The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, it’s a Topher and Jeff “ASK ME ANYTHING” episode. They ask each other three questions, unrehearsed, with some epic answers. In this episode we discuss: — The advice we’d go back and give our parents — What does “hard to play against” look like? (HINT: relentlessness is key) — Essential habits to achieve being a high level player AND SO MUCH MORE! T...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Brady Leavold about his INCREDIBLE journey from pro hockey to addiction to prison, and how he is now helping to ignite change in mental health and substance misuse in the hockey world. PARENTAL DISCRETION is advised as the conversation is real, raw and honest. In this episode we discuss: — Creating powerful conversations sur...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk about one of the most divisive topics in our sport: the cost of playing our great game. In this episode we discuss: — The financial barriers that exist in youth hockey — The costs involved in perpetuating those barriers — Questions parents can be asking to assess their families ROI AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors Ge...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Sam Cheema - the Director of the Ironbound Hockey program. Sam, who now lives in NYC, is a former pro player who grew up in the UK and was a member of Great Britain’s National team. In this episode we discuss: — Providing opportunities for players in non-traditional markets — A holistic approach to development — Motivation,...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff sound off on what it takes to play in the NHL - and how very improbable, statistically speaking, reaching that level is. A terrific and realistic conversation from two guys that have played, coached, and been around high level hockey their whole lives. In this episode we discuss: — The importance of goal-setting and consistency — Be...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Assistant Professor and mental health clinician, Kelli Gast. She’s a hockey mom, a billet mom (with four billets playing pro hockey), with a uniquely qualified perspective on the mental aspects of playing high level hockey. In this episode we discuss: — How to help players identify and embrace the mental aspects of sports — ...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk openly about the times in their playing days when hockey just wasn’t fun, and how they worked through those obstacles. The reality is, it happens to every player at some point in their career - and there is no shame in asking for help when you’re struggling, on or off the ice. In this episode we discuss: — The story behind Toph...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher welcome Stanley Cup champion and former first round draft pick, Eric Fehr. Some incredible stories on his journey from growing up on a farm to playing over 650 NHL games! In this episode we discuss: — What it was like playing alongside BOTH Ovi & Sid — An UNREAL story about learning a new position AT THE NHL level!  — Eric’s new com...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher record a LIVE episode from GRANDMA’S BASEMENT! It’s a MAILBAG episode featuring YOUR questions, and as always, there are some awesome ones! In this episode we discuss: — Who was better at knee hockey — How to encourage communication on-ice — Creating parody in youth hockey AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-He...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about the lessons they learned throughout their hockey journeys and the impact those lessons have had on their lives after playing. While each of their top three are similar (they are cousins after all), the ways they arrived at them, and the ways they’ve continued to apply them leads to some insightful discussion.  A GREAT EPI...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk to former Lake Superior State University player and current Lawrence University (DIII) Head Coach, Brett Wall.  In this conversation we talk about: — Coaching philosophy & development — Motivating people  — Leadership styles and their impact AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and I...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about the things they believe help maximize potential including: — Strive to constantly be learning — Who you surround yourself with matters — Self reflection/Self awareness AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com . And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS! DO NOT...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher do another MAILBAG from your questions on social media. They cover: — The balance between emotion and discipline — Ways to conquer point slumps — Training through breaks/weeks off for higher level players AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com . And thank you to our...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we talked with former BC star and current Bishop Kearney Hockey Director, Chris Collins! He has some terrific stories from his playing days as well as his personal journey to giving back to our great game! In this conversation we talk about: — Doing what it takes to get better and create success — Evolve Hockey and the “Just Get Good” motto — How a...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff & Toph talk all things DISCIPLINE! In this conversation we talk about: — Flipping the script on the negative connotation of the word discipline and instead, using it as your superpower — Strategies to be disciplined in pursuit of your goals — a CRAZY parent email that you will not want to miss AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we talk to former pro hockey player turned futures trader, James Sixsmith who started a company while still playing to set himself up financially for life after the game. In this conversation we talk: — Sixer and Vecchs playing against each other overseas — What smaller players need to be successful at the highest levels — The work ethic that high...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, it’s all about HOCKEY PARENTS! Jeff & Topher talk about what some of the best hockey parents do right and answer questions they’ve received from parents over the years. In this conversation we talk: — The car ride home — Burnout & injury prevention — Life lessons that the hockey experience teaches AND SO MUCH MORE Thank you to our sponsors GelStx,...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we talk to the founder of State and Liberty Clothing Company and former University of Michigan Hockey captain, Lee Moffie. In this conversation we talk: — Resiliency — Leadership & Transparency — Entrepreneurship — Culture and communication AND SO MUCH MORE Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com . C...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about confidence: why it’s important, how to achieve it, how to regain it, and why it’s not an easy process. In this conversation we talk: —Why confidence is such a huge part of development and success — Strategies to regain confidence — Learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations AND SO MUCH MORE (like the boys bein...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on former NHLer, Zac Rinaldo. Known for his gritty and physical style of play, this was a very raw, very honest, very intense conversation about living life and doing things with no regrets. In this conversation we talk: — The people who most influenced Zac growing up around the game — A competitive mindset and earning every day — Giving b...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on sports psychologist, Michael McElhenie, PhD. With years of experience helping bring successful leadership strategies and organizational culture in the corporate world, Michael now works to change the social and emotional intelligence landscape of sports one athlete, team, coach, and parent at a time with his company, Exult Athletics.  I...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on former pro player and current NYPD Officer, Dan O’Donoghue. Growing up on Long Island, Dan’s road from youth hockey to DI - and eventually pro - was not a “traditional” path, and we talk about the life lessons learned through hockey that contributed to his success on and off the ice. In this conversation we talk: — Community, teamwork,...

On this LOST episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we re-release our conversation with one of the top hockey strength and conditioning coaches in the world, Mike Boyle! Mike is the legendary strength coach of many of the top Boston University programs and he works with a ton of top level NHL talent as well. In this episode, we talk: -Coaching with Jack Parker at BU -Filling up the buckets in d...

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher do another MAILBAG from your questions on social media. They cover: -Earning confidence -How to make a positive impression at the start of camp -Building connection -Jeff eats cookies!! -SO.MUCH.MORE!!! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, TrainHeroic, CuredNutririon, and IceHockeySystems.com! And thank you most of all to our amazing l...

On this LOST EPISODE of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on ADM Manager for USA Hockey, one of the top minds in charge of the hockey development for USA Hockey, Bob Mancini! This was such a phenomenal conversation on youth hockey development and the in's and out's of USA Hockey's methods. We put the heat on Bob and asked a lot of tough questions and he was very open and honest about the pos...