The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs discuss the hot button topic that major junior players are now eligible to play college hockey. The hockey community had lots of thoughts about the ruling, and so do we, so let’s talk about it! TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the PWHL’s new rule for the upcoming season. It’s the No Escape Rule and we talk all about how it’ll change the game. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair   Foll...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Byron Bitz, former NHL player with the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and the Vancouver Canucks and former teammate of both Toph and Jeff. As a current hockey parent and coach, Bitz reflects on his professional hockey career and what younger players can do to achieve their goals in the sport. In this episode we talk about: — The players that “peak too early” v...

On today’s episode… it’s a FRIDAY FACEOFF! We’re bringing you a new segment where we pick a controversial topic in the hockey world and debate both sides. Today's hot topic: Hit by Toronto Maple Leafs’ Ryan Reaves on Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse. Was it dirty or clean? Was it suspension worthy or not? TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating an...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about faceoffs in the defensive zone. We cover what to do before the puck even drops, so you know what to do for a win, loss, or 50/50 battle. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equip...

To celebrate the podcast's big SIX year anniversary, Topher and Jeff talk with Brianne Jenner, current captain of the PWHL’s Ottawa Charge and Canadian national team member. Jenner is a 2-time CWHL Champion, 2-time Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada, and 4-time World Champion. In this episode we talk about: — Jenner’s path to the PWHL and how the new league will be her greatest legacy — The im...

On today’s episode… we have week three of our new segment where we pick a controversial topic in the hockey world and let the conversation fly. Today's hot topic: parent behavior in the stands and how the way you act as a parent does not only represent you, but also your organization and your kids. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and sh...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about winger wall play on the breakout. As a former recruiter, Topher can tell you that scouts look for players that are good along the wall. Listen for tips on how to elevate this key portion of your game. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to th...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jason Podollan, former NHL Player and current mindset and performance coach. Utilizing the adversity he faced during his career, Podollan created Up My Hockey, a resource for players to help them navigate their hockey journey. In this episode we talk about: — Advice for parents of kids who are struggling and how to create an ideal environment for them — Reflecti...

On today’s episode… we have week two of our new segment where we pick a controversial topic in the hockey world and debate both sides. Today's hot topic: parent coaches vs paid coaches at the youth level and which is better. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @Hoc...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about winning the third period when you’re already winning the game. Do you change your strategy? Or keep playing the same way? Let’s talk about it. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening &amp...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jason Guerriero, one of the Directors of Player Development at USA Hockey. We discuss Guerriero’s long history with the game as a player, coach, and now as a leader with USA Hockey. In this episode we talk about: — The importance of scanning: some of the best players in the world are scanners — Being a smaller player and how to succeed — Our common mission to ma...

On today’s  episode… we have a new segment for you guys! Every Friday we’ll be picking a controversial topic in the hockey world and letting the fiery conversation fly. Your mission: help us name this segment. Message us with your ideas on whatever platform you follow us on and we’ll be picking our favorite 🔥 Today we discuss why the heck we’ve got 8U mites playing on full ice. TEN MINUTES ON THE...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about… short shifts! Time your line changes to win periods and set yourself up for success. Make sure to tune back in this Friday for something new and fiery hitting the pod 🔥 TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: Ska...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Craig Custance, Head of Creative Development for The Athletic and author of The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams. We discuss some of the top general managers of the NHL and their processes to create winning teams and cultures. In this episode we talk about: — Craig’s new book about the top NHL general managers — The difference between keeping yo...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about advice for backup goalies who are not happy in their role and want to increase their playing time. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank H...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how to benefit your game by watching your favorite player play. Model your game based on their habits, puck touches, and choices and watch your development skyrocket. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!   We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: Skate...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Christian Hanson - that’s right HTT fam, you know the name. His dad is one of THE Hanson brothers from the movie Slap Shot. We talk about taking ownership in your hockey career and figuring out how to change your role to earn more ice time. In this episode we talk about: — Life with the Hanson name — “Being a tuba player” - earning more playing time as the uncon...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about getting to the middle of the ice offensively in order to create more options of play. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simp...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about warmies and how to get the most out of your on-ice pregame routine. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThi...

The grind never stops here as Topher calls in from Calgary and joins Jeff to discuss the six C’s of hockey development. There are six traits players should have to succeed. Listen as we dive into the first three of six. Don't miss part two coming soon! In this episode we talk about: — Creativity — Competitiveness — Coachability AND SO MUCH MORE! Please consider donating to support Kelly Deschamps...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about challenging your players and pushing them outside of their comfort zone. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs is up first again this week, and he wants to talk about some FREE ways that parents can help their players get better. Think outside the box and use what you already have at home! TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Ska...

This week Toph and Jeff welcome the co-founder of TOP Sports, Kevin Shier, to the podcast. After seeing early specialization, hyper-competitiveness, and toxic sports environments become the norm in Toronto, TOP Sports was founded to create a more balanced youth sports model by focusing on player experience, long-term development, and a seasonal, set schedule that encourages multi-sport play.  In t...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about killing plays fast, from both a player and a team perspective.  TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!  We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...