The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the important habits and concepts you need to know when the puck goes low to high in the zone, both offensively and defensively. 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 R...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jesse Hale, the general manager of the Calgary Northstars, a Tier 1 organization in Calgary, Alberta. Hale has worked with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta, and now runs one of the youth organizations that we work with in our Youth Organization Blueprint. In this episode we talk about: — How to get your foot in the door professionally — Not just running a drill...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the exciting and contentious landscape of the NHL trade deadline. We discuss some of the most recent trades this season and get an inside look of the emotions behind the trade deadline. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkT...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the crucial timing of pulling your goalie to help win 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 Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTa...

As we begin to wrap up our second season of working with multiple youth hockey organizations across North America, this week Topher and Jeff talk about the top 10 things they’ve learned about youth hockey this year. Special thanks to all of the organizations we have worked with in our Youth Hockey Organization Blueprint. If you feel like your organization or team could benefit from working with us...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about when and how often you should be playing different positions. Should you specialize in forward or defense at a certain age? 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 X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok:...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to handle being a healthy scratch, both emotionally and physically. 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): @Hocke...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mario Lamoureux, former captain for the University of North Dakota men’s ice hockey team and professional player for close to 10 years. He currently runs Lamoureux Hockey, which helps develop players of all age and skill levels. In this episode we talk about: — How Lamoureux got into hockey and developed his love for the game — Letting kids develop a passion for...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs wants to talk about everyone’s favorite person to blame: the referees. Let’s discuss how we should talk to them. 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 Host...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk tips on how to shut down the opposing team’s top player. 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: @H...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jon Francisco, CEO and Founder of 4Check Hockey. His company focuses on injury and concussion prevention through its comprehensive training program. In this episode we talk about: — Teaching the foundation for checking from a younger age, for both boys and girls — How your helmet isn’t enough to protect you from concussions — Being a good teammate by using commu...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph asks the controversial question: Is there a place for fighting in hockey? We want to hear from you, so let us know your thoughts on our socials! 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 Fa...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what to say and include during your pregame speeches at every age 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 Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @Hock...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Rob Dombrowski, the Director of Hockey Performance for Sacred Heart University. We discuss hockey performance with a focus on strength and conditioning. In this episode we talk about: — The benefit and importance of your on-ice and off-ice coaches being on the same page — How being coachable is a superpower and how it can set you apart — Using strength training...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the controversial topic of moving your kid at a young age in hopes to find “better hockey.” We use Team USA from the Four Nations Faceoff to talk about this topic. 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): @HockeyT...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about breakaways and how to score more goals on them. 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: @Hock...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Craig Ballantyne, author of the upcoming book The Dark Side of Discipline. Ballantyne turned from coach to entrepreneur and has helped thousands of people find the best version of themselves. In this episode we talk about: — Ballantyne’s new book The Dark Side of Discipline — Trying to avoid chasing things that are good for others, but may not be good for you —...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to know if USA Hockey should be allocating the resources they currently are to the National Team Development Program. Listen as we discuss both sides of the argument. 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...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to defend against teams that move the puck fast and really well in their offensive zone. 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: @HockeyThinkTan...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Mottau and Brian Yandle from The Rink Shrinks podcast. We are very excited to announce that they have joined our community to help bring positive change to the hockey world, so be sure to join us at Community. TheHockeyThinkTank.com to not miss a moment of our collaboration! In this episode we talk about: — What the HTT community is and how to join — Jeff a...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the recent hit on Tage Thompson from the Buffalo Sabres. After a brutal hit to the head, there was no response from his teammates. Let’s talk about the importance of sticking up for your teammates. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Follow us: IG: @...

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what to do as a coach during the dog days of the hockey season to keep spirits high and break up the monotony of the 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 Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair...

This week Topher and Jeff talk with David Franco, Mental Performance Coach for the Texas Rangers, where he was part of their '23 World Series Championship. Franco played baseball at the D1 Level for Miami of Ohio University, and has since worked with baseball and hockey players on the mental skills side. In this episode we talk about: — How coaches can't help with the mental aspect during the game...

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about upholding team standards and rules for every player, no matter their skill. We use a recent event involving Brayden Point from the Tampa Bay Lightning as an example. 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, Vechs wants to talk about how to end practice to get the players fired up and excited for the next one. 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):...