The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on Matthew Caldaroni, mental skills coach that has worked with players from the youth to professional levels.  Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to athletes when it comes to winning the mental game and he gives us tangible things that we can do to help us reach our potential. Some of the interesting things he speaks about include what it means to be resilient, how to find your "confidence drug", and what you can do as a player to reflect on your play.  It was very informative and we're really excited to share it with you. And as always, thank you again for tuning in!!

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast we bring back our most downloaded guest, Adam Nicholas of Stride Envy Hockey.  We talk a lot about one of the most fundamental and misunderstood skills in the game today: COMPETE...and what it really means.  After that, we get into some things that need to change about USA Hockey, how difficult it is for kids to thrive today in its environment, and what parents/coaches/hockey directors can do to help change the culture.  This conversation took a lot of twists and turns and has a lot of strong opinions that we think will help put things into perspective for a lot of people! Thanks again for listening to our podcast!

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we bring back Detroit Red Wings development consultant, Brandon Naurato.  We chat about how to prepare as a coach for giving your team an identity, building habits and throwing your players outside your comfort zone, and how important it is to build passion within your players.  We get into some great stories about current USA World Junior coach, Mike Hastings, as Jeff and Brandon both played for him during their time in the USHL.  Thanks again for tuning in to our pod!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we have a great conversation with current Chicago Steel General Manager, Ryan Hardy. Ryan has worked his way to being one of the top young minds in the game. Some stops that he had include NHL Central Scouting, Director of Player Personnel for the NTDP, Boston Bruins, and now Chicago. During our conversation we talk about a lot of great things including his time selecting players for the NTDP, his innovative approach to player development, and some misconceptions we have about youth hockey. We learned a ton from this podcast and hope you do too...thanks again for tuning in!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank podcast, we have an awesome chat with Mike Snee, the Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. CHI is an organization that provides the public with information regarding college hockey. They travel all throughout the world engaging kids, parents, coaches, and families about the benefits of going to the NCAA. In our conversation, we talk about the statistics and benefits of playing college hockey, the problems with early recruiting (Oh does Jeff get riled up), the community vs. AAA models of development, and much much more! Thank you again for tuning in to our podcasts!!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank podcast, we chat with Kitchener Rangers General Manager, Mike McKenzie.  One of the biggest debates we see at 15/16 years old is whether to play college or major junior hockey.  Mike has great perspective as he attended St. Lawrence University where he was a 100 point scorer...but now holds the top job with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. During our talk he shares his experiences within college and the OHL, the pros and cons of each, and also shares a few stories about his Dad, Bob McKenzie of TSN.  Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast we chat with Mike Commito...NHL Historian and author of a new book "NHL 365, Daily Stories from the Ice".  We get into some awesome historical talk about some cool things that have shaped our game, including what we think have been the biggest changes in the game. Jeff and Topher also get into fighting in practice and if it's a big deal or not. Mike's book is a great read for any hockey fan...it's a great Christmas present at this time of year.  Thanks again for tuning in to our podcast!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, Topher and Jeff take Twitter, Instagram, and email questions about various aspects of hockey and hockey development! Here are some of the topics that were covered: -Why did we have to take down the Noelle Needham pod? -How to build and maintain confidence. -What needs to change in youth hockey. -What do young players need to develop to get to the next level. -Do I need an advisor? -How was your performance affected by different coaches? -What is the next "new thing" in creating offense? -How is USA Hockey turning out generational talents? Thanks to everyone who submitted questions...we had a blast with this one!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we chat with Auston Matthews' trainer, Don Jupp.  Don has trained Auston since he was 16 years old and gives us a really cool look into what makes Auston a generational talent and one of the best players in the world. We talk about Auston's work ethic, demeanor, genetic ability, and how those set him apart from his peers. Don also trained Jeff while he was playing, so we have some great stories about the days they worked together. Enjoy, subscribe, rate, give us a review...and thank you again for tuning in!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast...we speak with Jeff's idol in the Strength and Conditioning world, Mike Boyle. Mike is a world renowned strength coach out of the Boston area that has worked with BU, the Boston Red Sox, the Bruins, and many athletes that are at the top of their sport. Mike talks about guys like Joe Thornton, Jack Eichel, and Mike Sullivan...and things that set them apart from their peers.  You can listen to the pod or find Mike's website (bodybyboyle.com) to learn about some of the other high level hockey players he's coached...and there are MANY. We learned a ton about his journey, all the championships he's been a part of, and what makes him one of the best in the world. Thank you again for tuning in, please subscribe, give us a rating, and provide a review.

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we talk with Cornell Head Coach Mike Schafer, who currently ranks 17th all-time in coaching wins in the NCAA. Coach Schafer was the person to coach Topher at Cornell, and then they went on to coach together for five years. During the conversation, we talk about Coach's childhood growing up as the youngest of nine kids in rural Ontario...his philosophy on playing team defense, and the state of recruiting today in college hockey. Listen, share, subscribe, and please leave a review for us...thanks again for tuning in!!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we talk with NCAA coaching legend George Gwozdecky.  "Coach Gwoz" led the University of Denver to 2 National Championships in the early 2000's...and currently ranks number 11 in all-time Division One coaching wins.  Coach tells some great stories about the recruiting trail, including when he recruited current Carolina Hurricanes head coach, Rod Brind'Amour.  Coach also is the only person in history to do the following: Win a national championship as a player (Wisconsin)...Assistant Coach (Michigan State)...Head Coach (Denver)...and coach in the Stanley Cup finals (Tampa Bay Lightning). Coach's stories, wisdom, and advice were phenomenal and we again learned a ton! Thanks again for tuning in to the podcast!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank podcast, we speak with one of the top hockey development people in the game, Adam Nicholas of Stride Envy Hockey. Adam has worked with teams like UMASS Lowell and the New York Rangers, and has clients that include superstars Jack Eichel, Noah Hanafin, and Zdeno Chara. Adam is a forward thinking, innovative, and unbelievably hard working development coach...and his thoughts on the game and how to improve are unreal! Please subscribe, give us a rating/review, and thank you again for tuning in to our podcast!

On this episode of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast, we have a great conversation with former NHL tough guy and all-around great guy Cam Janssen.  Over Cam's NHL career that spanned 336 games, he amassed 774 penalty minutes and established himself as one of the games toughest competitors.  He was also revered as one of the games greatest teammates as well. On the pod, we talk about what it was like establishing himself as an enforcer, his time playing with the New Jersey Devils and his relationship with Lou Lamoriello and Marty Brodeur, and what it means to be a great teammate.  This is another fun one, we hope you enjoy...and please give us a rating and review to tell us what you think!

Before there were child superstars Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid, there was Robbie Schremp.  Growing up in New York, Robbie was the can't miss superstar that wound up being the first overall pick in the OHL and became one of the top scorers in the storied league's history. After being chosen in the first round of the NHL draft, Robbie went on to have an 11 year pro career that had a lot of ups and downs...and he just announced his retirement from the game last week.  This is the most candid conversation we have ever had and shows the true light and dark sides of professional sports.  You are not going to want to miss this unbelievable talk with a great guy who holds nothing back in talking about the game that defined him.