The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the power of playing for something bigger than yourself. We discuss the huge impact it can have not only on yourself as a player, but also on your entire team. It's not just talent that gets you to the next level; it’s life skills. In this episode we talk about: — Playing for the people that got you here — Playing for the people that came before you...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener’s question about finding the next thing you can be passionate about after you finish playing, whether it’s at the youth, college, or pro level. 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 Fo...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, coming off the recent NHL trade deadline, Toph wants to talk about how to best navigate and adjust to a new team and their systems. 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: @Hocke...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jacob Newton, former professional hockey player and current performance coach. Newton played in the USHL, at Northeastern University, and played professionally in the AHL and Europe. In this episode we talk about: — Newton’s recent book release: The tears of Happy Jake — That no athlete is 24/7, 365 and the importance of an off switch — How to be present with yo...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the aftermath of the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic teams winning gold and the phone call with US President Donald Trump. 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...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question: what are our thoughts on changing lanes on the rush, and how can it create better timing and space for players without the puck? 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...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Glenn Hefferan, the commissioner of the United States Hockey League, which is the top junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. If you or your player has dreams of playing at this level, this episode is for you. In this episode we talk about: — How development is more important than wins & losses — The need to be more positive about our sport — Fami...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about knowing when it is time to move on from a coach, team, or organization. We are strong proponents of battling through adversity, but also acknowledge that in some situations it is best to walk away. Let’s talk about it. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social si...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what it means as a player to be hard to play against. 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): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok:...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Ryan Carter, former NHL player and current member of the Minnesota Wild broadcast team. Carter grew up playing youth hockey & college hockey in Minnesota, played over 470 games in the NHL, and eventually won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks. In this episode we talk about: — The importance of practicing playing physically — Asking yourself if you are coac...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how everyone has a different path in their hockey journey. You should only compare yourself to the version of yourself you were yesterday. 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:...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to know whether or not you did a good job as a coach this year. It can be difficult to evaluate your performance, so we give some tips to help you reflect. 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 Skat...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Zechariah Thomas, CEO and founder of Swift Hockey. Swift Hockey is the fastest growing stick brand in the ice hockey world and their mission is to increase affordability and accessibility in our sport. In this episode we talk about: — How Swift Hockey started and their mission in making hockey more affordable — Being a first generation hockey player and navigati...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the phrases “hate to lose” vs “love to win.” Which one suits you best and what does it say about you as a player or coach? 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...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one-timers. What are some of the most important things you should know about this type of shot? 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: @HockeyThinkT...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Matt Fornataro, former professional hockey player and now performance coach. Fornataro played in the United States Hockey League, then played for University of New Hampshire, and later went pro for a couple of years. In this episode we talk about: — How one bad game doesn’t make you a bad player — The difference between goals and standards — How kids don’t have...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs is flying solo for the first time ever and he wants to discuss how to finish the season strong. While everyone is stressing about playoffs or next season, Vechs encourages players, coaches, and parents to stay present and be in the moment. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of building relationships with your players. How much time are you investing into getting to know your players as individuals away from the rink? 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 Topher and Jeff talk with Luciano Aquino and Carlo Colaiacovo, former professional hockey players. Aquino played at the collegiate level and OHL level and Colaiacovo was a first round pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With their own professional careers, and now personal experiences as hockey dads, they join us on the podcast to talk all about prioritizing letting kids just be kids first...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the need for youth hockey organizations to be radically transparent in everything they do. The more you effectively communicate at the beginning, the fewer fires you will have to put out during your season. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about using the back of the net in the offensive zone. The game is constantly changing, so let’s discuss the modern ways of playing behind the net. 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 &...

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk all about keeping the puck out of your net. What does good defensive hockey look like? Listen as we nerd out and talk about the best defensive habits, concepts, and team strategies. In this episode we talk about: — How little things become the big things — To play high level hockey you have to be good at tracking — The whole point of playing good defense...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss different ways we can bring positivity to the game. We’ve talked at great lengths about how hockey is heading for the worst and that it's up to all of us to give back to the game that gave us so much. Listen as we suggest a few small acts that can have a huge impact on others. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about angling drills. We discuss our favorites that help develop this essential skill. 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)...

Happy 400th episode Think Tankers! This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Brown, former National Hockey League player and teammate of Topher’s. Brown played for the National Team Development Program, the University of Michigan, and played in over 400 games in the NHL. In this episode we talk about: — What Brown consistently did throughout his hockey career to make it to the NHL — How hard work w...