The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
By: thehockeythinktank
Language: en
Categories: Sports, Hockey
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!
Episodes
FRIDAY FACEOFF - DEALING WITH TEAMMATES THAT TAKE BAD PENALTIES?!
Jan 09, 2026On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener's question about dealing with teammates that habitually take bad penalties. What should you do as a coach? What about as a player?
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Duration: 00:11:05SHORT SHIFTS - OLYMPIC ROSTERS
Jan 07, 2026On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about Team Canada's and Team USA's rosters for the 2026 Olympics. We discuss building a roster for a shorter tournament and give our thoughts on who was left off.
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Duration: 00:12:21Game-Changing Hockey Gear with Guest Andries de Villiers, Titan BattleGear Founder - EP 398
Jan 05, 2026This week Topher and Jeff talk with Andries de Villiers, founder and CEO of Titan BattleGear. His company is making waves in the hockey community with their innovative cut-resistant base layers and neck guards.
In this episode we talk about:
— How currently only a few neck guards on the market today are actually cut-resistant
— The story behind Titan BattleGear and its design that makes players actually love to wear it
— The importance of the neck guard mandate
AND SO MUCH MORE!
TITAN BATTLEGEAR
HAGENS' HELPERS CHARIT...
Duration: 01:14:40Best of 2025 Short Shifts - EP 397
Dec 29, 2025With the boys on holiday break, we pieced together our 5 best Short Shifts episodes from 2025. From all of us at the Hockey Think Tank, we wish you a Happy New Year!
In this episode we talk about:
— Intangible Things That Scouts Look For
— Team Toughness
— How Do You Help Skilled Players with Low Confidence
— How to Motivate Your Best Player
— How to Shut Down Opponents’ Top Player
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank yo...
Duration: 01:00:02FRIDAY FACEOFF - HELIOS’ NEW FEATURES?!
Dec 26, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs bring on JP Buckley, the VP of Sales & Business Development for Helios Hockey. Buckley joins us to talk about all of the awesome new features Helios will be rolling out in the new year.
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Duration: 00:16:35SHORT SHIFTS - WHAT HAS LED TO TEAM USA’S WORLD JUNIORS REIGN
Dec 24, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the reasons behind USA winning World Juniors for the last two years and how they are going for a three-peat this year. Listen for the 3 key reasons that have led to their current reign.
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The State of Youth Hockey: 2025 Edition - EP 396
Dec 22, 2025This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the state of youth hockey. We get so many messages from parents, coaches, and players; so we thought what better way to close out 2025 than to address the 5 biggest things we hear about the most in youth hockey.
In this episode we talk about:
— The need for more ice rinks
— Too much focus on elites
— Lack of parent education
— Early professionalization
— Not enough collaboration
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor Ic...
Duration: 00:58:48FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR INJURED PLAYER?!
Dec 19, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener's question about supporting your player through an injury. Maybe this is the first time they are experiencing an injury, or maybe your player has battled several injuries. Either way, we’re here to help guide you through how to handle this difficult time.
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... Duration: 00:10:56
SHORT SHIFTS - CONSTRAINTS LED APPROACH
Dec 17, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a topic one of the coaches in our HTT Coaching Mentorship group brought up: demystifying the Constraints Led Approach. What is it and how does it help your players?
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Duration: 00:12:49Show Me Your Circle & I’ll Show You Your Future with Guest JJ Howland, Wrestling Coach - EP 395
Dec 15, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jacob “JJ” Howland, USMC Vet and wrestling coach. With over half a million followers on Instagram, Howland inspires athletes of all sports to be the best version of themselves.
In this episode we talk about:
— Not having to be the most skilled, just consistent
— Coaching each athlete differently according to what they need
— Reframing situations to help fuel you instead of hurt you
— Howland’s huge announcement
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well a...
Duration: 01:11:55FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO MAKE A CAREER OUT OF COACHING?!
Dec 12, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener's question about making a career out of coaching full time. Maybe you don’t have the confidence, maybe you don’t have high-level playing experience, or maybe you don’t even know how to get started. That doesn’t mean you can’t be a great coach. Let’s talk about what you can do if coaching is the dream and how to get yourself out there.
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Duration: 00:15:05SHORT SHIFTS - ADDING VERSATILITY TO YOUR GAME
Dec 10, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a topic one of our listeners submitted: adding versatility to your game by improving your “B Game.” We talk about how to make yourself more marketable to coaches you’re playing for.
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5 Keys to Earning Your Confidence Daily - EP 394
Dec 08, 2025This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about a huge thing hockey players, and athletes alike, struggle with: confidence. Listen for the 5 things you should do every day to build your confidence and become the best athlete you can be.
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
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FRIDAY FACEOFF - SPLITTING GAMES FOR GOALIES?!
Dec 05, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener's question about splitting games for goalies when there is a skill discrepancy, but both pay the same amount of money to play. Should it be 50/50 and how should it be communicated to the goalies and their families?
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Duration: 00:11:14SHORT SHIFTS - TRAILING IN THE THIRD
Dec 03, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what you should do when you are down a couple goals and are heading into the third period. How do you handle trailing and should you change anything?
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Duration: 00:12:41A Deep Dive into Coaching with Guest Darryl Belfry, NHL Player Development Author, Analyst, & Consultant (Rerun) - EP 393
Dec 01, 2025On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on hockey development pioneer who works with some of the top names in the game, Darryl Belfry. Darryl's client list includes the likes of Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, John Tavares… among others of the NHL's elite. Darryl also just came out with a book, "Belfry Hockey: Strategies to Teach the World's Best Athletes."
On this podcast we cover so many great topics, including:
— Darryl's journey to working with the top players in the world
— Can you teach offense?
— Manipula...
Duration: 01:41:00FRIDAY FACEOFF - ADVANCED 3 YEAR OLDS?!
Nov 28, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a marketing flyer we shared to our socials. The flyer is from a Toronto club advertising a 2021 birth year identification skate that is open to “advanced 2022 birth years.” Yep, that means advanced 3 year olds. As you can imagine, we just HAD to talk about it.
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<... Duration: 00:13:10
SHORT SHIFTS - THE CAR RIDE HOME FOR COACHES
Nov 26, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the car ride home for coaches. We talk a lot about what parents should say to their kids on the way home from the rink; but coaches, what should you tell yourselves on the way home from a game?
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Chasing More than Just Wins on the Scoreboard with Guest Bobby Scott, Topher’s Dad - EP 392
Nov 24, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Bobby Scott, Toph’s dad. As a former D1 hockey player and someone who has been around youth hockey for years, Scott joins us to share his wealth of knowledge regarding the game.
In this episode we talk about:
— Not only chasing wins in youth hockey
— What scale are you using to measure how hard your kids are working
— Raising go-getters
— How you have a choice in everything you do
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title spon...
Duration: 01:02:59FRIDAY FACEOFF - COACHING WHEN THINGS AREN'T GOING WELL?!
Nov 21, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener's question about coaching when things aren’t going well. Sometimes things aren’t connecting with your players, and instead of writing them off, let’s figure out how to help.
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Duration: 00:11:34SHORT SHIFTS - WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SMART HOCKEY PLAYER
Nov 19, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what it means to be a smart hockey player. What do we see in players that have a high hockey IQ?
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Duration: 00:11:14Advice for Parent Coaches & How to Create a Challenging, but Fun Environment with Guest Jason Guerriero, USA Hockey Player Development Manager - EP 391
Nov 17, 2025This week Topher talks with Jason Guerriero, USA Hockey Player Development Manager. We brought Guerriero back on for round two to talk about creating a challenging environment that also facilitates a love for the game.
In this episode we talk about:
— Setting clear boundaries as a parent coach
— How being challenged is what makes the game fun for kids
— That failure is inevitable, but it’s about how you get through it
— How we’re creating more stress than we need to for players
AND SO MUCH MORE!
FRIDAY FACEOFF - SHOULD KIDS PAY THE PRICE FOR BAD PARENTS?!
Nov 14, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a controversial topic in the hockey world: should kids/players have to pay the price for their bad parents? We posted on our socials an example of a Division One Head Coach not recruiting a player because his dad was yelling from the stands. This one got you guys fired up, so let’s talk about it!
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SHORT SHIFTS - CROSSOVERS
Nov 12, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about crossovers and the importance of them in the game. Vechs explains how to master this element of your skating, on and off the ice.
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Duration: 00:10:39Building a Thriving Hockey Organization that Prioritizes Development with Guest Josh Levine, Fortis Academy Founder - EP 390
Nov 10, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Josh Levine, founder of Fortis Academy in Minnesota. With over a decade of experience training and coaching athletes at all age levels, Levine helped revive a dormant community organization. We talk about building an organization that is efficient and prioritizes development over profits.
In this episode we talk about:
— How players inhibit themselves by not being good people off the ice
— Utilizing volunteers to coach the age groups below them
— Letting the kids swim at hockey tournaments
— The effect of screens on depth pe...
Duration: 01:12:20FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT’S YOUR WHY?!
Nov 07, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on Jon Francisco of 4Check Hockey to talk about finding our why - why do we play the game, why do we put our kids in youth hockey, etc. It’s a simple, but great question to help keep everything in perspective; so we encourage you to reflect on your why.
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SHORT SHIFTS - 2-3 POWER PLAY SET UP
Nov 05, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on USA Hockey’s Jason Guerriero to talk about the trending 2-3 power play set up. Also known as the spread or box-and-1, this power play system is becoming more and more popular at the highest levels.
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The Top Lessons We’ve Learned from the Hockey Think Tank: 7 Year Anniversary Show - EP 389
Nov 03, 2025This week Topher and Jeff celebrate the 7 year anniversary of the start of the Hockey Think Tank podcast. We have learned such invaluable lessons over the years from all of the guests we have had on, the organizations we’ve worked with, and all of our listeners that have reached out. Listen for each of our top 3 lessons of all time.
In this episode we talk about:
— How resiliency is everything
— Surrounding yourself with good people
— Finding a way to stay connected to the game throughout life
— How this game is wo...
Duration: 01:01:27FRIDAY FACEOFF - RINK RAT RENTALS?!
Oct 31, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs bring on one of the founders of Rink Rat Rentals, Kevin McLaughlin, to discuss making hockey more affordable. His company is a hockey equipment rental company and their mission is to eliminate financial barriers to hockey participation. Go check out this amazing company!
Rink Rat Rentals
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SHORT SHIFTS - BODY CHECKING
Oct 29, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about body checking, what the proper way is to teach it, and how to get kids exposed to it safely.
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Duration: 00:10:52How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything: An Inspiring Conversation with Guest Caroline Harvey - EP 388
Oct 27, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Caroline Harvey, one of the most skilled players coming up in the game. She’s a 2x NCAA champion with the University of Wisconsin, an Olympic silver medalist with Team USA, a 2x Women’s World’s gold medalist… and she’s just getting started.
In this episode we talk about:
— Playing girls only vs co-ed hockey growing up
— The USA vs Canada rivalry
— Some of the adversities Harvey has faced in her career
— How important life away from the game is in making you bett...
Duration: 00:57:06FRIDAY FACEOFF - PICKING CAPTAINS?!
Oct 24, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a listener’s question; “how do you pick your captains?” We explore this topic for all age levels and suggest various responsibilities you can give them.
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Duration: 00:10:42SHORT SHIFTS - 2-1-2 FORECHECK
Oct 22, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the 2-1-2 forecheck. We talk about this aggressive system and whether or not we like it.
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Duration: 00:10:55You Asked, Toph & Jeff Answered: Mailbag Episode - EP 387
Oct 20, 2025This 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 checking be allowed in women’s?”
— “Will the US Development League cause sanity to break out?”
— “As parents, how do we best support our 14U player being named captain of his team?”
— “True or false, 5 years from now, o...
Duration: 01:06:15FRIDAY FACEOFF - HALF SHIELDS IN COLLEGE & WOMEN'S PRO?!
Oct 17, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about whether players should or should not be allowed to wear half shields starting in college, both on the men’s and women’s sides.
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Duration: 00:10:40SHORT SHIFTS - INTANGIBLE THINGS THAT SCOUTS LOOK FOR
Oct 15, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the intangible things that scouts look for in players - because the scoresheet isn’t the only thing that catches recruiters’ attention.
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Duration: 00:12:52Rethinking How We Develop Younger Hockey Players to Increase Retention Rates with Guests Judd Stauss & Tyler Palmiscno, East Grand Forks, MN Model - EP 386
Oct 13, 2025This week Topher talks with Judd Stauss and Tyler Palmiscno, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Stauss runs the youth hockey program in their area and Palmiscno is the head coach of last year’s boys high school hockey state champion team. Seven years ago, they started a unique squirt-level pilot program that other areas are starting to model. The program does half-ice for ages 10 & below and no travel hockey for the first half of the year.
In this episode we talk about:
— Striving to increase retention rates throughout age groups
— How to structure practi...
Duration: 01:05:24FRIDAY FACEOFF - PAYING TO WATCH YOUR KID PLAY?!
Oct 10, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how some tournaments are charging parents to watch their kids play. We’ve heard they’re not only charging an entry fee, but also sometimes a parking fee. We think this is WILD. Let’s talk about it.
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Duration: 00:12:32SHORT SHIFTS - PENALTY KILL FORECHECK
Oct 08, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about penalty kill forechecks and how to make sure it’s difficult for the opposing team to enter the zone.
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Duration: 00:10:37The Big Debate: Full-Ice vs Half-Ice Mite Hockey with Guest Uncle Timmy - EP 385
Oct 06, 2025This week Topher and Jeff bring back one of our most polarizing guests, Uncle Timmy, for a huge debate. We asked on our socials if anyone wanted to come on the show and debate whether mite hockey should be played on full or half ice, and who other than our own Uncle Timmy volunteered. Grab your popcorn Think Tankers, this one gets heated!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share...
Duration: 01:39:35FRIDAY FACEOFF - BENEFITS OF KEEP AWAY?!
Oct 03, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the benefits of including keep away in every practice. We guarantee it will make your players better.
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Duration: 00:10:50SHORT SHIFTS - GETTING CUT FROM TEAM USA
Oct 01, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph is on the road and wants to tell the story of the time he got cut from Team USA. This is great insight for parents and players navigating adversity.
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Duration: 00:13:04Developing Thoughtful Hockey Players with Guest Derek Edwardson, Indiana Elite Hockey Director - EP 384
Sep 29, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Derek Edwardson, hockey director of the Indiana Elite Club out of Indianapolis. Edwardson played at Miami University and later played professionally in Europe.
In this episode we talk about:
— How players need to be great decision makers, since the game is so unpredictable
— Developing the players you already have, not just finding the best players
— How the best thing we can do as coaches is make the environment fun
— Doing everything you can to make sure the parents get along
AND SO M...
Duration: 01:12:14FRIDAY FACEOFF - PRE-SCOUT MEETINGS?!
Sep 26, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a topic that came up in our coaching mentorship program the other day: pre-scouts. There are so many opinions on how to execute a pre-scout, so let’s discuss the different ways to make your pre-scouts the most effective.
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Duration: 00:12:00SHORT SHIFTS - WHERE TO SHOOT TO SCORE
Sep 24, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about where to shoot on goalies to score more goals. Listen as we break down the specifics!
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Duration: 00:11:16How Hockey Can Prepare You for Life with Guests Charlie Cook & Russ Sinkewich, Ohio Hockey Project - EP 383
Sep 22, 2025This week Topher and Jeff talk with Russ Sinkewich and Charlie Cook of the Ohio Hockey Project. Sinkewich is the Project Founder and Head Coach; Cook is the Director of Hockey Development. They join us to talk about finding life lessons, genuineness, and passion through the sport.
In this episode we talk about:
— How life lessons in sports are what get you far in life
— That if a coach is hard on you it means they care
— How to teach not only the sport, but also the things bigger than the game<...
Duration: 01:15:04FRIDAY FACEOFF - FULL ICE MITE HOCKEY?!
Sep 19, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a hot topic we probably hear the most about from our listeners: full ice mite hockey. We have so many thoughts on this one… SO LET’S GO!
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Duration: 00:10:27SHORT SHIFTS - SMALL AREA GAMES FOR SCORING MORE GOALS
Sep 17, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite small area games that are tailored toward scoring more goals.
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Duration: 00:10:33Finding the Value in Hockey Beyond Scoring Points with Guest Matt Ford, Former Pro Player - EP 382
Sep 15, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:13:01FRIDAY FACEOFF - GOALIE SHORTAGE?!
Sep 12, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:10:34SHORT SHIFTS - TOP LIFE LESSON
Sep 10, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:10:51The Top Hockey Minds of Strength & Conditioning Training: Vechs’ Mount Rushmore of Coaches - EP 381
Sep 08, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:17:34FRIDAY FACEOFF - USA HOCKEY COACHING EDUCATION CHANGES?!
Sep 05, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:12:38SHORT SHIFTS - DRILLS WE DID AS KIDS THAT WOULD BE LAUGHED AT TODAY
Sep 03, 2025On 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!
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Duration: 00:10:27How to Make Your Hockey Community Better by Taking Inspiration from the Minnesota Model with Guest Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey Coach-In-Chief - EP 380
Sep 01, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:24:02FRIDAY FACEOFF - BAG SKATES?!
Aug 29, 2025On 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?
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Duration: 00:11:17SHORT SHIFTS - GETTING LOW IN YOUR STRIDE
Aug 27, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:11:20Mental Performance Training & How it Can Improve Your Game with Guests Nick Johnson & Dustin Kohn, Mental Performance Coaches - EP 379
Aug 25, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:13:57FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO PICK AN ADVISOR?!
Aug 22, 2025On 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?
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Duration: 00:11:38SHORT SHIFTS - SETTING THE TONE AS A PLAYER
Aug 20, 2025On 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?
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Duration: 00:13:18Finding Genuineness in Hockey & Staying True to Yourself No Matter the Journey with Guest Brock Sheahan, Notre Dame Head Coach - EP 378
Aug 18, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:05:23FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY MAJOR JUNIOR?!
Aug 15, 2025On 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.
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SHORT SHIFTS - SETTING THE TONE FOR THE SEASON
Aug 13, 2025On 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?
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Duration: 00:11:49An Honest Conversation on the Balance in Youth Hockey (Part 2) - EP 377
Aug 11, 2025This 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! Duration: 01:02:41
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY NIL MONEY?!
Aug 08, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:10:48SHORT SHIFTS - FACEOFF PLAYS
Aug 06, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite faceoff plays, both offensively and defensively.
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Duration: 00:11:05An Honest Conversation on the Balance in Youth Hockey (Part 1) - EP 376
Aug 04, 2025This 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!
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And th...
Duration: 01:26:08FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY TRANSFER PORTAL?!
Aug 04, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:11:58FRIDAY FACEOFF - REST & RECOVERY?!
Aug 01, 2025On 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.
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SHORT SHIFTS - MIDDLE OF THE ICE
Aug 01, 2025On 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.
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Duration: 00:10:59Hockey Academies: Let’s Discuss the Pros & Cons With Guest Shawn Pauly, GForce Sports Academy Director - EP 373
Aug 01, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:18:37FRIDAY FACEOFF - BENCHING PLAYERS?!
Aug 01, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:17SHORT SHIFTS - PASSING
Aug 01, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:58Concussion Prevention, Detection, & Treatment With Guests Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard, Bearmind Tech - EP 372
Aug 01, 2025This 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<...
Duration: 01:11:57FRIDAY FACEOFF - FINDING YOUR NEW LOCKER ROOM?!
Aug 01, 2025On 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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SHORT SHIFTS - STICK BATTLES
Aug 01, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:34Breaking Down the Latest Hockey Buzzword, “Development,” With Guest Jon Lounsbury, Player Development Coach - EP 371
Aug 01, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:08:46FRIDAY FACEOFF - CONCUSSIONS?!
Aug 01, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:11:04SHORT SHIFTS - DEFENDING A LEAD IN THE 3RD PERIOD
Aug 01, 2025On 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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Set Yourself up for Success by Surrounding Yourself with Good People with Guest Rob Hutson, Dad to the Hutson Kids - EP 374
Aug 01, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:11:33SHORT SHIFTS - POWER PLAY HABITS
Aug 01, 2025On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the habits that teams have that make their power plays successful.
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Duration: 00:10:39FRIDAY FACEOFF - HEAD COACH/ASSISTANT COACH RELATIONSHIP
Aug 01, 2025On 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?
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Duration: 00:11:47SHORT SHIFTS - WATCHING GAME FOOTAGE WITH HELIOS HOCKEY
Aug 01, 2025On 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
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Smaller Players, Resiliency, & Developing with Intention with Guest Kevin Clark, Former Pro Player - EP 375
Jul 29, 2025This 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.
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...
Duration: 01:06:58College 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
Jun 23, 2025This 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 Duration: 00:55:49
FRIDAY FACEOFF - CREATING CHANGE THROUGH COLLABORATION?!
Jun 20, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:57SHORT SHIFTS - WHAT TO DO DURING FREE ICE
Jun 18, 2025On 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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Creating a Better Hockey World for the Next Generation With Guest Jamie Rice, Babson College Head Coach - EP 369
Jun 16, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:14:52FRIDAY FACEOFF - IT TAKES A VILLAGE?!
Jun 13, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:11:29SHORT SHIFTS - TEAM TOUGHNESS
Jun 11, 2025On 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
Jun 09, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:12:14FRIDAY FACEOFF - STICKING UP FOR YOUR TEAMMATES?!
Jun 06, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:50SHORT SHIFTS - FLOW/SKILL DRILLS
Jun 04, 2025On 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.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
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Duration: 00:15:00Navigating the Youth Hockey Journey as a Parent & Going Behind the Scenes of Slap Shot, With Guests Dave & Christian Hanson - EP 367
Jun 02, 2025This 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...
Duration: 01:10:33FRIDAY FACEOFF - PARENT/NON PARENT COACHES?!
May 30, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:11:11SHORT SHIFTS - THE ROYAL ROAD
May 28, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:11:01The American-Born Journey to the NHL: Diverse Development Paths to the Highest Levels of Hockey - EP 366
May 26, 2025This 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:<...
Duration: 01:50:05FRIDAY FACEOFF - MAPLE LEAFS CHOKE AGAIN?!
May 23, 2025On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs and their unfortunate recent playoff runs.
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Duration: 00:12:16SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO DEFEND THE FRONT OF THE NET
May 21, 2025On 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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Duration: 00:10:33Top Environmental Factors Crucial for Players to Develop - EP 365
May 19, 2025This 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