THE LOCKER ROOM LIFE

From the early days of the social media grind to building a brand completely on his own terms, Rob Gucci aka “Heat Daddy” has stayed unapologetically unique through it all. Co host of the Home By 3 podcast, aspiring comedian, creator, innovator and someone who understands that real success isn’t always measured by numbers — it’s measured by fulfillment, belief, and staying true to who you are. Rob...

Kurtis Gabriel joins us for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had yet. A hockey journey sparked by tragedy, built through adversity, and carried all the way to the NHL against all odds. Known as one of the game’s toughest heavyweight fighters, Kurtis opens up about the reality that the mental battles off the ice were often heavier than the opponents he fought on it. From the pressure of...

JANE AND GUY GAUDREAU Honored doesn’t even begin to cover this one. We’re joined by Guy and Jane Gaudreau for a deeply moving and unforgettable conversation—one rooted in love, legacy, and the true meaning of community. They open up and share incredible memories of their sons, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau. Stories that go far beyond the rink. Moments that define who they were not just as elite hock...

LIVE FROM MOOSE JAW Some episodes stay on track… this one never had a chance. We sat down with Lindy McLeod, the personality behind Live From Moose Jaw, and were honored to be joined by a voice straight out of the great north—Saskatchewan. The conversation instantly turned into pure chaos—in the best way. No script, no filter, no structure… just real hockey talk, wild stories, and the kind of ener...

MENTAL HEALTH HOCKEY Brady Leavold’s story goes way deeper than the game. In this episode, Brady Leavold takes you through the full journey — from chasing the dream at the highest level to facing the reality of what comes after. The pressure to perform. The identity tied to the game. And the adversity that hits when everything you’ve built your life around starts to shift. He opens up about the mo...

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME | USA OLYMPIAN | NATIONAL CHAMPION | PIONEER On this episode, we sit down with Natalie Darwitz — a true pioneer who didn’t just shape women’s hockey, but helped redefine the game itself. From dominating at the University of Minnesota and capturing NCAA National Championships, to leading Team USA as an Olympic Captain and competing on the world’s biggest stage, her career is not...

NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING HAWKS Ian Engel didn’t take the straight path — he built it. Grinding through the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats, earning every shift, every opportunity… and finishing it the right way as a Robertson Cup Champion . Originally committed to Division III — a path many would’ve accepted — but he didn’t settle. He stayed patient. Stayed committed. Believed in something bigger. Tha...

" J SWISH " 1st Rounder | 93.1 | GOOD CHIN Jordan Schmaltz takes us through his full hockey journey, from grinding it out in the USHL to becoming a standout at North Dakota, and ultimately hearing his name called in the first round by the St. Louis Blues. He opens up about the realities of the pro path—the expectations, the pressure, and what it really takes to navigate the game at the highest lev...

GENERAL MANAGER | BLIND HOCKEY CANADA Luca DeMontis who has been a driving force behind the growth of blind hockey in Canada, rising from longtime volunteer to General Manager of Canadian Blind Hockey. His journey is deeply personal—rooted in the inspiration of his brother, who is blind, and who introduced Luca to the power of sport as a vehicle for confidence, independence, and belonging. That co...

MR. WEST | MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS On this episode of Locker Room Life , we sit down with Michigan State defenseman Owen West to talk about the journey that shaped his career and the mindset required to keep pushing forward. Hailing from Pittsboro, Indiana, Owen’s path through hockey has been anything but linear. From grinding through junior hockey—playing in leagues like the NAHL and the USHL—to...

WISCONSIN BADGERS | TEAM USA | OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST We sit down with Kirsten Simms , one of the brightest stars in women’s hockey and a 2-time National Champion with the University of Wisconsin . Known for her elite skill, creativity, and relentless compete level, Simms has built a reputation as a player who always rises to the moment — with a knack for coming up clutch in the biggest situations...

UMASS | MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS | NASHVILLE PREDATORS Ryan Ufko’s journey is a blueprint for what self-belief really looks like. From winning a Clark Cup with the Chicago Steel to becoming an All-American at UMass, Ufko has consistently elevated his game at every level. Drafted by Nashville in 2021, he’s never relied on hype — instead building his path through poise, intelligence, and steady growth. Uf...

PLAYER | INFLUENCER | ENTREPRENEUR This episode we sit down with Jesse Michel — hockey player, entrepreneur, personality, and influencer — a man of many layers and even more stories. Candid and transparent, Jesse opens up about adversity, identity, reinvention, and the powerful transition from professional hockey into entrepreneurship. Driven, relentless, and committed to maximizing every day — th...

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES In this episode we sit down with Garrett Schifsky — the dynamic forward from Andover, Minnesota whose relentless drive and hockey IQ have propelled him from high school standout to NCAA star at the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey. A proven leader at every level, Garrett led the Waterloo Black Hawks as captain and was a consistent offensive force in the USHL before stepping...

DUBUQUE FIGHTING SAINTS | UCONN HUSKIES COMMIT In this episode, we sit down with Colin Frank to explore an incredible hockey journey built on resilience, growth, and unwavering self-belief. Born and raised in California, Colin bet on himself every step of the way, trusting his path and putting in the work to earn a spot with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, where he’s grown into a leader and impact pl...

CO-FOUNDER : SOFLO HOCKEY | ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS Cole Kodsi’s journey is a true testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of building both on and off the ice. From competing at the highest levels of junior hockey in the USHL to earning his way through Division I college hockey, Cole’s relentless work ethic ultimately led him to the professional ranks with the Orlando Solar Bears. Beyond hi...

Quinnipiac University | Calgary Flames In this episode, we sit down with Ethan Wyttenbach , a young player whose journey is defined by perseverance, dedication, and an unrelenting hunger to be the best. Though still early in his career, Ethan’s mindset is far beyond his years—rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and a deep understanding of the sacrifices and preparation required to reach the next leve...

CO-FOUNDER | THE O.T. SPORTS GROUP John Kofi Osei-Tutu’s journey is built on belief, resilience, and proving the doubters wrong. From chasing the dream as a player, to earning his law degree, to ultimately answering his true calling as a sports agent, John’s path was anything but conventional. As the Co-Founder of O.T. Sports Group, he’s helping redefine what it means to represent athletes—buildin...

" GRIT AND SWAGGER " In this episode, we sit down with Cullen McCrate , a Fargo Force defenseman whose journey is built on grit, resilience, and undeniable swagger. Raised in Michigan, Cullen’s path to the next level was shaped by long hours, adversity, and an unshakable belief in himself, backed every step of the way by his family’s support. From grinding through the junior hockey ranks to becomi...

Reporter | College Hockey Analyst | Podcast Host In this powerful and honest conversation, we sit down with Jonny Lazarus to unpack a journey that goes far beyond the stat sheet. Jonny reflects on his accomplished Division I hockey career, sharing what it meant to compete at the highest collegiate level with University of Massachusetts Amherst and Mercyhurst University , and the discipline, sacrif...

BOSTON UNIVERSITY | NY ISLANDERS | TEAM USA In this episode, we sit down with Kamil Bednarik to unpack an incredible journey built on discipline, sacrifice, and belief. From his early days with Chicago Mission to earning a spot with the U.S. National Team Development Program, Kamil’s path reflects what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity. Now playing at Boston University , he’s fully loc...

" THE ROAD IS WORTH IT " This week on the podcast, we sit down with Diego Johnson , a resilient and driven forward whose hockey journey proves that the path to success is rarely linear. From his roots in British Columbia to navigating multiple junior leagues across North America, Diego shares the lessons learned from adapting, persevering, and continuing to bet on himself. Now currently playing fo...

CHICAGO STEEL | OHIO STATE | WASHINGTON CAPITALS In this episode, we sit down with Jackson Crowder —a humble, grounded force whose hockey journey reflects pure dedication and character. From his rise through Dallas Stars Elite , to battling in the USHL , earning his commitment to Ohio State , and being drafted by the Washington Capitals , Jackson has already built an impressive résumé. Now competi...

" CROTS " From California rinks to the college game and beyond, Emmett Croteau’s journey is built on belief, work ethic, and staying grounded through it all. In this episode, Emmett opens up about forging his own path, trusting the process when results aren’t immediate, and developing an unshakable mindset in a sport that tests you every day. Now competing at Dartmouth College and drafted by the M...

" THE WILL TO LIVE " In this deeply personal episode, we sit down with Dylan Ghaemi , whose journey to Division I hockey at Stonehill College is nothing short of remarkable. Dylan opens up about the traumatic event that nearly ended not only his hockey career, but his life. With courage and honesty, he shares what it took to survive, to heal, and to find meaning beyond the darkest moment he ever f...