The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
thehockeythinktank 600 episodes Nov 11, 2026
The Hockey Think Tank Podcast features interviews and stories from top hockey minds, hosted by Topher Scott and Jeff LoVecchio. It aims to educate and inspire players, coaches, and parents with insights from the game. The show is designed to be a go-to resource for hockey enthusiasts on their way to the rink.
Episodes
SHORT SHIFTS - WEAK-SIDE WING’S ROLE ON BREAKOUTS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what to do with your weak-side winger on the breakout. Join us as we get nerdy about their different breakout options.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 RepairFollow us
8 Youth Hockey Lessons Learned for Our 8 Year Anniversary - EP 442
This week, Topher and Jeff celebrate HTT’s 8 year anniversary. Throughout our show, we have heard common messages from all of the incredible guests we’ve had on. We thought what better way to celebrate this milestone than to share the top 8 takeaways from the last 8 years.In this episode we talk about:— People aren’t the problem, so what is?— The need to experience adversity— What to look for in t
FRIDAY FACEOFF - PUTTING AN EMPHASIS ON PASSING
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how as coaches, we need to put an emphasis on passing. Too often, we see players at the younger ages try to beat opponents 1-on-1. Put an emphasis on passing in practice, and see what it does for your players’ development.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social
SHORT SHIFTS - TIME & SPACE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all about time and space, and how it affects a player’s ability. You give a good player time & space, they become a great player; if you take away their time & space, they become an average player.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this S
How to Have Hard Conversations & Face Conflict Head On, with Guest Bill Taylor, Sports Conflict Lab - EP 441
This week, Topher and Jeff bring on Bill Taylor, founder and CEO of Sports Conflict Lab. His company helps athletes and teams learn how to have hard conversations and turn conflict into a competitive advantage. His book, Managing Sports Conflict: Five Tools to Master Conflict, is a great read for any athlete or coach.In this episode we talk about:— How your approach matters when dealing with confl
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO DEVELOP NECESSARY SKILLS IN OUR PLAYERS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the skills we discussed on our most recent Short Shifts episode and how to develop them. If you haven’t listened to that conversation yet, go check it out first!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan Battl
SHORT SHIFTS - THE 4 NECESSARY SKILLS TO BE GREAT
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the four necessary skills to be great at anything you do, especially if you want to be a great hockey player. If you want to make it far in your hockey career, obviously you need the requisite hockey skills, but what are the other necessary things you need?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment,
The Importance of Becoming a Versatile & Coachable Player as You Level Up, with Guests Scott Gomez, Brett Skinner, & Ron Fogarty, USHL Head Coaches - EP 440
This week Topher brings on USHL Head Coaches Scott Gomez (Chicago Steel), Brett Skinner (Fargo Force), and Ron Fogarty (Omaha Lancers). Listen for their amazing advice and insight for those wanting to play in the USHL.In this episode we talk about:— The importance of mentorship at every level— How versatility is necessary if you want to play at the higher levels: work on your weaknesses, not just
FRIDAY FACEOFF - SEPARATION OF HOCKEY & ADMIN
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the necessary separation of the hockey side and the administration side within a youth hockey board. Oftentimes, one person takes on all roles or there is not a good balance between the two sides. Let’s talk best practices when it comes to running an efficient hockey board.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTI
SHORT SHIFTS - QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR COACHES
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a trait that is common among the best athletes: curiosity. What are some of the best questions you can ask your coaches, mentors, or yourself, if you are innately curious and find yourself always wanting to know more?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!S
Becoming the Best Version of Yourself by Surrounding Yourself with the Right People, with Guest Tony Granato, Hockey Legend - EP 439
This week Topher and Jeff bring on hockey legend, Tony Granato. Granato played college hockey at the University of Wisconsin and played over 13 seasons in the NHL. After playing, he coached at the NHL level, college, and the men’s USA Team at the Olympics.In this episode we talk about:— Granato’s advice in order to play in the NHL today and how it is very different than the advice he received— The
FRIDAY FACEOFF - MANAGING A SLOW START TO THE SEASON AS A COACH
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to handle having a slow start to your season as a coach. Maybe you’re winless in your first couple of games or can’t seem to get the team gelling. What do you do as a coach if you come out of the gates really slow?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social site
SHORT SHIFTS - NEUTRAL ZONE OFFENSE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about offense in the neutral zone. We at the HTT think the neutral zone is the most important zone, both offensively and defensively, so let's talk about it!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 Sharpenin
Breaking Down the New Development League with Guest Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey National Coach-In-Chief - EP 438
This week Topher and Jeff bring on USA Hockey’s National Coach-In-Chief, Mike MacMillan, to talk about the new Development League. This new league is one of the many major changes in the hockey landscape as we know it, so join us as we break down what it entails and how it will affect youth hockey moving forward.In this episode we talk about:— Our thoughts on the new league and what it entails— Th
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW DO YOU GET THROUGH AN INJURY?
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to best get through an injury, both mentally and physically. And then when you’re almost ready to return, how do you prepare?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGearFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkT
SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO YOU TURN AROUND A BAD GAME?
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener’s question: how do you turn around a bad game when you’re in the middle of it? Tune in for our best advice on how to reset mid-game.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 & Equi
The Path to Playing Juniors, Scouting for Different Skill Levels, & Having the Ability to Self Correct with Guest Tony Gasparini, USHL Sioux Falls Stampede GM - EP 437
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Tony Gasparini, the current General Manager of Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League. Gasparini’s long hockey career includes playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth, later becoming head coach at Sioux Falls, and a scout for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.In this episode we talk about:— The quote, “I’m gonna hug you, but I’m al
FRIDAY FACEOFF - LACK OF PARENT EDUCATION IN YOUTH HOCKEY
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the lack of parent education in youth hockey. We commonly find that this is the time of year that parents start to get unhappy with what they signed up for. As a parent, how do you stay grounded if you are feeling this way?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, commen
SHORT SHIFTS - USING THE BACK OF THE NET
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about using the back of the net in two different ways: on the breakout (with your own net) and in your offensive zone (with the other team’s net).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 & Equ
Prioritize Fun First & Development Will Follow, with Guest Pete Lenes (Swaggy P), Elev802 Owner - EP 436
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Pete Lenes, Elev802 Hockey Training owner and famously known on Instagram as Swaggy P. During his 10-year professional hockey career, Lenes played in the AHL, ECHL, and in both Denmark and Austria. Lenes now uses his platform and training company to help the next generation of hockey players develop a love for the game.In this episode we talk about:— How working
FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TRANSITIONING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what you should know and how to handle transitioning to the next level, whether it's AA to AAA, high school to juniors, college to professional, etc.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGearFollow
SHORT SHIFTS - 5 KEYS TO PRACTICE PLANNING
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to share the 5 keys he’s learned from some of the game’s best coaches to planning and executing a successful practice.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 RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyTh
Bigger Than the Game: Life Lessons Learned Through Hockey - EP 435
This week Jeff is back from paternity leave and joins Topher to talk about things bigger than the game. Hockey, and sports in general, teaches us great life lessons that carry far beyond the rink.In this episode we talk about:— Toph’s personal choices that led him to step away from coaching— The impact of setting boundaries— Recognizing that mistakes are not the end of the world and giving yoursel
FRIDAY FACEOFF - STAY-TO-PLAY MODEL
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the most controversial topics in youth sports: the stay-to-play model.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGearFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @
SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO PLAY A 1-ON-1 DEFENSIVELY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on HTT teammate and former college coach Matt Thomas to talk about how to play a 1-on-1 defensively.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 RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter
Keys to Finding Success in Your Hockey Journey Regardless of Your Level, with Guest Greg Rallo, AHL Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach - EP 434
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Greg Rallo, AHL Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach. Rallo played only one year of Tier 1 hockey before playing junior hockey in the North American Hockey League, and then went on to play at Ferris State for 4 years. He later played 12 years professionally in the ECHL, AHL, DEL, and NHL. Since retiring, he has now been a coach at the professional level for over 9
FRIDAY FACEOFF - SPONSOR MY ATHLETE
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on Mandy Holmes to talk about her company, Sponsor My Athlete. With the rising costs of youth sports, many families are getting priced out of participating. This episode is a must-listen for any family looking to reduce the financial cost of their child’s sport.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!SPONSOR MY ATHLETEWe appreciate every listen, downloa
SHORT SHIFTS - DRILL DESIGN & PRACTICE PLANNING WITH IHS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on Chris Howard from Ice Hockey Systems to share the ultimate resource for coaches. We discuss 3 important things to focus on when it comes to designing drills.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 &a
Stories and Observations From A Lifetime in Hockey, with Guest Gordie Stafford, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Former Head Coach - EP 433
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Gordie Stafford, current Mental Performance & Mindset Coach and former Head Coach of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s women’s ice hockey team. Stafford has coached some of the top players in the game and brings incredible wisdom to this episode. To get more awesome insight, go check out his new book, “The Journey and Its Rewards: Stories and Observations From A Lifeti
FRIDAY FACEOFF - PRIVATE EQUITY IN YOUTH SPORTS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a hot topic in the youth hockey world: private equity. With rising costs and stay-to-play requirements, many families are getting priced out of youth hockey. Listen for our thoughts on the future of our sport regarding private equity.
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SHORT SHIFTS - FAVORITE BATTLE DRILLS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite battle drills. We’re feeling fiery today, so let’s get that battle level up!!
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Qualities of Successful Youth Hockey Directors, Presidents, Coaches, & Parents, with Guests Matt & Steph, HTT Teammates - EP 432
This week Topher and Jeff bring on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the top qualities of the most successful youth hockey directors, presidents, coaches, and parents. Matt & Steph work with some of the best organizations across North America every day, so they join us to share what they’ve learned.
In this episode we talk about:
— What a good board president looks like
— How hockey
FRIDAY FACEOFF - CREATING BUY IN FOR YOUR CLUB
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the major challenges hockey clubs face: buy in. An organization can have the best development philosophy on paper, but if your coaches and families don’t understand the why behind the way you’re doing things, your chances of success greatly reduce.
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SHORT SHIFTS - THE COACHES THAT SHAPED ME INTO THE PERSON I AM TODAY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the three most memorable coaches of his hockey career and what they did to have such a profound impact on his life even beyond the game.
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Top 10 Clips From the Hockey Think Tank, with Guest Bobby Scott, Toph’s Dad - EP 431
This week Topher brings on his dad to revisit some of our favorite clips from the almost 8 years we’ve been doing this podcast. Whether you’re a long time fan or a new listener, this episode is a must-listen to get incredible advice from some of the top minds in the game.
In this episode we talk about:
— Advice from Martin St. Louis, Caroline Harvey, Brianne Jenner, plus other top guests we’ve had
FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE AN ORGANIZATION?
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what happens when a player and their family leaves a hockey organization. We talk about both sides; how to handle the situation as the organization itself, and how to handle it as the family that is leaving.
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SHORT SHIFTS - SMALL GROUP TRAINING
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about on-ice small group training and how to maximize your practice plan. As a coach, what should you focus on and how should you prepare?
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Do 1 Right Thing Every Day, with Guest Tyler Greenberg, D1RT Owner - EP 430
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Toph’s cousin, Tyler Greenberg, to talk about his hockey journey and the incredible company he recently founded. Greenberg played Tier 1 hockey, junior hockey, and a bit of D3 college hockey before enlisting in the Navy & graduating BUDS. These collective experiences motivated him to create D1RT (Do 1 Right Thing), his supplement company that has a huge focus on
FRIDAY FACEOFF - BETTER PEOPLE MAKE BETTER HOCKEY PLAYERS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about the life skills needed to make it to the higher levels of the game. It is a common misconception that as long as you’re a great hockey player, you’ll make it far. We’re here to tell you that being a good person is just as, if not more, important as your hockey talent.
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SHORT SHIFTS - BUBBLE HOCKEY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about his prized custom Super Chexx Bubble Hockey game. We bring on Greg Kania, Director of Home Games of Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE) to talk about the famous game we grew up with.
THINKING OF GETTING YOUR OWN BUBBLE HOCKEY GAME?
Use discount code GMBM!
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Implications of the New College Hockey Rules & Building a Life Outside of the Rink, with Guest Alexios Georgaklis, NCAA D3 Connecticut College Commit - EP 429
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Alexios Georgaklis, Surrounded by Good People CEO and Connecticut College commit. Georgaklis was expected to play NCAA Division 1 college hockey, but because of what has recently changed in college hockey, is now committed to Connecticut College’s Men's Ice Hockey team (D3). He joins us to not only talk about his hockey journey so far, but also the company he st
FRIDAY FACEOFF - THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the wild off season we have had. The narrative is changing, and lately players seem to have more leverage when it comes to their contracts. Vechs gives the inside scoop from the NHL players he works with.
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SHORT SHIFTS - ADVICE FOR THE TALL, LANKY PLAYERS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk to the players that haven’t quite hit puberty yet. Maybe you’re not getting drafted or making teams because of your size; we're here to give you our best advice and guide you through the next couple years of your journey.
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5 Attributes of Great Hockey Players - EP 428
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the 5 attributes of great hockey players. Between the two of us, we have coached players of all skill levels, from just beginning, to the NHL and PWHL level. Although all of these athletes are uniquely incredible, we have found commonalities between the best of the best. Listen for our top 5 traits that the best share.
In this episode we talk about:
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COMMON TRAITS OF THE TOP YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about what the top youth hockey organizations across North America have in common.
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SHORT SHIFTS - FAVORITE PUCK TOUCH DRILLS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite puck touch drills to include in practice. At the younger ages, we like to call them skill drills and at the higher levels, we refer to them as flow drills.
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3 Biggest Things We’ve Learned in Youth Hockey This Year - EP 427
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the 3 biggest things they’ve each learned in youth hockey this year. With the Hockey Think Tank, we travel all over North America to work with youth hockey organizations. In this episode, we share what we’ve learned this past season.
In this episode we talk about:
— Organizations working with strategic partnerships
— How there is limited opportunity
FRIDAY FACEOFF - TRANSITIONING FROM PLAYING HIGH LEVEL TO COACHING YOUTH HOCKEY
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about former higher level players that want to make the transition to coaching youth hockey. We talk about all of the obstacles and things you might not realize when making the switch.
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SHORT SHIFTS - TOPH’S BIGGEST PET PEEVE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one of his biggest pet peeves in hockey; when the puck carrier turns an odd man rush into a 1-on-1 situation. Let’s talk about what you should do instead.
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Live With No Quit & Chip Away Every Day, with Guest Jake Thibeault, Babson College Student Who Suffered Paralyzing Hockey Accident - EP 426
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jake Thibeault, an incredible young hockey player that was paralyzed by an injury on the ice. At the time of his injury, Thibeault was in the recruiting process with Jamie Rice, head coach of Babson College. Even though Thibeault’s hockey career ended, Rice still brought on Thibeault to join the team. Thibeault just graduated from Babson and joins us to talk abo
FRIDAY FACEOFF - INCONSISTENT EXPERIENCES WITHIN A CLUB
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about how so many youth hockey organizations are only tied by wearing the same jersey. With that, families can have wildly different experiences within the same club. We discuss why this can happen, and what orgs can do to create a consistent experience for everyone.
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SHORT SHIFTS - PRE / POST PRACTICE ICE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our advice for the players that are first on the ice and last off the ice.
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Elite Edge Hockey Camp Interview with Guests Filip Forsberg & Chris Mason, Professional Hockey Players - EP 425
This week Topher talks with Filip Forsberg and Chris Mason at the Elite Edge Hockey Camp in Nashville. Forsberg currently plays for the Nashville Predators of the NHL and Mason is a 300+ game NHL veteran goaltender.
In this episode we talk about:
— Forsberg’s and Mason’s journeys to the NHL
— Going from being the worst player to the best player
— The importance of using the gym to support your on-
FRIDAY FACEOFF - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about his biggest takeaways from the recent Minnesota Wild’s Leadership Development Conference. Every year, the Wild invites captains from each high school in Minnesota to teach them about leadership. This year, Topher was asked to be one of their guest speakers and, in this episode, shares what he learned from the conference.
TEN MINUTES ON TH
SHORT SHIFTS - NEW WAYS TO DEVELOP SPEED & POWER
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the new things Vechs is doing with his dryland athletes to develop their speed and power over the summer.
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Summer Hockey & a Deep Dive into Skills, with Guest Justin Selman, Topline Hockey - EP 424
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Justin Selman, one of the owners of Topline Hockey. Selman played junior hockey in the USHL, college hockey at the University of Michigan, and finally a couple of years professionally. Now, he is a youth coach and joins us to absolutely nerd out on some hockey.
In this episode we talk about:
— Putting your money into what is actually going to make your kid bette
FRIDAY FACEOFF - ADHD IN HOCKEY PLAYERS
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a listener’s question regarding their son’s ADHD and the struggles he faces in hockey because of it. Most coaches are not trained in properly supporting ADHD players, yet ADHD diagnoses are rapidly rising. Listen as we discuss how to better help our players that have, or may have, ADHD.
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SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO DEFEND 2-ON-1s
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all about defending 2-on-1s. Last week, we discussed 2-on-1s from an offensive standpoint, so this week we’re talking how to defend a dangerous 2-on-1. Let’s go!
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Major Juniors & the Goals You Need to Set to Play at the Higher Levels of Hockey, with Guest Tony DeHart, Former Pro Hockey Player - EP 423
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Tony DeHart, former OHL player, NHL New York Islanders’ draft pick, and professional hockey player. DeHart now works with youth hockey players in the St. Louis area on their hockey development at Stride and Celly Training Facility.
In this episode we talk about:
— The Ontario Hockey League and the experience of playing in major juniors
— Breaking down the differ
FRIDAY FACEOFF - VOLUNTEER BURNOUT?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about volunteer burnout. Our sport wouldn’t be anything without every single person who gives their time in some capacity. With that said, volunteering can often be a thankless job and burnout is common. The problem is not that people don’t care enough, it’s that we keep asking caring people to carry too much.
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SHORT SHIFTS - 2-ON-1S
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all about 2-on-1s. If you get a 2-on-1 opportunity, you have to bury the puck. Let’s talk about how to increase your chances of scoring.
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Everyone Has a Different Path: The Youth Hockey Journey That Got Me to the NHL, with Guest Dave Moss, Former NHL Player - EP 422
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Dave Moss, former 500+ game NHL player and University of Michigan alum. Moss was drafted to the NHL as a 7th rounder, but didn’t play Tier 1 hockey growing up - he only played AA and high school. Now as a youth hockey coach himself, he joins us to talk about his path to the NHL.
In this episode we talk about:
— Being careful to not strip confidence from young pl
FRIDAY FACEOFF - NEW SCHOOL VS OLD SCHOOL COACHING
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about new school vs old school styles of coaching. The best coaches incorporate a mix of both, so that they can lead their teams with high standards while creating great relationships with their players.
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SHORT SHIFTS - THE POLITICS PROBLEM IN YOUTH HOCKEY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about something that most people don’t like to talk about: politics in youth hockey. Sometimes politics are real, but often the perception of politics is the bigger issue. Join us to discuss the things you can do as a parent, coach, or organization to make the experience better for everyone involved.
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Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer: How to Be a Great Leader, with Guest John O’Sullivan, Changing the Game Project Founder - EP 421
This week Topher and Jeff talk with John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project. O’Sullivan’s new book, “Captain: The Athlete’s Guide to Being an Exceptional Team Leader,” is designed to help athletes learn how to lead. He joins the podcast to explain that leadership is a skill that can be obtained through hard work.
In this episode we talk about:
— How coaches can develop their leaders
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COACHING WITH LIMITED PLAYING EXPERIENCE?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about our advice and perspective for coaches that don’t have higher-level playing experience. We use Jon Cooper, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning and recent winner of the Jack Adams Award, as an example of the success you can have, even if you feel like your playing experience is an obstacle.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appre
SHORT SHIFTS - KEEP AWAY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about incorporating keep away into your practices and how valuable it is as a development tool.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
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Ways to Improve Your Game & Lengthen Your Hockey Career, with Guest Sam Gagner, Former NHL Player - EP 420
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Sam Gagner, current Ottawa Senators’ Director of Player Development and former National Hockey League player with over 1000 games in the league. Gagner is what we call a “hockey lifer;” he consistently found new ways throughout his career to improve his game and remain valuable in the NHL for 17 seasons.
In this episode we talk about:
— Making every aspect of th
FRIDAY FACEOFF - YOUTH HOCKEY HAS A RETENTION PROBLEM?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT team members Matt & Steph to talk about how youth hockey doesn’t have a recruitment problem, it has a retention problem. Organizations spend a lot of energy recruiting new players, but then face challenges with loyalty from their families. We find that families more often leave because of the experience, rather than hockey reasons. The good new
SHORT SHIFTS - MOMENTUM
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about momentum and its role in winning games. Listen for our best advice, whether you’re a player or a coach, on how to bring energy to your team and make sure the momentum swings in your favor.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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Dialed & Driven Mentality, with Guest Jeff Lerg, Former Professional Goalie - EP 419
This week Topher and Jeff talk with one of our favorite guests of all time, Jeff Lerg. Lerg is the epitome of what this podcast is all about: he battled through adversity as a 5’6” goalie and came out the other side, not only as a National Champion with Michigan State University, but more importantly as an incredible human. After 10+ years of playing professionally, he now runs his own goalie scho
FRIDAY FACEOFF - TO THE PARENTS OF PLAYERS THAT GOT CUT THIS SEASON
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk directly to the parents of players that got cut from a team this season, in any capacity. We understand that tryouts can be extremely emotional, so let us help you navigate this stressful time.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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SHORT SHIFTS - JAKUB DOBEŠ
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about Jakub Dobeš, who trained with Vechs, and has an incredible story on how he got to where he is now. We talk all about what makes Dobeš special to highlight that everyone has a different path.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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The Value & Power of Relationships in Coaching, with Guest Nate DiCasmirro, ICEHL Champion Coach - EP 418
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Nate DiCasmirro, assistant coach of the recent Austrian ICEHL champion team EC Graz99ers. DiCasmirro played 17 years professionally, with 7 years in the AHL and 10 years in multiple European hockey leagues. He joins the pod to discuss the value in prioritizing relationships in coaching.
In this episode we talk about:
— Finding your niche at every level
— The tig
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW YOUTH ORGS CAN BETTER SUPPORT COACHES
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammate Matt Thomas to talk about how youth hockey organizations can better support their coaching staff. We discuss everything from communication and setting boundaries, to implementing standards and protection. Coaches are the backbone of youth hockey, and supporting them properly will help orgs be more successful.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK S
SHORT SHIFTS - DELAY GAME
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how important delays can be in creating offense on the rush. All elite players have an elite delay game, so let’s talk about this incredibly valuable skill.
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 S
Team Defense: Be Hard to Play Against & Keep Pucks Out of Your Net - EP 417
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about how to play defense. A couple of weeks ago, we did an episode on how to score more goals, so now it’s time to talk about keeping pucks out of the net.
In this episode we talk about:
— Getting players to buy in to playing defensively
— The importance of communication & effort
— How defense is not just in the defensive zone
— How to take time and spac
FRIDAY FACEOFF - MENTAL HEALTH IN HOCKEY
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman’s recent statement on his leave of absence from the team due to mental health. Listen for our reactions to his statement and our thoughts on the importance of discussing mental health in hockey.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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SHORT SHIFTS - QUICKSAND
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what we call quicksand, which is when things don’t seem to be going well as a player and you start to lose confidence in yourself and your abilities. Listen as we give our best advice and tools to navigate through it.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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College Hockey Recruiting & New NCAA Rules with Guest Mike McMahon, College Hockey Insider - EP 416
This week Topher brings on Mike McMahon, college hockey news reporter, to discuss the numerous changes hitting the college hockey landscape, particularly with recruiting. If you or your player are considering playing college hockey, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode we talk about:
— The transfer portal
— NIL money and being able to pay players
— Major junior rule
— 5 years of eligibil
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