bring another MAILBAG of awesomeness from your questions on social media. They cover:— When it’s the right time to change teams/coaches— Advice for coaches on setting expectations & team culture— How to help foster positive environments for players and organizationsAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS! We love doing these episodes - so DM or email us your questions any time and we will get to them on the next MAILBAG! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about TRYOUTS! Often times called “the silly season” (for good reason), they offer a unique perspective from both the player side as well as the coach’s side, and how to handle the stress, uncertainty and opportunity presented.In this episode we discuss:— Players embracing what THEIR strengths are and being their best at THOSE things— How parents can help kids navigate the stress and pressure they’re feeling— What coaches look for during a tryoutAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. 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.