The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

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!

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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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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one-timers. What are some of the most important things you should know about this type of shot?

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Matt Fornataro, former professional hockey player and now performance coach. Fornataro played in the United States Hockey League, then played for University of New Hampshire, and later went pro for a couple of years.

In this episode we talk about:

— How one bad game doesn’t make you a bad player

— The difference between goals and standards

— How kids don’t have time to be bored anymore

— How you see a different side of your kids than what their coach sees

AND SO MUC...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs is flying solo for the first time ever and he wants to discuss how to finish the season strong. While everyone is stressing about playoffs or next season, Vechs encourages players, coaches, and parents to stay present and be in the moment.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of building relationships with your players. How much time are you investing into getting to know your players as individuals away from the rink?

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Luciano Aquino and Carlo Colaiacovo, former professional hockey players. Aquino played at the collegiate level and OHL level and Colaiacovo was a first round pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With their own professional careers, and now personal experiences as hockey dads, they join us on the podcast to talk all about prioritizing letting kids just be kids first.

In this episode we talk about:

— Benching kids mid-game

— How kids are on the ice way too much

— Our thoughts on the Brick Tournament

— Ho...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the need for youth hockey organizations to be radically transparent in everything they do. The more you effectively communicate at the beginning, the fewer fires you will have to put out during your season.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about using the back of the net in the offensive zone. The game is constantly changing, so let’s discuss the modern ways of playing behind the net.

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This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk all about keeping the puck out of your net. What does good defensive hockey look like? Listen as we nerd out and talk about the best defensive habits, concepts, and team strategies.

In this episode we talk about:

— How little things become the big things

— To play high level hockey you have to be good at tracking

— The whole point of playing good defense

AND SO MUCH MORE!

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On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss different ways we can bring positivity to the game. We’ve talked at great lengths about how hockey is heading for the worst and that it's up to all of us to give back to the game that gave us so much. Listen as we suggest a few small acts that can have a huge impact on others.

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about angling drills. We discuss our favorites that help develop this essential skill.

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Happy 400th episode Think Tankers! This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Brown, former National Hockey League player and teammate of Topher’s. Brown played for the National Team Development Program, the University of Michigan, and played in over 400 games in the NHL.

In this episode we talk about:

— What Brown consistently did throughout his hockey career to make it to the NHL

— How hard work wins over skill every day

— Brown’s hilarious story of his NHL draft experience

— How to process and handle getting scratched

AND SO MUC...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the dwindling enrollment numbers on the boys side in North American youth hockey and how they are starting to affect competition at the higher levels. Are the outrageous costs and toxic culture to blame?

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