The Hockey Lab Podcast

In Mindset Monday #72 , Coach A breaks down a truth every athlete needs to hear: growth and comfort can't exist at the same time . Whether it's lifting weights, eating for performance, or chasing a spot at the next level— the process will be uncomfortable . And that's exactly how it should be. This week's message: embrace the hard. Stay in it longer than the rest. 🎯 In this episode: Why discomfor...

In this week's Mindset Monday , Coach A explores the idea that every athlete walks a different path —and that's not only okay, it's necessary. Whether you're a late bloomer, a role player, or someone who's still figuring it out, this episode is your reminder that comparison kills momentum . Lean into your strengths, own your weaknesses, and keep showing up. 🎯 In this episode: Why no two players d...

"I'll start when…" is holding you back. In this episode of Mindset Monday , Coach A challenges you to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start now —whether it's a new training plan, team, nutrition habit, or skill. You're going to feel uncomfortable. You're going to be bad at it. And that's exactly how progress begins. The fear of looking stupid or failing can't outweigh the potential of wher...

In Episode 48  of The Hockey Lab Podcast , Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with Coach Luke , our head of speed and agility at GRP, to talk all things off-ice speed development , why intent matters more than perfect technique , and how to structure effective sprint sessions for athletes of all ages. They also touch on NHL and OHL playoff updates, some hilarious coaching stories, and what it really...

In Episode 69 of Mindset Monday , Coach A delivers a no-fluff breakdown of why believing in your training and committing to the process is more important than chasing the "perfect" plan. Drawing from Canada's recent struggles in international play and what he's seen firsthand in the gym, Coach A challenges players and families to stop bouncing from coach to coach and instead build long-term trust,...

In Episode 46 of The Hockey Lab Podcast , Coach A & Gards dive into the heart of playoff season—breaking down the pressure of playing in Canadian markets , the intensity of the NHL and OHL playoffs , and what these high-stakes moments teach us about preparation, resilience, and mental toughness. They also discuss key takeaways from recent CHL standouts , including what separates good players from...

Cody Hodgson sits down with Coach A and Gards to share his incredible journey—from battling Malignant Hyperthermia , a rare and life-altering medical condition, to making a remarkable comeback to pro hockey , and now turning his focus to coaching the next generation of athletes. Cody opens up about the mental and physical challenges he's faced, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how his e...

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast , Coach A sits down with Coach Hugo to talk about his path to joining the Gary Roberts Performance team. From starting as an intern to becoming a key part of the coaching staff, Hugo shares the steps he took, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. They dive into the realities of working in high-performance sport, what...

Great athletes aren't just physically gifted—they're coachable. In this episode of Mindset Monday , Coach A breaks down why taking feedback from coaches is a crucial part of growth . Whether it's tough to hear or not what you expected, learning to receive and apply feedback separates average from elite. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by  Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) —the u...

In Episode 43 of The Hockey Lab Podcast , Coach A & Gards are back with a packed episode that covers it all—from a wild trip to Vegas to 28 actionable offseason tips every hockey player should hear. Whether you're a junior player gearing up for your next season or a parent looking to support your athlete, this episode is full of practical takeaways. We also break down the OHL Playoffs —what we've...

Pain isn't just part of the process—it's where growth happens. In this episode of Mindset Monday , Coach A dives deep into the role of suffering in sport and training and why some of the most valuable lessons come from the toughest moments. From gruelling workouts to heartbreaking losses, discomfort teaches athletes resilience, accountability, and how to push through when it matters most in sport...

Knowing your role on the ice and within your team is key to success.   Not everyone can be McDavid, and that's not the point—hockey's about finding your strengths, owning them, and getting better at what you do best. Tune in for a conversation that'll inspire you to sharpen your skills, embrace your unique contribution, and elevate your game! SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored b...

Coach A & Gards break down the wrap-up of the highly successful Four Nations Faceoff , revealing key insights about the future of hockey. 🏒🔥 Gards also highlights the minor hockey playoff season across the GTA—what it takes to perform under pressure and how young players can stand out. Plus, a look at the in-between season , as GRP gears up for summer training and the work that separates the bes...

Your body language can make or break your game. In this Mindset Monday episode, Coach A explains how the way you carry yourself— on and off the ice —directly impacts performance, confidence, and even the way coaches and scouts perceive you. Slumped shoulders after a bad shift? It lingers. Head up, next-play mentality? That's what separates great players from the rest. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podc...

Not all effort is created equal. In Mindset Monday #64 , Coach A breaks down the 80/20 Rule —how 20% of your actions drive 80% of your results in training, recovery, and performance. Whether it's refining your on-ice skills, dialing in nutrition, or optimizing recovery, focusing on what truly matters can make all the difference. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by  Gary Robert...

Accountability builds champions. Coach A shares a story about how Coach Brian called out the GR squad for a messy gym—forcing the team to step up, take ownership, and get the ship sailing straight again. Small details matter, and discipline off the ice translates to success on it. Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a  mission to help 1 MILLION hockey players LEVEL UP their game —and if you'...

In this episode, we break down the Four Nations Finals and what it revealed about the importance of team play in hockey. As the game evolves, are we losing the true essence of playing for something bigger than ourselves? We also dive into the OHL Draft, discussing the stress young players face in an increasingly individualistic system and how it impacts their development. -------------------------...

On today's episode, Sylvie joins the team to chat about nutrition basics and why you need to be eating enough food.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly epi...

In today's episode, Coach A talks diminsihing returns. Having the mental fortitude to rest when you need it is a skill all great athletes must learn.  Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the t...

In today's episode, Coach A talks about Decision Fatigue and how it can impact performance.  Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with...

In today's episode, Coach A talks about the trap of playing down to your opponents and how you can avoid it.  Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and...

In today's episode, Coach A talks about blocking out distractions so you can stay focused on your goals.  Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and pro...

On today's episode, Coach A rips a solo pod talking about how to improve your shot. He covers technology, technique, training, and timing.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then do...

In today's episode, Coach A talks about Coach Schwab and why training partners matter more than where you train.  Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new),...

In today's episode, Coach A talks about why you should try to be perfect! Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, y...