The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what we call quicksand, which is when things don’t seem to be going well as a player and you start to lose confidence in yourself and your abilities. Listen as we give our best advice and tools to navigate through it. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites...

This week Topher brings on Mike McMahon, college hockey news reporter, to discuss the numerous changes hitting the college hockey landscape, particularly with recruiting. If you or your player are considering playing college hockey, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode we talk about: — The transfer portal — NIL money and being able to pay players — Major junior rule — 5 years of eligibil...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what it takes to win a championship and what we can do at the younger levels to develop those intangible skills. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitt...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about off-ice and how to make it fun for youth hockey players so that they want to keep coming back. 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...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Evan Ritt, former college hockey player and founder of Tolos Barefootwear. Ritt won a national championship while playing for the University of Denver Men’s Ice Hockey team and later created his successful company by using the life lessons he learned throughout his hockey career. In this episode we talk about: — The importance of playing with your kids — Differe...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs bring on their teammates, Steph and Matt, from the HTT to talk about rec hockey. We work with youth hockey organizations all over North America and the number one thing we need to talk about more is house hockey. Rec hockey is dying and we need to do more to protect the foundation of our sport. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate e...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a listener’s question: how do you coach and support a player that brings a lot of emotion to the game, such as cellying toward the other team’s bench, arguing with refs over calls, and smashing their stick on the ice. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites...

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about absolutely everything when it comes to scoring goals. We believe burying pucks is all about having the right mentality, so let’s dive into how you can improve your offensive game. In this episode we talk about: — The most important thing to know when it comes to scoring more — Toph & Vechs' most memorable goals they’ve scored — How intentionality in...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Rick Bowness’ interview after the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets’ last game of the season. In the emotional interview, Bowness strongly voices his concerns about the culture of the team and his disappointment with the team’s playoff elimination. Listen for our thoughts on if this was the right move or not. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph asks Vechs for his best advice on how to become a better and faster skater over the summer. 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): @HockeyThin...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Phil Osaer, who played college hockey at Ferris State University, played over 12 years professionally, and then went on to have a great career in coaching and scouting for multiple NHL teams. He is currently the Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group.  In this episode we talk about: — Reduced accountability because kids can easily hop teams — H...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Mercyhurst University men’s ice hockey program folding. They have not disclosed why the program folded, but the way it happened really disappointed us. Listen for the inside scoop on how poorly the situation was handled. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your soc...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about “The Standard,” which is an excerpt from Matt Ford’s website that outlines what he learned from Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the top hockey prep schools in the country. True to its title, this is what we believe should be the standard for all coaches. THE STANDARD TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, c...

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to give our best advice to all of the hockey parents out there. The hockey world can be tough to figure out, whether you’re new to the sport, experiencing a different level, or if you are just feeling like you still haven’t found your way. We’re here to help you navigate that journey. In this episode we talk about: — Putting yourself around the best people — Runn...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Sidney Crosby and his most recent show of character. After the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins took their team picture, captain Crosby stayed to help staff clean up the chairs. We are strong believers in the phrase, “how you do anything is how you’ll do everything.” It’s no coincidence that Crosby is an elite hockey player and a class act. TEN MI...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about T.J. Hughes being named one of the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the country. Listen for our thoughts on why we believe he deserves this award and what message it would send to the future hockey generations if he wins. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every...

This week Topher and Jeff bring back the one and only Chris Pronger - NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and 2-time Olympic Champion with over 18 years in the NHL - to talk about learning how to win. In this episode we talk about: — How newer hockey generations have taken a step back with hockey IQ — Kids needing to learn how to be sandpaper — Why learning to win matters more than just winni...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how we can develop more rink rats, because those are the players that are more likely to make it far in their hockey journey. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG: @HockeyThink...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how when you get to the playoffs, it can seem that it is a lot harder to score. So, how do you create offense when the other team’s defense is lockdown? 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 Sharp...

This week Topher talks with Jay Hardwick, head coach of the Warroad Minnesota boys high school ice hockey team. Hardwick’s team just won the Minnesota State High School Championship, so we brought him on to talk about the Minnesota model and what it takes to win it all. In this episode we talk about: — The right attitude to best support your team — Setting the example for future hockey generations...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs wants to talk about one of our recent viral clips that said, “parents aren’t the problem, confusion is.” The way a club communicates affects how parents talk about that organization. We received a wide range of comments, so let’s talk about why the claim was so controversial. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comme...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the number one question he gets this time of the year; “my season just ended, what should I do now and what should my summer look like?” Listen for our best advice on what to do during your off-season. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to...

This week Topher talks with Matt Thomas and Steph Dukesherer, two members of the HTT squad that work directly with our youth hockey organization partners. The Hockey Think Tank’s Organizational Blueprint is designed to give clubs clear direction, purpose, and organization. If you think we could help your organization with any of the topics we talked about today, click the link below! Refer Your Or...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of building resiliency. If you have high hopes and big dreams, chances are you will face adversity along the way. How far you make it depends on your resiliency. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supp...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about some fun ways to start and end practice, so that your players are excited to hit the ice every time. 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: @HockeyThink...