Sharpening Your Edge

In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge , Chuck sits down with PWHL Walter Cup Champion Skylar Irving to discuss her journey from backyard rinks in Kingston, Massachusetts, to the top of professional women's hockey. Skylar reflects on how free play and a genuine love for the game shaped her development, while sharing insights into the team-first culture that helped the Montreal Victoire capture th...

We sat down with Jeff Lovecchio to discuss the mindset that has shaped both his hockey career and his life: “Give More, Be More.” From earning a spot in the Boston Bruins organization to building one of the most impactful player development programs in St. Louis, Jeff shares the lessons he’s learned through adversity, perseverance, and purpose. Jeff opens up about battling injuries and concussions...

Are you caught in the "frenzy" of youth hockey? Lindsay Tilley joins us to debunk the biggest misconceptions about skating development —including why there are no "one-lesson fixes". Lindsay shares her empathetic approach to coaching as a "hockey mom" and how she uses PE teacher tactics (like balloons and hula hoops!) to keep the game fun and reduce burnout. Bio Lindsay Tilley is the founder and o...

The Trailblazer’s Roadmap How do you go from starting a local 12U team to scouting for the PWHL ? In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Pippy , a pioneer who helped build the Pens Elite Girls Program and founded Premier Ice Prospects (PIP) . Kathy shares her "lead by example" philosophy and explains why building a lasting legacy for girls is more important than simple wins and losses. Bio Kathy...

What does true greatness look like beyond fame and success? In this powerful episode, Dr. Murray Howe shares the deeply personal story behind his book Nine Lessons I Learned from My Father. More than a memoir, this conversation reveals timeless lessons on humility, generosity, and purpose passed down from hockey legend Gordie Howe. If you're searching for inspiration, leadership wisdom, or meaning...

Hockey development expert Topher Scott dives deep into the importance of resilience for young athletes. In a world where youth sports are becoming more intense and competitive, he explains why learning how to handle setbacks, pressure, and failure may be the most important skill athletes can develop. This episode explores how adversity shapes stronger competitors and stronger people. Bio Topher’s...

Everyone Has Their Own Path In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge , Craig Desjarlais breaks down one of the most misunderstood truths in youth hockey development: there is no single roadmap to success. From growing up in Windsor, Ontario, to playing Division I hockey and professionally, Craig shares why late bloomers, Tier II players, and overlooked athletes can still thrive. This conversation i...

“We’re all standing at crossroads.” The question is—what path will you choose? In this episode, Kaleb Dahlgren reflects on loss, recovery, and the mindset that helped him rebuild his life. His message is simple and powerful: you can’t always control what happens—but you can control how you respond. Bio #1 Bestselling Author, Crossroads | Inspiring Community Leader | Health & Mental Wellness Ad...

From outdoor rinks in Ontario to leading one of the fastest-growing professional leagues in sports, Greg Fargo breaks down what truly matters in player development. This episode explores recruiting myths, competitive mindset, and why identity matters more than chasing “shiny objects.” In addition, Greg shares behind-the-scenes insight into the explosive growth of the PWHL, fan engagement, expansio...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is our enlightening conversation with Anthony Morando, a distinguished strength and conditioning coach renowned for his expertise in training elite athletes, particularly within the realms of hockey and collegiate sports. Throughout our dialogue, we delve into the intricacies of athletic preparation, emphasizing the significance of tailored strength and co...

What does it really take to advance in hockey today? Chase Fuchs breaks down what separates players who move on from those who plateau. Learn how scouts evaluate hockey IQ, competitiveness, and decision-making—and why flashy skills alone won’t get you to the next level. Bio Chase Fuchs is the Founder and Head Coach of Kinetic Hockey in Maryland, where he leads one of the region’s most progressive...

Behind every iconic Olympic moment are thousands of quiet, unglamorous reps. From frozen ponds in North Dakota to the Olympic podium, Monique shares a masterclass in athlete development. This episode dives into youth sports culture, multi-sport benefits, confidence under pressure, and why “betting on yourself” only works if you’ve done the work first . A must-listen for parents, coaches, and athle...

Hydration, sleep, carbs, creatine—what actually matters? We cut through the noise and talk performance nutrition that works in the real world, whether you’re at a tournament, on the road, or squeezing games into a busy weekend. Bio Nick Barringer, Ph. D., is a tactical nutritional physiologist with a wealth of applied and academic experience. He previously served as the director of the U.S. Milita...

Seth Taylor joins us to provide a profound commentary on the current state of youth sports, and reveals the complexities and challenges inherent in the system.  Every hockey family knows the grind—early ice times, long drives, huge costs, and nonstop competition. But at what point does the grind become damaging? Seth Taylor dig deeps into the mental and emotional toll behind modern youth...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiana McIntyre, captain and senior defender for the University of Delaware Division I women’s hockey team, whose journey is anything but linear. As Tiana reminds us, “Development is up and down; it’s never static.” From her beginnings in Park City, Utah, to becoming a standout collegiate athlete, Tiana’s story highlights the resilience, passion, and comm...

The fervor and passion for hockey transcends geographical constraints, as elucidated in this enlightening discussion with Will Stevens, the visionary behind the Trailer Park Sports Network. Will, hailing from a region not traditionally associated with hockey—a cornfield and a cotton field in northern Alabama—shares his remarkable journey of discovering the sport amidst a predominantly football-lov...

The podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Mason Ralph, a distinguished assistant coach for Our Lady of Good Counsel ice hockey and assistant captain for the Washington Capital Warriors. With nearly three decades of playing experience, Mason reflects upon the formative years of his hockey journey, beginning at an exceptionally young age when he first stepped onto the ice, captivated...

The podcast episode presents a profound discussion on the multifaceted nature of concussion rehabilitation, specifically targeting the demands placed on youth athletes engaged in contact sports. Dr. Chris Serrao, a distinguished physical therapist and strength conditioning coach, elaborates on the prevalent mechanisms of concussion injuries within the context of hockey, emphasizing the paramount i...

In this episode Jackson Cole, a standout goaltender at St. Michael's College, shares his compelling narrative of resilience and achievement in the realm of collegiate hockey. Having recently secured the NCAA Division 2 National Championship, Jackson reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his approach to the game. Bio Jackson Cole Jackson Cole currently plays goalie for Saint Michael's C...

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with Tony Cosenza, affectionately known as Coach Tone, who possesses a wealth of experience in the health and fitness sector, particularly within the realm of youth athletic development. Coach Tone discusses his approach through Total Empowerment Training, a philosophy designed to cultivate not just superior athletes but also well-rounded individ...

The episode delves into Tessa Wilson's personal and professional journey, illuminating her path from an aspiring athlete to a mental health advocate. As she shares her experiences of growing up in Saskatchewan and playing hockey in a predominantly male environment, listeners gain insight into the resilience and determination that shaped her career. Tessa articulates the pressures athletes face, pa...

Welcome to "Sharpening Your Edge," a podcast meticulously crafted by CV3 Hockey Development, where we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted realm of hockey, extending our discourse well beyond the confines of the ice rink. I am Chuck Verdolino, the founder and lead instructor of CV3 Hockey Development, and alongside my esteemed co-host Eric Melanson, a retired Marine Corps Inte...