The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

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.

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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.

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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 eligibility rule

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!

And than...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what it takes to win a championship and what we can do at the younger levels to develop those intangible skills.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about off-ice and how to make it fun for youth hockey players so that they want to keep coming back.

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Evan Ritt, former college hockey player and founder of Tolos Barefootwear. Ritt won a national championship while playing for the University of Denver Men’s Ice Hockey team and later created his successful company by using the life lessons he learned throughout his hockey career.

In this episode we talk about:

— The importance of playing with your kids

— Different types of identities in hockey

— The right way to win a championship

— All of the life lessons sports teach you

AND SO MUCH MO...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs bring on their teammates, Steph and Matt, from the HTT to talk about rec hockey. We work with youth hockey organizations all over North America and the number one thing we need to talk about more is house hockey. Rec hockey is dying and we need to do more to protect the foundation of our sport.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a listener’s question: how do you coach and support a player that brings a lot of emotion to the game, such as cellying toward the other team’s bench, arguing with refs over calls, and smashing their stick on the ice.

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...

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about absolutely everything when it comes to scoring goals. We believe burying pucks is all about having the right mentality, so let’s dive into how you can improve your offensive game.

In this episode we talk about:

— The most important thing to know when it comes to scoring more

— Toph & Vechs' most memorable goals they’ve scored

— How intentionality in your reps is more important than quantity

— How every elite player has an elite delay game

AND SO MUCH MORE...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Rick Bowness’ interview after the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets’ last game of the season. In the emotional interview, Bowness strongly voices his concerns about the culture of the team and his disappointment with the team’s playoff elimination. Listen for our thoughts on if this was the right move or not.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph asks Vechs for his best advice on how to become a better and faster skater over the summer.

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Phil Osaer, who played college hockey at Ferris State University, played over 12 years professionally, and then went on to have a great career in coaching and scouting for multiple NHL teams. He is currently the Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group. 

In this episode we talk about:

— Reduced accountability because kids can easily hop teams

— How as a coach, you must “always be learning”

— How the best coaches are curious about other sports & why

— How to tell if a goalie has hockey se...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Mercyhurst University men’s ice hockey program folding. They have not disclosed why the program folded, but the way it happened really disappointed us. Listen for the inside scoop on how poorly the situation was handled.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about “The Standard,” which is an excerpt from Matt Ford’s website that outlines what he learned from Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the top hockey prep schools in the country. True to its title, this is what we believe should be the standard for all coaches.

THE STANDARD

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This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to give our best advice to all of the hockey parents out there. The hockey world can be tough to figure out, whether you’re new to the sport, experiencing a different level, or if you are just feeling like you still haven’t found your way. We’re here to help you navigate that journey.

In this episode we talk about:

— Putting yourself around the best people

— Running your own race

— Finding the positive in every situation

— That it’s all about communicat...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Sidney Crosby and his most recent show of character. After the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins took their team picture, captain Crosby stayed to help staff clean up the chairs. We are strong believers in the phrase, “how you do anything is how you’ll do everything.” It’s no coincidence that Crosby is an elite hockey player and a class act.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about T.J. Hughes being named one of the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the country. Listen for our thoughts on why we believe he deserves this award and what message it would send to the future hockey generations if he wins.

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This week Topher and Jeff bring back the one and only Chris Pronger - NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and 2-time Olympic Champion with over 18 years in the NHL - to talk about learning how to win.

In this episode we talk about:

— How newer hockey generations have taken a step back with hockey IQ

— Kids needing to learn how to be sandpaper

— Why learning to win matters more than just winning

— Prioritizing communication skills

AND SO MUCH MORE!

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On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how we can develop more rink rats, because those are the players that are more likely to make it far in their hockey journey.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how when you get to the playoffs, it can seem that it is a lot harder to score. So, how do you create offense when the other team’s defense is lockdown?

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This week Topher talks with Jay Hardwick, head coach of the Warroad Minnesota boys high school ice hockey team. Hardwick’s team just won the Minnesota State High School Championship, so we brought him on to talk about the Minnesota model and what it takes to win it all.

In this episode we talk about:

— The right attitude to best support your team

— Setting the example for future hockey generations

— What it means to be a “rink rat”

— The need for great leadership in your locker room

AND SO MUCH MO...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs wants to talk about one of our recent viral clips that said, “parents aren’t the problem, confusion is.” The way a club communicates affects how parents talk about that organization. We received a wide range of comments, so let’s talk about why the claim was so controversial.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the number one question he gets this time of the year; “my season just ended, what should I do now and what should my summer look like?” Listen for our best advice on what to do during your off-season.

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This week Topher talks with Matt Thomas and Steph Dukesherer, two members of the HTT squad that work directly with our youth hockey organization partners. The Hockey Think Tank’s Organizational Blueprint is designed to give clubs clear direction, purpose, and organization. If you think we could help your organization with any of the topics we talked about today, click the link below!

Refer Your Organization

In this episode we talk about:

— Navigating tryouts

— Parent education

— Best communication practices

— Tools to increase retention rates

— Youth hockey board...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of building resiliency. If you have high hopes and big dreams, chances are you will face adversity along the way. How far you make it depends on your resiliency.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about some fun ways to start and end practice, so that your players are excited to hit the ice every time.

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This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the power of playing for something bigger than yourself. We discuss the huge impact it can have not only on yourself as a player, but also on your entire team. It's not just talent that gets you to the next level; it’s life skills.

In this episode we talk about:

— Playing for the people that got you here

— Playing for the people that came before you

— Playing for the next generation

— Playing for a team that plays for each other...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener’s question about finding the next thing you can be passionate about after you finish playing, whether it’s at the youth, college, or pro level.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, coming off the recent NHL trade deadline, Toph wants to talk about how to best navigate and adjust to a new team and their systems.

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jacob Newton, former professional hockey player and current performance coach. Newton played in the USHL, at Northeastern University, and played professionally in the AHL and Europe.

In this episode we talk about:

— Newton’s recent book release: The tears of Happy Jake

— That no athlete is 24/7, 365 and the importance of an off switch

— How to be present with your game and the key to reflecting

— The most important thing to be successful in hockey

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the aftermath of the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic teams winning gold and the phone call with US President Donald Trump.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question: what are our thoughts on changing lanes on the rush, and how can it create better timing and space for players without the puck?

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Glenn Hefferan, the commissioner of the United States Hockey League, which is the top junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. If you or your player has dreams of playing at this level, this episode is for you.

In this episode we talk about:

— How development is more important than wins & losses

— The need to be more positive about our sport

— Families feeling the pressure to play 70+ games a season

— What the average qualities of a USHL player are

AND SO M...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about knowing when it is time to move on from a coach, team, or organization. We are strong proponents of battling through adversity, but also acknowledge that in some situations it is best to walk away. Let’s talk about it.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what it means as a player to be hard to play against.

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Ryan Carter, former NHL player and current member of the Minnesota Wild broadcast team. Carter grew up playing youth hockey & college hockey in Minnesota, played over 470 games in the NHL, and eventually won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks.

In this episode we talk about:

— The importance of practicing playing physically

— Asking yourself if you are coachable

— What players are motivated by nowadays

— Playing hockey for the right reasons

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you to our title sp...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how everyone has a different path in their hockey journey. You should only compare yourself to the version of yourself you were yesterday.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to know whether or not you did a good job as a coach this year. It can be difficult to evaluate your performance, so we give some tips to help you reflect.

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Zechariah Thomas, CEO and founder of Swift Hockey. Swift Hockey is the fastest growing stick brand in the ice hockey world and their mission is to increase affordability and accessibility in our sport.

In this episode we talk about:

— How Swift Hockey started and their mission in making hockey more affordable

— Being a first generation hockey player and navigating the hockey world

— The importance of volume and repetition when you practice

— What it’s like competing against the biggest hockey gear companies

AND...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the phrases “hate to lose” vs “love to win.” Which one suits you best and what does it say about you as a player or coach?

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