The Rink Shrinks
The Rink Shrinks features special guests from the hockey world. They're keeping it real in the rink, helping our listeners navigate their way through it in a humorous and educational format.
Carolina Are Champions with Brian Boyle
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back and are joined by former 16 year NHL veteran, current analyst for the NHL Network, and our first guest of the Rink Shrinks podcast, Brian Boyle! Bri and the guys talk about the Stanley Cup Final and the impacts some of the players had on the series and what it took to win the series. Boyler also jumps into working the game by being an analyst and what it’s like coaching his son now. BY & Motts also give their takes on the Carolina Hurricanes winning the Cup and give the Motts’ moment lock...
Ketchup? No, Catch Up: Cup Finals, World Cup, High School Drama
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau breakdown everything that has gone down in this epic Stanley Cup Final between Vegas and Carolina which features multiple goal comebacks and a goalie change! The guys also give their thoughts on the latest award winners in the NHL which included the Selke Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Lady Byng Award. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week which features a ton of controversy in the state of Massachusetts.
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Stanley Cup Final + A Novel By Grumpy Hockey Dad
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a fresh mailbag episode! Before answering all of your questions the guys recap Motts’ week on the golf course and the Chicago Wolves development camp. Then they jump into some NHL awards that were handed out to some of the top names across the league and touch on the loss of Claude Lemieux. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering your questions and the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
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Chicago Steel Rookie Camp, NHL Playoffs, and More D on the PK
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week and kick things off chatting about Motts’ weekend in Chicago for rookie camp with the Chicago Steel. Then the boys pivot into the NHL with Vegas already locking up the Western Conference, they discuss who they think will come out of the Eastern Conference. BY & Motts wrap up the show hitting on the PWHL championship, World Championships, the Calder Cup playoffs in the AHL, and answer the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
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Conference Finals Are Set, Black Bear, and Local Legends
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week and are ready to answer all of your questions! The boys also hit on the epic game seven between Montreal and Buffalo, the Conference Finals matchups, and who to keep an eye on to help get their team to the Cup finals. To wrap up the show the guys answer the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
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Hosted by...
Chris "Knuckles" Nilan, Thanks to the Judge, NHL Playoffs
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with Chris “Knuckles” Nilan! Chris sits down with the boys to chat about his career which featured learning some discipline, winning a Stanley Cup, and getting inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey of Fame alongside Motts.
Knuckles gives his thoughts on the Canadiens in the midst of the Stanley Cup run and makes it known that the city isn’t a hockey town, it’s a Montreal Canadiens town.
The guys also touch on what went on in the rinks over the weekend and Matthew...
Hall of Fame Honors, Playoff Hockey & Youth Hockey Reality Checks
The guys are back with a packed episode covering everything from NHL playoff intensity to youth hockey development and coaching philosophy. Motts shares stories from his Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame weekend, while BY breaks down his trip to a major spring hockey tournament in Philadelphia.
The crew dives into Stanley Cup playoff storylines, offensive-zone trends in today’s game, the Vezina Trophy finalists, and what makes teams like Carolina and Colorado so dangerous this time of year. They also tackle youth hockey lineup management, communication between coaches and families, AAA vs. AA development paths, and the gr...
Former NHL Tough Guy Turned Youth Hockey Coach: David Clarkson
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with former NHL tough guy and current youth hockey head coach, David Clarkson! Clarky joins the boys to discuss the importance of coaching kids in today's game and what it was like playing with Motts and playing in the NHL. BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts moment lock of the week.
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<...Catching Up With The Boys
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back again this week for a recap episode! In this episode Motts breaks down his first season behind the bench in Chicago and what his expectations are of his players moving forward. The guys also recap the Masters Tournament and hit on some NHL news that has broken in the last couple of weeks. BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts moment lock of the week.
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...
Hockey Hall of Famer Turned Author, Chris Pronger
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with Hockey Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and now author, Chris Pronger! Prongs sits down with the boys to discuss his career and his new book that is being released today and more including:
You have to be willing to bet on yourself San Jose telling him to his face they aren’t drafting him Winning the Cup with Anaheim Winning the Norris Trophy and Hart Trophy in the same year + more! BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the we...Mailbag + Frozen Four
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week! The guys recap Motts’ weekend coaching, the NCAA frozen four regionals, and what happened around the rinks at the National Championships at the youth level. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions which include:
Roster size at the Bantam level Keeping confidence despite some struggles in the season BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts moment lock of the week.Thank you for li...
Micheal Haley: Professional Tough Guy & All-Around Teammate
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with former professional tough guy in the NHL & AHL, Micheal Haley! Before the interview the guys catch up on everything around the rinks both personally and in the hockey world. Then the boys welcome in Hales for a great interview about his career and more including:
Big lacrosse player, transferring those skills to the ice Making teammates feeling like they are a part of the team First NHL goal in third NHL game plus a couple fights The hard part of being undrafted is having to prove yourself...Mailbag + MA & MN State Tournaments With Murph
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new hybrid mailbag episode this week featuring a friend of the program, Brian Murphy of Neutral Zone! The boys shoot the breeze about the Massachusetts high school hockey tournament, prep schools, and answer some of your mailbag questions as well including:
What is your top priority as a hockey parent Players shouldn’t be in a rush to get to prep school Minnesota State Hockey Tournament BY, Motts, & Murph wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts' moment lo...Ryan Vesce: Former Pro & CEO of Matterhorn Fit
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with Ryan Vesce, a long time professional hockey player and co-founder and CEO of Matterhorn Fit! Before Ryan joins, the guys recap their week around the rink, talk about some trades that happened prior to the deadline on Friday, and hit on the local high school playoffs that are underway in Massachusetts. Then the boys welcome in Ryan to talk about his career and more including:
Playing hockey undersized BY versus Ryan in the Frozen Four Kids needing more awareness when it comes to physicality Developing Matterhorn Fit...Mailbag + USA Is Golden!
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new mailbag episode this week! Before the mailbag the guys recap the Gold Medal victories for both the men and women of Team USA! Then boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions including:
Playing for two AAA teams in two different levels Finding the right path to playing Division I hockey The right time to focus on advancing in sports Tryouts! BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts moment lock of...Chasing Gold, Ryan Hughes of Revive DNA
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back and welcome in Ryan Hughes of Revive DNA to the show! Before Ryan joins the guys give their full breakdown of everything that is happening in the Olympics and what went on over the weekend around the links locally. Then the boys welcome in Ryan Hughes former professional hockey player and now General Manager of Revive DNA for North America for a great discussion about his career and what Revive DNA is all about!
BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week...
Mailbag + Fan Chirps
Episode 267- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new mailbag episode this week. Before getting to all of your questions and stories the guys recap the Super Bowl and breakdown what went on around the rinks over the weekend. Then the guys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions that include:
How to resolve an issue in a small hockey community Ice time versus a talented team Some chirps from a listener Female club hockey teams in college BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of...Matt Martin
Episode 266- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with Matt Martin! Before Marty joins, the boys catch up on the weekend, recap the NHL Stadium Series, and hit on some recent trades in the NHL. Then the guys bring in long time NHL veteran and now Special Assistant to the GM of the New York Islanders Matt Martin to chat about his career and share some stories that includes:
Not making AAA at a young age and dealing with getting cut Praising veterans that adapted to the every involving game in the NHL Going...Mailbag + Mt. Rushmore of USA Players
Episode 265- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week. Before getting to all of your questions the guys recap their weekends and talk about the Patriots getting back to the SuperBowl! Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions and react to your stories that include:
Utilizing roster spots at the high school level Ice time for Mites “The Gauntlet” drill + more! BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his Motts moment lock of the...Bob Mancini of USA Hockey
Episode 264- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with current Assistant Executive Director of USA Hockey, Bob Mancini! Before Bob joins the show, the guys catch up on their time around the rinks from last week, the Hobey Baker award finalists, and fights breaking out across multiple leagues in the same week! Then Bob Mancini joins the show to discuss his current role with USA hockey and more including:
The importance of keeping kids in the game Sticking up for the referees Creating another category of hockey; the Development League Encouraging players and parents...First Mailbag of 2026
Episode 263- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with the first mailbag of 2026! The guys kick off the episode recapping their weekends around the rinks and putting the focus on relaying the correct message to the team. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions and react to your stories which includes:
Adapting to a higher level of hockey going from peewee to bantam Defending the prep hockey scene Focusing on development of a player in a “non” hockey market + more! BY & Motts wrap up the show by answering the My Hockey Rank...Paul Carey
Episode 262- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh interview to kick off the year 2026 with local guy, Paul Carey! Before Paul joins the show, the guys catch up on their teams and where they are at heading into the new year, Sweden winning the World Juniors tournament, and a big congratulations to Ryan Mottau committing to Connecticut College! Then the boys bring in Weymouth, MA native and former pro hockey player Paul Carey for a great conversation about his career and more including:
Baseball being the first true love over hockey Growing up playing...Best of 2025
Episode 261- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back to wish all of our families, friends, and amazing listeners a Happy Holidays during this “Best Of” episode! We hope you enjoy some of our favorite stories and messages from some of our best interviews during 2025. Enjoy clips of interviews from:
Albert Breer Mike Rupp David Warsofsky Rob Scuderi Bobby Holik As always, BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week! Then, we get Motts’ moment lock of the week presented by FanDuel!Happy Holidays from The Rink Shrinks!
Thank...
Mailbag !!
Episode260 Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week.
BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week! Then, we get Motts’ moment lock of the week presented by FanDuel!
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If you're interested in sponsoring the show, please reach out to us by email or DM us on Instagram!
Leave us a voicemail: 347-6-SHRINK
Email: RinkShrinks@gmail.com
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Twitter: @RinkShrinks
...
UConn Huskies HC- Mike Cavanaugh
Episode 259- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with an interview with UConn men’s hockey coach, Mike Cavanaugh! Before Cav joins the show the guys recap their weekends around the rinks, discuss more about the ongoing issue in the Olympic world, and touch on some up and coming prospects that are getting ready for the NHL. Then the guys welcome in North Andover, MA native and Motts’ former assistant coach, Mike Cavanaugh to the show to discuss his career and more including:
Recruiting Motts Coaching Football Finding the perfect balance of playing/resting/working out Having the...Mailbag + Parents Group Chats
Episode 258- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week. Before answering all of your questions the guys recap their Thanksgiving’s, give their breakdowns from around the rinks, and chat about the disaster that is the hockey rink being built in Milan for the Olympics. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to react to all of your questions and stories which include:
What to do while up in Quebec for the PeeWee Tournament How to grind out the dirty goals Hockey parents group texts + more BY & Motts wrap up the sh...Dennis Seidenberg + Happy Thanksgiving!
Episode 257- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh episode of The Rink Shrinks featuring an interview with Stanley Cup Champion, Dennis Seidenberg! Before Seids joins the show, the guys chat about their weekends around the rinks and two-sport standout athlete Mason West solidifying his legacy with an epic senior year playing football at Edina High School. Then the BY sits down with Dennis Seidenberg to talk about his career and more including:
Being a multi sport athlete and really enjoying tennis What the hockey life was like once the Berlin wall came down Grinding...Mailbag + Bryan Berard, Size, & Tryouts
Episode 256- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new mailbag episode this week! But before answering all of your questions the guys recap their weekends around the rinks, Bryan Berard joins the boys for a quick chat, and the guys recap some news around the NHL including some tough injuries to Charlie McAvoy and Jack Hughes. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions that include:
Hitting at growth spurt at different times and using your size correctly What coaches look for in a referee Varsity as a freshman or...Mark Dennehy of the 'Youth Sports Positive' Podcast
Episode 255- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new episode of The Rink Shrinks featuring an interview with long time hockey coach and now podcaster, Mark Dennehy! Before Mark joins the show, BY & Motts catch up on their time spent at the rinks over the weekend and talk about the newest Hockey Hall of Fame inductees. Then the boys welcome in Mark to the show to chat about his life in hockey and more including:
Growing up in Dorchester and getting into hockey Deciding to attend Boston College Getting behind the bench as a coach ...Mailbag + Physicality
Episode 254- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a new mailbag episode this week on The Rink Shrinks! Before all of your questions and stories Motts shares his story about a tough loss over the weekend and the guys hit on a bunch of NHL stories including Alex Ovechkin scoring his 900th career goal. Then the boys dip into the mailbag and give their reactions to your questions and stories which include:
Throwing the body around at 6U Gaining confidence with the puck Finding the diamond in the rough at different levels + more! BY & Motts wrap...Jason Guerriero of USA Hockey
Episode 253- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back on The Rink Shrinks with an interview with now two-time guest, Jason Guerriero! Before the interview the guys recap their weekends around the rinks and hit on some NHL topics including some new contracts and milestones. Then BY sits down with Jason for a great chat about:
From coaching to college hockey to coaching more youth hockey Second year of working for USA hockey Working with the parents Drawing up plays and drills, check for understanding Town leagues rising in popularity, coaching, and skill + More! BY & Motts wrap up...Mailbag & Brad Marchand Tribute
11:47 - Brad Marchand tribute discussion
Character development and becoming a leader
Accountability
Skillset that he had
16:55 - Learning from your teammates (positive and negatives and learning from mistakes)
Motts learning from Paul Martin
“Stealing from your teammates”
19:30 - Matthew Schafer’s hot start in his rookie season
Talking about Matt Martin
26:50 - As a coach you don’t have to rush through the practice
As long as you're getting your reps in
If the time is being utilized...
Torey Krug Interview
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh episode of The Rink Shrinks featuring an interview with Torey Krug! Before the interview BY & Motts catch up on their weekends around the rinks, the Rangers struggles at home early in the season, the Canadiens contract extensions, The boys welcome to discuss his path to the NHL and more including:
How he fell in love with the game
Decision to go to Michigan State
His time with the Bruins
Decision to go to the Blues during Free Agency
BY & Motts wrap...
Mailbag With Murph
Episode 250- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week featuring friend of the program, Brian Murphy of Neutral Zone! Before the mailbag, BY & Motts catch up on their weekends around the rinks and they chat about some new extensions for some superstars in the NHL. BY, Motts, and Murph then dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions and react to your stories.
BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week! Then, Motts gives his Motts’ moment lock of the week pr...
Glenn Hefferan: Commissioner & President of the USHL
Episode 249- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh episode of The Rink Shrinks featuring an interview with the Commissioner and President of the USHL, Glenn Hefferan! Before the interview BY & Motts catch up on their weekends around the rinks, the Red Sox versus the Yankees in the Wild Card, and NHL superstar Kirill Kaprizov signing a massive deal with the Minnesota Wild. Then the boys welcome in now two-time guest Glenn Hefferan to discuss his new role and more including:
What it takes to be the Commissioner of the USHL A strong USHL is...Mailbag + Motts Is Back!
Episode 248-Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode of The Rink Shrinks this week! Motts is back in Chicago fresh off his first two victories in the USHL and BY gives a recap of his weekend around the rinks down in Connecticut. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions and react to your stories which include:
Suggestions for a kid who is on the bubble of making a AAA team Finding a balance of playing two sports in the same season Off ice workout suggestions + more! BY...Topher Scott of 'The Hockey Think Tank'
Episode 247- Brian Yandle is carrying the load this week riding solo while Motts makes his first step behind the bench of the season for this episode of The Rink Shrinks! Before BY brings on our guest he provides an update on his two older sons that are playing at Cushing Academy then he touches on some NHL news ahead of NHL training camp opening up. Then, BY sits down with friend of the program Topher Scott of 'The Hockey Think Tank' to chat about everything hockey and more including his take on the state of Massachusetts youth hockey.<...
Mailbag + California Youth Hockey
Episode 246- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode of The Rink Shrinks this week! Before getting to all of your questions Motts gives an update on the Chicago Steel, BY recaps his weekend on the ice, and the guys chat about some NHL news. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions and react to your stories which include:
The importance of passing A “little league” hockey world series? California hockey + more BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week! Then...Frank Nazar & Jonathan Sigalet
Episode 245- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh episode of The Rink Shrinks featuring a dual interview with Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar and former professional hockey player and friend of the program, Jonathan Sigalet! Before the interview, Motts gives an update on how training camp is going in Chicago and the guys give praise to the recent USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductees which includes our good friend, Scott Gomez! Then BY brings on Frank and Jonathan for a great chat about both of their careers and more including:
Frank working with Siggy...Mailbag + Ian & Neil Lodin of MHR
Episode 244- Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a fresh mailbag episode this week featuring our friends from My Hockey Rankings, Neil & Ian Lodin! But before the interview, the guys catch up on Motts’ time in Chicago so far and BY also getting back into the rink. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer all of your questions which included:
Some Aussie love! Using your size to your advantage Learning little fundamentals at home + more! BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week with Neil & Ian! Then, Mo...