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!
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...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - IT TAKES A VILLAGE?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how it takes a village to be successful in today’s game. Some of the most recent NHL award winners, including Spencer Carbery and Aleksander Barkov, are perfect examples of the fact that nobody ever achieves anything great alone.
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SHORT SHIFTS - TEAM TOUGHNESS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about team toughness and how it makes your team unstoppable. We use this year’s Florida Panthers as an example of what it means to be a tough team to play against.
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The Coaching Career Path With Guest Tom Peffall, Mercyhurst University’s Head Coach-in-Waiting - EP 368
This week Topher flies solo to talk in person with Tom Peffall, the head coach-in-waiting for Mercyhurst University’s Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team. We’ve talked a lot on the podcast about the different paths for players to higher level hockey, it’s time we talk about the unique paths for coaches too.
In this episode we talk about:
— Building a relationship with your players to encourage their compete level
— Peffall’s unique coaching career path
— The major changes to the college hockey landscape and how it’s affecting recruiti...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - STICKING UP FOR YOUR TEAMMATES?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about sticking up for your teammates on the ice. Even though the physicality changes at each level, the common factor across all age groups is how important it is for culture and making your team feel close.
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SHORT SHIFTS - FLOW/SKILL DRILLS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about what he calls “flow drills” and what Toph calls “skill drills.” We discuss what they are, what to include, and when to incorporate them into your practices.
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Navigating the Youth Hockey Journey as a Parent & Going Behind the Scenes of Slap Shot, With Guests Dave & Christian Hanson - EP 367
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Dave Hanson and his son, Christian Hanson. Dave is best known for his role as one of the Hanson brothers in the 1977 classic hockey movie, Slap Shot. This episode is a must listen for fans of the movie and for parents navigating the youth hockey journey.
In this episode we talk about:
— The importance of taking off your coaching/parenting hat and just being there for your kid
— How much we encourage parents to get involved in any capacity
— Not using a scholarship or contra...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - PARENT/NON PARENT COACHES?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the pros and cons of having parent vs non parent coaches for your youth hockey team. We know the hockey community feels strongly about this one, so listen up as we discuss this hot topic.
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SHORT SHIFTS - THE ROYAL ROAD
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what the royal road is and how making a play across it significantly increases your chances of scoring.
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The American-Born Journey to the NHL: Diverse Development Paths to the Highest Levels of Hockey - EP 366
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to break down the various development paths to the top league in the world. There were 288 American players that played at least one game in the NHL during the 2023-2024 season. Topher spent months researching the trends that got those players to the highest level of professional hockey. We hear so much from parents and coaches about the pressure to follow a specific journey in order to play in the NHL; so we set out to show you that everyone has a different path.
In this episode we talk about:<...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - MAPLE LEAFS CHOKE AGAIN?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their unfortunate recent playoff runs.
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SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO DEFEND THE FRONT OF THE NET
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to defend the front of the net. Last week we talked about scoring garbage goals, so now let’s discuss how to defend against them.
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Top Environmental Factors Crucial for Players to Develop - EP 365
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the 7 environmental factors crucial for players to develop. We encourage parents to join an organization/team that provides this atmosphere to help your child succeed and encourage coaches to help provide that environment. Listen as we break down how to set up an environment where players can develop to the best of their abilities:
— Establish a relationship
— Vulnerability as a coach
— Be prepared, but be flexible
— Competition
— Be authentic
— Resilience
— Set the standard high with players
FRIDAY FACEOFF - POSTGAME SPEECHES?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about postgame speeches and what you’ve gotta include. Be authentic and always go back to your process and your identity.
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SHORT SHIFTS - GARBAGE GOALS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a topic one of our listeners suggested: garbage goals. We define what they are, how to score more of them, and how to have that scoring mentality.
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The Winning Mindset: Comprehensive Excellence, Relentlessness, & Loving the Process of Doing Extra With Guest Pat Ferschweiler, Western Michigan Broncos Head Coach - EP 364
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Pat Ferschweiler, Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey head coach and 2025 Frozen Four Men’s Ice Hockey Championship winner. Fersch joins us on the pod to talk about what it takes to win it all.
In this episode we talk about:
— How the men’s ice hockey team won the title without any NIL money
— That no matter how good you were, you have to be better than your previous year
— How coaches shouldn’t have to coach effort
— How to keep players emo...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - HEAD SHOTS?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about head shots from hits. We’ve seen a few in the past couple of weeks in the NHL playoffs, so let’s talk about them.
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SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO YOU HELP SKILLED PLAYERS WITH LOW CONFIDENCE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a question submitted by one of our listeners; “How do you help skilled players with low confidence in their own skills?” We discuss what to do when they look good in practice, but can’t seem to replicate their skills in a game.
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Breaking Down the Modern Game: Fine Details, Current Trends, & Shooting Techniques With Guest Mike McGinnis, NorCan Hockey - EP 363
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike McGinnis, player development coach with NorCan Hockey. Using his experience with Hockey Alberta and his current business, McGinnis provided us with some great insight regarding the modern aspects of the game.
In this episode we talk about:
— The importance of being able to stick handle by feel, and not needing to look at the puck
— Modern vs “old-school” shooting techniques
— How 60% of NHL passes are contested, so you should include contested passes in practices
— Having a balance of unstructured play and structured p...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - THE DECLINE OF REC HOCKEY?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the decline of recreational and house league hockey. There is an immense pressure to jump to the next level as quickly as possible, so we’re seeing a large gap between Learn to Play and what's next. Let’s talk about how this is affecting our sport.
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SHORT SHIFTS - COMPETE LEVEL
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one of the most important things every player needs: a high compete level. What does that mean? Let’s talk about it!
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Let’s Talk All Things Goaltending With Guest Steve Thompson, USA Hockey Manager of Player Development for Goaltending - EP 362
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Steve Thompson, Manager of Player Development for Goaltending for USA Hockey. Thompson played college hockey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and now is an integral part of USA Hockey’s goaltending development. This episode has so many great nuggets not just for our goalies, but coaches, parents, and players too!
In this episode we talk about:
— Thompson’s unique experience at the Beijing Olympics having to quarantine because of Covid
— Advice for non-goalie coaches to help their goalies in games, practices, etc.
— The shortage o...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - RESTING PLAYERS FOR PLAYOFFS?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about resting players going into the playoffs. Join us for this controversial topic on whether or not the best players should sit the final games of the season in order to prepare for the post season. As always, head to our socials and tell us your thoughts on this topic!
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SHORT SHIFTS - GETTING THE PUCK TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ICE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about getting the puck to the middle of the ice. We discuss why it is so important and how it can help you in different areas of the game.
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The Importance of Unstructured Play, Practice, & Hockey IQ With Guest Paul Caufield, Dad to Cole Caufield - EP 361
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Paul Caufield, dad to Cole Caufield of the NHL Montreal Canadiens. Caufield not only played hockey himself, but also coached and still runs a rink in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
In this episode we talk about:
— Caufield’s family and their rich history with hockey
— An inside look into how Cole Caufield developed his love for the game
— That practice is just as, if not more important than games
— Developing confidence through other sports
— How hockey IQ needs to be taught at 10/12U be...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - BALANCING INDIVIDUAL AMBITION WITH WHAT'S BEST FOR THE TEAM?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about balancing individual ambition with wanting to win and being a good teammate. We use Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin’s latest breaking record to talk about this topic.
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SHORT SHIFTS - 3 ON 2s
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about offensive 3 on 2s. We discuss best strategies and how to work on them in practice.
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The Transformative Power of Sports With Guest Lindsey Wilson, Mental Performance Coach - EP 360
This week Topher talks with Lindsey Wilson, current Mental Performance Coach and former college and professional basketball player. She is the founder of Positive Performance™ and The Mindset Coach Academy™ where she helps aspiring mental performance coaches start their dream business and impact lives.
In this episode we talk about:
— Who you are becoming while you try to achieve your goals
— The importance of a leader leading by example
— How to best support your coaches, so that they don’t feel overwhelmed
— How the best athletes in the world have learned h...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - SHOULD YOU PLAY UP A LEVEL?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs wants to talk about when or if you should play up a level. We discuss not only the physical pressure, but also the emotions behind playing outside your age bracket.Â
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SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO CHALLENGE THE KIDS THAT ARE NATURALLY GOOD
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to challenge the kids that are naturally good at hockey and things come easy to them. Sometimes it can be difficult to motivate them because they don’t have to try as hard as their teammates, so here are some of our ideas to help them.
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You Asked, Toph & Jeff Answered: Mailbag Episode - EP 359
This week Topher and Jeff sit down for a mailbag episode to answer some of the questions our listeners have submitted recently. If you have a question you’d like for us to answer, DM us on our socials and we’ll include it in our next mailbag episode!
In this episode we talk about:
— “Should I post my kid’s clips to social media to get seen?”
— “How do you deal with toxic teammates?”
— “How do you encourage smaller players when others underestimate them?”
— The changing landscape of college hockey
AND...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR KID WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW THE GAME?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to support and talk to your player when you don’t have a hockey background or know the game.
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SHORT SHIFTS - RACES & BATTLES
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of incorporating races and battles to make your practices better and more game-like.
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How to Improve Game Performance With Guest Barry Smith, 7 Time Stanley Cup Winning Coach - EP 358
This week Topher talks with Barry Smith, 7 time Stanley Cup winning NHL coach. Smith shared some of his extensive hockey knowledge with us and what he’s learned in his years working with Scotty Bowman and numerous other NHL Hall of Famers.
In this episode we talk about:
— Improving game performance by replicating the game in practice
— Introducing contact younger, so that players don’t have to think about it later
— How there are a lot of skilled players, but not smart players
— Smith’s personal experience in the NHL
— H...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY IN YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the biggest taboo topic in youth hockey: the money. One of our listeners asked what the normal practice is for financial transparency in youth organizations, so let’s get to it!
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SHORT SHIFTS - HABITS FOR WHEN THE PUCK GOES LOW TO HIGH
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the important habits and concepts you need to know when the puck goes low to high in the zone, both offensively and defensively.
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The Art of Coaching With Guest Jesse Hale, Calgary Northstars General Manager - EP 357
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jesse Hale, the general manager of the Calgary Northstars, a Tier 1 organization in Calgary, Alberta. Hale has worked with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta, and now runs one of the youth organizations that we work with in our Youth Organization Blueprint.
In this episode we talk about:
— How to get your foot in the door professionally
— Not just running a drill to run a drill
— Coaching the coaches and the importance of having your coaching team on the same page
— Hockey Alberta’s commitme...
FRIDAY FACEOFF - INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM DURING THE TRADE DEADLINE?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the exciting and contentious landscape of the NHL trade deadline. We discuss some of the most recent trades this season and get an inside look of the emotions behind the trade deadline.
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SHORT SHIFTS - WHEN TO PULL YOUR GOALIE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the crucial timing of pulling your goalie to help win the game.
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Top 10 Things We Learned About Youth Hockey This Season - EP 356
As we begin to wrap up our second season of working with multiple youth hockey organizations across North America, this week Topher and Jeff talk about the top 10 things they’ve learned about youth hockey this year. Special thanks to all of the organizations we have worked with in our Youth Hockey Organization Blueprint. If you feel like your organization or team could benefit from working with us, check out the referral link below!
BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
An...
