The Curious Competitor with Connor Carrick

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Nikole MacLellan aka “Dr. Kokes”, a naturopathic doctor and fellow member of the Designs For Sport advisory board. We talk about the dance between sympathetic and parasympathetic states for athletes, strategies for getting back into a parasympathetic state after an event, how to balance a playful approach in stressful situations, and using breathwork as a tool to bu...

In this episode, we are joined by the founding members of Apex Cool Labs, Ariel Paul and Evy Lyons to discuss their new and innovative palm cooling device “The Narwhal”. Ariel and Evy share their inspiration for creating Apex Cool Labs, how your core body temperature and local muscle temperatures affect your performance and why palm cooling is such an effective tool. They also discuss the use of p...

Do you ever wonder how your brain works? In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Neurotherapist Dr. Andrew Hill, who graciously guides us through an exploration of cerebral operations. Following our participation in Quantitative EEG "brain mapping," we had the opportunity to interpret the ensuing data in real time during the podcast. Our analysis delves into an array of brain patterns, c...

If you're a hockey player or any sport for that matter, and If you're looking to gain an edge on your opponents and train your brain in the same way that you train your body, then watch this video! Scott Livingston shares with us his methods for training our brain in the same way that we train our body, and it's sure to help you unleash your athletic potential! In this episode, I welcome renowned...

In this episode, I break down some of my thoughts on the latest NHL trade deadline as well, as some personal stories of players that have been moved. I also discuss some recovery modalities I use to help me regulate my nervous system and maximize athletic performance during the season. I also talk about the importance of emotional regulation and off-season training advice for youth athletes.  TOLO...

In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Lovecchio, a former professional hockey player and current trainer and co-host of the Hockey Think Tank Podcast. We talk about how it’s not enough to just show up in the sport of hockey, how to grow confidence through discipline, and how to learn from your mistakes. Jeff also shares his journey from a professional athlete to becoming a trainer, his methods of...

In this episode, I am joined by Jack Han, a hockey consultant, former NHL analyst, and AHL coach. We discuss Jack’s approach to personalized player analytics and development, what it’s like to work alongside NHL head coaches and the exhausting nature of a hockey season. We also dive into the importance of storytelling to improve your game, how you can use hockey as a vessel to reach your long-term...

In this episode, we welcome Strength Coach Jim Ferris. Jim is known for his work in the basketball community from training with the Philadelphia 76ers for many years and training several NBA players that live their offseason in the Philadelphia area. We discuss how to adapt your training for performance and recovery metrics and identify weak links in training protocols. We also dive into where mos...

In this episode, I sit down with Christian Burrus and Jeremy Tucker from Adapt Fitness, an app for customized training programs from top hockey performance experts. We talk about setting your training goals as an athlete based on your needs from the game, how Adapt Fitness can help fill gaps in various aspects of your athletic training, how to manage the stress of all the moving parts in maintaini...

In this episode I am joined by Sam Whiting, a human potential specialist, to discuss all things breathwork. Sam talks about his journey as an alpine ski racing athlete and how he came to discover breathwork in his training, how to gain the ability to notice your nervous system and why breathwork is a powerful tool for wellness. Sam talks about the importance of training your breathing muscles, and...

In this episode, I recap what the last few months have looked like and some of my strategies for adopting a growth mindset. I dig into the concept of DIIG: Desire, Intent, Imagination, and Grind, and how I use these concepts to fuel my growth as a professional hockey player. I walk through some of the ways that I support healthy dopamine levels to fuel my desire, including cold exposure, vagal ton...

In this episode I sit down with J.B. Spisso to chat about career design, mental wellness, performance and what it looks like at the highest level. J.B. is a veteran of the US Armed Forces, leadership and culture expert, and author of the Warrior Leadership: Steps to Success for Leaders on the Ground. J.B. opened up about his decision to join the military and some of the parallels between the milit...

In this episode, we welcome Frankie Corrado, a professional hockey defenseman and former teammate of mine from the Toronto Maple Leafs. We took a trip down memory lane remembering our journeys into the professional hockey space and joining the OHL before becoming teammates on the Toronto Maple Leafs. We talked about the struggles of transitioning from junior hockey to the NHL, the ways that luck w...

In this episode, I sit down with Sylvie Tetrault, sports nutritionist, about all things nutrition for athletes. We discuss her experience working with Gary Roberts and the NHL, the importance of good nutrition, systems or habits you can implement to help you achieve your nutrition goals, and staple foods to have on hand. We reflected on the changes in food systems that have led to food intolerance...

In this episode, I sit down with a former teammate and NHL veteran, Aaron Volpatti, high-performance coach and author-to-be. We spoke about Aaron’s story of adversity and perseverance that got him into the NHL, his relationship with high-stress environments and tolerance to pain, working through the fear of failure, and how to use the power of visualization to get to where you want to be.   For mo...

In this episode, we welcome former national taekwondo champion and founder of Pain Station, David Arsenault. We discuss how to find joy in the process of showing up every day to training, leaning into adversity, the importance of remaining consistent in your effort as an athlete, and how physical literacy can improve your life.   For more information on David’s work, check out: https://www.champio...

In this episode, I sit down and reflect on this season so far as well as my brief experience being called up to the Seattle Kraken. We chat about my experience of how not to engage with NHL referees, the elements that make up a strong hockey team, working through minor injuries, and how my meditation practice has allowed me to lean further into my practice as an athlete.   Episode Overview: 2:40 I...

How to surprise everyone to make the NHL, and then do it again, with the Ultimate edge finder and teammate, Liam O'Brien. In this episode, we discuss how adversity challenged Liam's growth and belief in himself, strategies that Liam uses to reflect let go and prepare for the next battle. We also discuss the evolution of the sport in youth, as well as, some secret stories from Hersey Bears during t...

In this episode, we welcome Arizona Coyotes Performance Director Devan McConnell to the show. We discuss how to prepare for the demands of a training camp, how to approach training during a season, and the power of intention on meeting your goals. We also discuss specific considerations for the youth athlete, and why nutrition and recovery is key to performance.   0:12 Introduction 2:00 What Makes...

A most skilled player amongst skilled players, offensive legend Robbie Schremp shares lessons learned as a former 1st round pick. We discuss the importance of coaching at the right time of development, how to play like a pro, and how to evolve your game to provide the most value to your team.  Episode Overview:  01:47 Robbie’s Origin Story  10:29 Right Coaching Right Time  12:20 Rob’s OHL Experien...

In this episode, we welcome Skills Coach, Brian Keane. We discuss what makes an elite hockey player elite in comparison to the average player. We talk about Brians's approach to training youth players, and how role players have a unique perspective on adversity. We talk about learning styles, what training looks like for NHL players in the offseason, and how to approach training holistically rathe...

After a long hiatus away from the microphone - I step back into the podcasting seat and discuss with you the reason for the break and update you with what I have been working on and battling with since the summer. We talk about my experience in Seattle for Training Camp, how I found an old pair of skates that helped me find my stride, how I improved my backhand play, and what it's been like playin...

In this episode, I sit down and check in halfway through the off-season. We discuss our thoughts on the Expansion Draft and the stellar play of Islanders, Montreal, and Tampa during the playoffs. As well as, my thoughts approaching Free Agency, how I've been training and my nutrition, and my mindset approaching this coming season.    Episode Overview:  1:30 Expansion Draft 5:54 Thoughts on Islande...

In this episode, we welcome Elisa Haggarty. Elisa is a Conscious Leadership Coach and the host of The School of Unlearning Podcast. In this episode, we discuss how life is actually happening for you not against you, how to consciously halt repeated drama patterns and allow yourself to feel feelings to completion. We break down what emotional literacy looks like in our lives, and how the experience...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Peter Russo. Peter is a Consultant for PRS Hockey that provides skill, video, and spiritual mentorship. We discuss redefining how to learn, the art to the game that is hockey, how to build your psyche and raise your potential by looking inward.    You can find Part 1 with Peter Russo Here   Join our Curious Competitor Podcast Facebook Page . Follo...