The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

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...

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.

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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.

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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<...

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.

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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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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!

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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...

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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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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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...

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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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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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...

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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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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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:<...

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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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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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

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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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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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...

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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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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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...

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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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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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...

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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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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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...

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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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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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...