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.
AHL PIMS Leader: Dennis Bonvie
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with the all time AHL penalty minutes leader and current Assistant GM of player personnel for the Boston Bruins, Dennis Bonvie! Before Dennis joins the show the guys recap BY’s son lacing them up against Motts’ team last weekend and some NHL news.
Then the boys welcome in Nova Scotia native and longtime tough guy Dennis Bonvie to talk about his career and more including being a good teammate, knocking guys out left and right, and his love for the game!
BY & Mott...
Mailbag + Too Many Jerseys
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a fresh mailbag episode! Before getting to all of your questions the guys recap their week around the rinks and chat about the state of the NHL. Then the boys dip into the mailbag to answer your questions about what it takes to be a prolific goalscorer and how to get a coach to check back into their season. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives his lock of the week presented by FanDuel.
This show...
Jayden Kurtz: Chicago Steel D-Man & Anaheim Ducks 2nd Rd Draft Pick
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with second round pick of the Anaheim Ducks and current Chicago Steel defenseman, Jayden Kurtz! Before Jayden joins the guys, they catch up on what’s been going on around the rinks, the USA development league, and some NHL news.
Then the boys welcome Kurtzy who talks about what it was like growing up in “the State of Hockey”, playing in the main training camp during the preseason for the Ducks, and making a commitment to the University of Wisconsin for next season.
BY & M...
Colby Cohen: VP of Hockey and Players Experience for the USHL
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with former 2nd round pick and current VP of hockey and player experience for the USHL, Colby Cohen! Before Colby joins the show the guys break down what went on over the weekend, the NHL preseason and some other hockey news. Then, BY & Colby sat down to chat about his hockey career and what his role entails working for the USHL. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hi...
USHL Regular Season is Here + NHL Notes
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week to chat about the Chicago Steel’s preseason wrapping up as they get ready for the regular season to start this week. The guys also hit on some NHL news that includes the passing of hockey legend, Barry Melrose, and Ryan Leonard getting a nice new contract with the Washington Capitals. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
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Preseason Hockey + Ian & Neil Lodin of My Hockey Rankings
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with our friends Ian and Neil Lodin of My Hockey Rankings! Ian and Neil join the guys to discuss where they currently are keeping up with the standings and teams, some expectations when it comes to tournaments, and what changes they have made over the years. The guys also breakdown some news across the NHL and wrap up the show with the Motts’ Moment Lock of the Week presented by FanDuel.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a re...
College Time for The Kids; Hockey Season Is Here
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are finally back! The guys catch up on what’s been going on the last few weeks with their kids moving out to school and Motts settling into training camp with the Chicago Steel as their preseason schedule is about to begin. The boys also breakdown some of the latest news in the NHL and wrap up the show with the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
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Mailbag + Puck Play & Gearing Up For Next Season
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a mailbag episode where the guys break down another question from Grumpy Hockey Dad who is wondering about ways to improve away from the puck at higher levels. Another question includes mindset evolution and team goals vs personal goals. The guys wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and give you the Motts’ moment lock of the week presented by FanDuel.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can...
Former BC Eagle, Mike Hardman
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with Hanover, MA native and former BC Eagle, Mike Hardman! Mike joins the boys after being a long time follower on the gram to chat about his days in college, going pro, and what his offseason has been like as he looks to make an NHL club this fall. The boys wrap up the show with the Motts’ moment lock of the week.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us o...
Mailbag + Summer Time Rink Atmospheres
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a mailbag episode where the guys break down another question from Worried Hockey Mom who is wondering if the current Massachusetts split season model is on borrowed time. Another question includes the USHL expanding out west and what it may mean for local kids in New England. The guys wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and give you the Motts’ moment lock of the week presented by FanDuel.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5...
Ryan Shea on his excitement to play with the Oilers
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week and are joined by Edmonton Oiler Ryan Shea! Ryan and the guys talk about his time in the minors and in Pittsburgh since our last interview with him and his new contract with the Oilers and BY & Motts also give their takes on Patrick Kane returning to the Blackhawks and Ryan Getzlaf getting into coaching and give the Motts’ moment lock of the weekend presented by FanDuel.
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Catching Up on a Busy Summer
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week to chat about a very busy summer in the NHL which includes an 84 game season, the Anaheim Ducks matching the Philadelphia Flyers offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, and Steve Yzerman stepping down from the GM role in Detroit. The boys wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week and Motts gives out his Motts’ moment lock of the week.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a review. You can find us on Appl...
Benefits of Soccer, Avoiding Burnout, & Offer Sheets
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back with a mailbag episode this week! BY comes to us live from Nantucket during the Y3K hockey camp and gives us a breakdown of how the camp has gone thus far. The guys dip into the mailbag to answer your questions which include the benefits of playing soccer and what hockey families can do to avoid burnout. BY & Motts wrap up the show answering the My Hockey Rankings question of the week.
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to hit subscribe, leave a 5-star rating and write a...
NHL Draft & Free Agency + Rob Concannon
Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a recap of the NHL Draft, free agency, and an interview with now two-time guest, Rob Concannon! Before the interview BY & Motts chat about what they have been up to off the ice and all the wild moves that have happened across the NHL draft and free agency. Then, the boys welcomed in the President of the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL, Rob Concannon. Rob and the guys discuss the growth of hockey in the Carolina's, coaching his own son, and some personal accomplishments. BY & Motts wrap up...
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.
Thank you for listening! Please rate, review, and subscribe!
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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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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...