The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
The Hockey Think Tank Podcast brings incredible stories, interviews, and great perspective from some of the top hockey minds in the game. Hosted by Topher Scott & Jeff LoVecchio, our podcast will educate and inspire all those that love the game! For all the players, coaches, and hockey parents out there...make this your Go-To show on your way to the rink! Join our Community here!
Finding the Value in Hockey Beyond Scoring Points with Guest Matt Ford, Former Pro Player - EP 382
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Matt Ford, former professional player and current owner of Ford Hockey School. Ford experienced a ton of adversity throughout his long and impressive hockey career; however, he joins us to talk about how that adversity is exactly what made him successful.
In this episode we talk about:
— Finding value in things other than scoring goals
— The importance of finding the best coaching first when picking a team
— Not trying to remove adversity for your players
— Recognizing everyone’s role in winning, not just the g...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - GOALIE SHORTAGE?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about an issue that is plaguing our sport: goalie shortages. We have fewer and fewer kids playing goalie every year, and it is a serious problem we need to address. 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!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - TOP LIFE LESSON
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to ask Vechs about the top life lesson he has learned on his hockey journey that has helped him in every aspect of life.
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 Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
The Top Hockey Minds of Strength & Conditioning Training: Vechs’ Mount Rushmore of Coaches - EP 381
This week we celebrate Vechs’ HUGE 40th birthday by bringing on his Mount Rushmore of strength and conditioning coaches in hockey. Michael Boyle, Matt Nichol, Brian Galivan, and Patrick Galivan join us to talk all things dryland training for hockey.
In this episode we talk about:
— The massive shift we’re seeing in dryland agility in today’s kids: better hands, but worse in the gym
— Trying to sample as many different movement patterns as possible
— Being realistic on what kids have access to nowadays
— How much parents are wasting on exp...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - USA HOCKEY COACHING EDUCATION CHANGES?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on guest Zack Nowak, Coordinator of Coaching Education Program for USA Hockey to talk about the new changes coming to USA Hockey’s coaching curriculum.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - DRILLS WE DID AS KIDS THAT WOULD BE LAUGHED AT TODAY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about some of the drills we did when we were kids that would be laughed out of the rink today. Let us know on our socials which ones we missed!
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 Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
How to Make Your Hockey Community Better by Taking Inspiration from the Minnesota Model with Guest Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey Coach-In-Chief - EP 380
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike MacMillan, National Coach-In-Chief for USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey's High Performance Director. We talk all things community model, its benefits for player development, and why Minnesota hockey is so successful.
In this episode we talk about:
— How playing experience isn’t what the best coaches have in common
— How everyone has to have a seat at the table to encourage hockey growth
— Building programs, and not just creating individual teams within a program
— How it’s not what you coach, it’s how you coac...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - BAG SKATES?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a super controversial topic in the hockey world: bag skates. Are they useful? When do you implement them? And how do you do it right?
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - GETTING LOW IN YOUR STRIDE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about getting low in your stride and the value of teaching kids this body positioning from a young age.
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 Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
Mental Performance Training & How it Can Improve Your Game with Guests Nick Johnson & Dustin Kohn, Mental Performance Coaches - EP 379
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Nick Johnson and Dustin Kohn, owners of R&D Performance and providers of mental performance training for athletes and coaches. Both Johnson and Kohn played professionally and use that experience combined with their sports psychology backgrounds to train top athletes.
In this episode we talk about:
— How facing adversity is a completely normal part of growth
— Reflecting on why you’re training a certain way
— Having the awareness as a parent to back off & not live through your child’s sport
— How external res...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO PICK AN ADVISOR?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to pick an advisor. When is the right time to get one? And what should you ask them to determine if they are the right fit for you and your family?
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - SETTING THE TONE AS A PLAYER
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about setting the tone for the beginning of the season as a player. Last week we talked about it from a coach’s perspective, this time we’re talking from the player’s point of view. What’s your mindset going into the first practice?
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
Finding Genuineness in Hockey & Staying True to Yourself No Matter the Journey with Guest Brock Sheahan, Notre Dame Head Coach - EP 378
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Brock Sheahan, the new head coach for Notre Dame’s Men’s Ice Hockey team. After playing for Notre Dame when he was younger, playing professionally, and then serving two seasons as the associate head coach, he has been named as the head coach for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
In this episode we talk about:
— Understanding where your coaches are coming from and how much they care
— Setting expectations at the beginning of the season
— Not changing who you are when you become a coach & le...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY MAJOR JUNIOR?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the changing college hockey landscape. This is the last week in our three part series, and this time we’re talking about how players from the Canadian Hockey League (a.k.a Major Junior) are now eligible to play college hockey at the Division I level. This will completely change the college hockey experience, 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!
Follow us:
SHORT SHIFTS - SETTING THE TONE FOR THE SEASON
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about setting the tone for the beginning of the season. What should you do as a coach on the first day to set the standard?
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 Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
An Honest Conversation on the Balance in Youth Hockey (Part 2) - EP 377
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo again for part two in this two week series to discuss some of the common polarizing questions we hear about in youth hockey. Listen as we go back and forth about what is best for today's players.
In this episode we talk about:
— Is it best to be the top kid or bottom kid on a team
— Coaching to the skill of the top or bottom players
— All fun & games or all challenging
— Practice to game ratio
AND SO MUCH MORE!
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY NIL MONEY?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the changing college hockey landscape. This is week two in our three part series, and we’re here to talk about NIL money - “Name, Image, & Likeness.” Listen for our thoughts on whether or not it is beneficial to college hockey.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - FACEOFF PLAYS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite faceoff plays, both offensively and defensively.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
An Honest Conversation on the Balance in Youth Hockey (Part 1) - EP 376
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo in this two part series to discuss some of the common polarizing questions we hear about in youth hockey. Listen as we go back and forth about what is best for today's players.
In this episode we talk about:
— Development vs winning
— Professional model vs community model
— Structure vs letting kids play
— Hard coaching vs not coaching
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And th...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY TRANSFER PORTAL?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the changing college hockey landscape. In this three part series, we first talk about the transfer portal: what it is and how it will drastically affect college hockey going forward.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
FRIDAY FACEOFF - REST & RECOVERY?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about almost every youth player’s least favorite aspect of hockey: rest and recovery. What you do off the ice is just as, if not more important than what you do on the ice. Listen as we talk best practices to make sure you’re 100% ready to go every time you hit the ice.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitte...
SHORT SHIFTS - MIDDLE OF THE ICE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about why the middle of the ice is so important and how we should be talking about it to our players, both offensively and defensively.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
Hockey Academies: Let’s Discuss the Pros & Cons With Guest Shawn Pauly, GForce Sports Academy Director - EP 373
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Shawn Pauly, former University of Connecticut men’s ice hockey player and now Director of GForce Sports Academy. We fundamentally recognize that everyone has a different path in hockey and there is not a specific journey that will make you more successful. The reality is more hockey academies are opening across the country and many parents are curious if that environment would be a good fit for their player. We hope this episode gives parents and players some insight and helps weigh the pros and cons of sports academies.
In th...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - BENCHING PLAYERS?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about benching players. We answer the how, when, and why questions about this development and discipline tool. It can be a tough subject for coaches and parents to navigate, so let’s get into it.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - PASSING
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about passing. It is one of THE most important elements of the game, so let’s dive into everything passing.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
Concussion Prevention, Detection, & Treatment With Guests Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard, Bearmind Tech - EP 372
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard from Bearmind Tech. As former players significantly impacted by concussions, Walsky and Falbriard founded Bearmind Tech to help with concussion detection and improving brain injury management. So many concussions either go undetected entirely, or receive delayed treatment. Bearmind’s monitoring device was designed to change that.
In this episode we talk about:
— How 70% of concussions are diagnosed after games, meaning that most players continue playing, not realizing they are injured
— How we rush too quickly into body contact with our current development model<...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - FINDING YOUR NEW LOCKER ROOM?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a post Vechs shared to his Instagram about finding your new locker room. As hockey players, we get so used to always having a team, that when we stop playing it can feel lonely. Having people that resonate with you is so incredibly important, so get out there, and find your new locker room.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X...
SHORT SHIFTS - STICK BATTLES
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about stick battles. We are seeing a trend toward using stick battles over checking to create turnovers, so let’s talk about how to win them.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
Breaking Down the Latest Hockey Buzzword, “Development,” With Guest Jon Lounsbury, Player Development Coach - EP 371
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jon Lounsbury, player development coach for multiple NHL players and owner of 11 Hockey. We have heard about the word “development” being thrown around frequently and big promises from coaches to develop players, but what does that even mean? In this episode we discuss Lounsbury’s take on how to truly help players develop and thrive.
In this episode we talk about:
— Giving the game back to the kids by asking what they want
— End-of-season exit meetings and giving specific, constructive feedback
— Ditching the ego and recogniz...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - CONCUSSIONS?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question about concussions: As a parent, how do you best support your player who has a concussion? We cover how to reduce your chances of getting one and the best practices when dealing with concussions.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - DEFENDING A LEAD IN THE 3RD PERIOD
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about defending a lead in the 3rd period. We talk about the mentality you need to have coming out of the locker room and stepping on the ice to finish the game with a win.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Set Yourself up for Success by Surrounding Yourself with Good People with Guest Rob Hutson, Dad to the Hutson Kids - EP 374
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Rob Hutson, former D1 player at the University of Illinois Chicago, former professional hockey player, and now dad to the famous Hutson hockey players: Quinn, Lane, Cole, and Lars. We talk about navigating the youth hockey experience all the way from beginner to pro.
In this episode we talk about:
— The overuse of the phrase “trust the process” and what does it even mean?
— Surrounding your kids with the best people
— Raising the Hutson kids and their experience supporting each other
— Finding the fun in e...
SHORT SHIFTS - POWER PLAY HABITS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the habits that teams have that make their power plays successful.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HEAD COACH/ASSISTANT COACH RELATIONSHIP
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener question about the relationship between a head coach and an assistant coach in youth hockey. How do you best utilize your assistant coaches? And if you are on different pages, how can you best work that out as an assistant?
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - WATCHING GAME FOOTAGE WITH HELIOS HOCKEY
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph talks to HELIOS Hockey’s JP Buckley, former Boston University and Bruins Video Coach. We talk about the HELIOS Sensor, the benefits of watching your game footage, and the chance to win your very own HELIOS tracker. Check out the challenge at the link below.
HELIOS HOCKEY CHALLENGE
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
Smaller Players, Resiliency, & Developing with Intention with Guest Kevin Clark, Former Pro Player - EP 375
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Kevin Clark, former University of Alaska Anchorage men’s ice hockey team player, former DEL and AHL player, and current player development and video analysis coach with Cascade Hockey.Â
In this episode we talk about:
— Mentality of being a smaller player
— Getting kicked off teams and facing adversity head on
— Focusing on developing yourself by becoming a versatile player
— Watching your games to find patterns and specific skills you need to work on
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our...
College Recruiting, Having a High Compete Level, & The Importance of Culture & Character off the Ice With Guest Bryn Chyzyk, University of North Dakota GM - EP 370
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Bryn Chyzyk, general manager of the University of North Dakota Men’s ice hockey team. After years as a general manager in the USHL, he was recently hired as the Fighting Hawks GM for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
In this episode we talk about:
— How player interviews are playing a bigger role in getting recruited
— How being a late bloomer is an advantage
— How a high compete level immediately increases a player’s chance of getting recruited
— Recognizing that pressure is a privilege
FRIDAY FACEOFF - CREATING CHANGE THROUGH COLLABORATION?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to create change on a micro level right where you’re at. There are so many good people in hockey, so why is it so messed up? Let’s talk about how to start creating some positive change in your environment.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank
SHORT SHIFTS - WHAT TO DO DURING FREE ICE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about free ice, stick & pucks, skate & shoot… whatever you know it as. If you have ever found yourself at an unstructured ice session and didn’t know what to work on or do, this episode is for you!
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!Â
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
T...
Creating a Better Hockey World for the Next Generation With Guest Jamie Rice, Babson College Head Coach - EP 369
This week Topher talks with Jamie Rice, head coach of the Babson College D3 Men’s Ice Hockey team. Rice is a 3x Conference Coach of the Year, and this episode is a clear indicator as to why. We come together to talk about our common goal of making the hockey world a better and more positive place.
In this episode we talk about:
— “Sending your players home with a smile, but also a sweat on their brow”
— Recognizing that there’s no going back to the community model, but addressing what we can do to he...
