Coaching Project

TJ and Dr Gary Bowman discuss team topics such as conflict, harmony, and competition as it relates to culture and performance. Sign up for the Coaching Project newsletter: https://coachingproject.substack.com/ We help coaches maximize individual and team performance

Observational Learning -The power of observational learning in building self-efficacy -Albert Bandura's social learning theory -Using observational learning to develop your coaching craft Read Dr Gary Bowman's blog on observational learning here: https://propelhp.com/kgb-vol-23-observational-learning/ Join the Coaching Project for free and receive a monthly email helping you maximize player development and team performance: Join us here: https://coachingproject.substack.com/

Dr Gary Bowman joins to co-host this episode with our guest, Brett McLean, Assistant coach with the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League. As a player, his career spanned over 1000 pro games in 7 leagues: including 385 in the NHL, 274 in the AHL and stops in the ECHL, IHL, in North America. He also played in top leagues in Europe: Switzerland - NLA, Austria - EBEL, and Sweden - SHL. Additionally, he competed in 6 Spengler Cups and the IIHF World Junior Championship for Canada. Join the coaching project at https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/ Follow Dr Gary Bowman at https://propelhp.com/

Pavel Datsyuk is one of the 100 greatest NHL players of all time. His unique and sophisticated skill set has garnered him the name, “Magic Man”. We examine the ecological dynamics of athlete development, using Datsyuk as the back drop for the discussion. I am thrilled to welcome Vladislav Bespomoschnov and Mark O'Sullivan who published the case study, “Pavel Datsyuk: Learning, Development, and Becoming the Magic Man. Follow Mark O'Sullivan: Twitter: @markstkhlm Blog on Learning IN Development and task design https://footblogball.wordpress.com/2021/04/30/a-player-learning-in-development-framework/ Email: mark.kss@gmail.com Follow Vlad Bespomoschnov @vladbspm Subscribe to the Coaching Project for Leaders in Sport: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Common pitfalls Navigating the challenges Connecting with athletes Framework for getting the most out of your exit interviews You can reach Dr. Gary Bowman at gbowman@propel.com Subscribe to the Coaching Project newsletter at: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

This is an excerpt from a presentation on Holistic Player Development for Hockey Without Borders. For the full video presentation go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB2tTu7TltI&t=29s Join the Coaching Project and receive a monthly email for leaders in sport: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Dr. Gary Bowman and I are analyzing the book, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babon, extracting the principles and applying them to high-performing sports teams. Our special guest for the chapter, Prioritize and Execute is, Mike Wisceup, Vice President and Harold Alfond Director of Athletics at Colby College; Retired Navy SEAL Officer. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, and various unit, campaign and personal citations. Commander (ret) Wisecup retired from the Navy in November 2018 and joined Colby College where he currently serves as Vice President and Harold Alfond. More from TJ: www.tjmanastersky.com More from Gary: https://propelhp.com/

Special learning and networking event for subscribers of the Coaching Project. Subscribe here: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/ for access to future events. We are using Cody Royle’s groundbreaking new book as inspiration: ‘The Tough Stuff, Seven Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach’. We will discuss: The hardest parts of being a head coach Strategies for optimal performance in coaching Personal stories of failure and success This was an interactive format for coaches of any sport. It’s perfect for head coaches and anyone who aspires to be a head coach, hires head coaches, or plays for a head coach. Panel includes: Hosted by, TJ Manastersky, Head Coach, Curry College, NCAA Ice-Hockey Jamion Christian – Head Coach, The George Washington University, NCAA Men’s Basketball Sarah Raymond – Head Coach, Williams College, NCAA Women’s Soccer Dan Ryan – Head Coach, Leeds Rhinos, Superleague Netball Danial Puckhaber – Head Coach, St. Lawrence University, NCAA Football Wes Wolfe – Head Coach, Cobourg Cougars, OJHL Ice-Hockey For an overview on this topic please read Cody Royle’s book, “The Tough Stuff – Seven Hard Truths About Being a Head Coach”.

Johan Lundskog, Head Coach of SC Bern of the National League in Switzerland joins the Coaching Project podcast. We discuss: -his journey from coaching the Bradford Rattlers to SC Bern. -how his coaching philosophy was shaped with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League -the impact of culture on developing players -his vision for SC Bern Subscribe to the Coaching Project Breakthrough Knowledge newsletter at https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Nate Leslie, Executive Coach and former professional hockey player joins the Coaching Project podcast to discuss leading through curiosity and asking better questions in order to connect with our athletes and improve performance. I highly recommend watching his documentary, “Rinks of Hope – Project Mongolia” - https://www.lgsports.ca/downloads/project-mongolia/ Subscribe to the Coaching Project monthly newsletter at https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

On Wednesday, January 27 I hosted an an interactive conversation about balancing the need to develop athletes with the pressure to win. We discussed: -The tension between individual development and team performance. -How top coaches across all ages and levels approach the balance between development and winning. -Actionable information from the diverse experience of our panel experts. Panel includes: Hosted by, TJ Manastersky, Head Coach, Curry College, NCAA & Scout, Omaha Lancers, USHL Dr. Adam Naylor – High Performance Consultant, NHL, NBA, MLS, UFC, Tennis, Golf, NCAA, and corporate leadership Ted Suihkonen – Director of Player Development, HC Lokomotiv, KHL Matt Deschamps – Associate Head Coach, Chicago Steel, USHL Alyssa Gagliardi – Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association & Player Development, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, NHL Wes Wolfe – Assistant Coach, Erie Otters, OHL Dr. Ashwin Patel – Mental Performance Consultant, Utica Comets AHL & Guelph Storm, OHL Dave Starman – Hockey analyst for NCAA and the World Junior Hockey Championship with and 34 years of coaching experience, from mites to professional & 11 years as NHL scout Kenny Rausch – USA Hockey; Director of Youth Hockey & GM of U.S. Under-17 team To participate in future free events like this, subscribe to the Coaching Project newsletter: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Dr. Alex Auerbach is the Director of Wellness and Development with the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association. We talk about the following topics: -Mental wellness as a competitive advantage -Shared mental models on a sports team -Asking better questions to connect with athletes -Athletic Intelligence Measures in talent identification and development www.athleticintel.com info@athleticintel.com -Talent that whispers Subscribe to the Coaching Project Newsletter: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Jon Goyens was most recently the head coach of Baie-Commeau Drakkar in the QMJHL. Leading to that opportunity, Jon was the head coach for the Lac St. Louis Lions of the QMAAA league. In 10 years, the Lions played in 5 leagues finals including two trips to the National Championships at the Telus Cup. Along the way, Jon became the most winning coach in the playoffs. His list of alumni includes current NHL players Anthony Duclair, Mike Matheson, Alex Biega and Jonathan Drouin and let’s not forget Devon Leevi who just won top goaltender at the World Jrs. representing Canada. Additionally, Jon is a skills coach to several NHL, Major Junior, NCAA players including top Female players such as Hilary Knight. In our conversation, Jon opens up about the following topics: -His story and the human side of coaching -Individual skill development inside the team environment -Using analytics to drive development and team play -Coaching Cafe and giving back to the coaching community Subscribe to the Coaching Project newsletter at https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Carlo Colaiacovo was drafted 1st round, 17th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs which turned into 16 year pro career, 14 of them in the NHL including the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. He finished his playing career Adler Manheim for 2 seasons. Carlo represented Team Canada 5 times: U17, U20, Men’s WC and Spengler Cup and is now in the media as a TSN hockey analyst and has his own radio show First Up with Michael Landsberg on TSN 1050 You won’t want to miss his story of competing for Gold vs. Russia in Halifax, NS. Carlo shares his experience with the following topics: -Pressure and expectations of playing for Team Canada and making a career in the NHL -Sustaining a career and dealing with adversity -Having a belief system -Challenges of playing for the Maple Leafs having grown up in Toronto -Importance of relationships -What makes a great player? -What makes a great coach? Subscribe to the Coaching Project newsletter: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/newsletter/

Mark Stuart played over 800 professional games including 673 in the NHL. He was a 1st Round pick to the Boston Bruins and served as a captain with the Winnipeg Jets for 4 seasons. Mark played in the NCAA at Colorado College serving as team captain and honored as the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and All-American. His International experience includes representing Team USA 5 times winning a gold medal at U18 and WJ championships as well as serving as captain of the men’s team. After retiring from his playing career, Mark served as the Team Services Manager for the Manitoba Moose in the AHL and now, coming full circle, he is back in college as the Volunteer Coach with the University of Vermont. We talk about mindset, leadership, and developing defensemen. For more content on player development and leadership, visit www.tjmanastersky.com

Cody Royle is the head coach of Canada’s national men’s AFL program. For the last decade, he has been writing about how leadership, culture, and organizational dynamics contribute to competitive advantage. His debut book, Where Others Won’t, explores the leadership and culture strategies of the most forward-thinking organizations in sport and business. We discuss the following: -User experience in player and team development -The tough stuff of coaching: re-defining what it means to be a high performing head coach Follow Cody and watch for his new book, The Tough Stuff at www.codyroyle.com For more content on player development and leadership, visit www.tjmanastersky.com

Dr. Adam Naylor is a high performance expert: coaching leaders, counseling competitors and supporting organizations in the areas of performance psychology, leadership and player development. With over 2 decades of expertise he has worked with athletes in several sports including the NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC, Tennis and golf. Adam is also active with USA Hockey and in the corporate world. Topics we discuss: Social-emotional impacts on performance -Pressure, challenge, and stress -Compete WITH your opponents and the Boston College effect -Self-consciousness in athletes -The privilege of pressure -What not to do as a coach -Controlling your emotions Follow Dr. Naylor on twitter @ahnaylor Follow TJ Manastersky on twitter @tjmanastersky For more Principles to Inspire Performance: https://tjmanastersky.com/home/blog/

Laura Bellamy is a Harvard grad and standout goaltender for the Crimson, competing in the National Tournament twice. Her 19 shutouts are 2nd in the program history and as a senior she led the nation with a goals against of just .92. Following her playing career, Laura jumped right behind the bench with Harvard for two seasons which included another trip to the National Tournament and a birth in the title game. Laura is now back home to Duluth, Minnesota as an associate head coach University of Minnesota Duluth. The framework for our discussion is the book, Primed to Perform by Neil Doshi and Lindsay MacGregor, which talks about building high performing cultures through total motivation. We take a look at the most powerful direct motivators; Play, Purpose, and Potential. www.tjmanastersky.com

Patrick O’Sullivan came up as a superstar in junior hockey, first with the United States National Team Development Program and then with the Mississauga Ice Dogs in the Ontario Hockey League before his professional career where he competed with the LA Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, and the Phoenix Coyotes. He also represented USA 7 times between the U18 and U20 and Men’s World Championships He is an author of the book “Breaking Away, A Harrowing True Story of Resilience, Courage, and Triumph”, where he details the abusive relationship with his father while growing up as hockey phenom. Patrick and I dive into the following topics. -Approach to player development -Building Hockey IQ -Talent Gaps from the AHL to the NHL -Rob Blake and Anze Kopitar as the best players he played with -Dave Tippett and Mike Eaves as the best coaches he ever played for Patrick is an outspoken and honest person with a knack for soundbites. Here is a sample from this conversation: “If we just got out of the way a little bit and let them play and do things in practice that simulate a game…” “Even kids who are good at holding on to the puck, won’t do it in their own zone because they are nervous” “if Canada ever figures out how to develop kids, the numbers will go through the roof and they will be even better than they already are” “go watch a practice in the NHL. The way they can pick up bad passes and pucks off the boards… that’s a seperator, for sure” “good players read and react, the best players are influencing the other team” “the best coach I played for in the NHL was Dave Tippett. I don’t know if he really liked me” “The expectations for habits and the way we had to play was completely non-negotiable”… on Mike Eaves Visit www.tjmanastersky.com for more content on player development.

I connect with Professional Skills Coach, Ted Suihkonen who is the Player Development Coach with HC Lokomotiv in the KHL. We get together to tackle the topic of "hockey sense" and attempt to answer the fundamental questions of, what is hockey sense? and how do you develop hockey sense? The major talking points that we cover include: -Ted’s life journey from Northern Minnesota through Alasaka to the KHL with many stops along the way -“Hockey Sense” vs. “Hockey IQ” – he changed my perspective on this! -Player identity and mental models of hockey -Problem solving, adaptability, and decision making -Youth hockey culture and the importance of play -The power of reflection Visit www.tjmanastersky.com

Extreme Ownership Series continues as Dr. Gary Bowman and I welcome back, Brad Flynn, Assistant Coach Red Deer Rebels, Western Hockey League. In this episode, we cover the following topics: - Simple executes, less is fast, more is slow, hockey is simple, it’s just not easy. -Effective use of language to simplify concepts -Simplifying the game plan -In order to simplify, you need to get “into the weeds” first The Extreme Ownership Series is a creative pursuit to take the lessons from the book, Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin and apply it to hockey, coaching, leadership and performance. Please visit Dr. Gary Bowman at www.propelhp.com and TJ Manastersky at www.tjmanastersky.com

Dr. Gary Bowman and I are back with the Extreme Ownerships Series where we take the lessons from the book, Extreme Ownership by Jocko WIllink and Leif Babin and apply the concepts to hockey, coaching, and leadership. On this episode we are excited to bring on special guest, Brad Flynn, the Assistant Coach of the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. In our discussion, we take a look at how "cover and move" applies to the following: -Organizational structure and chain of command -Teamwork for adaptive performance -Player development You can follow us for more here: TJ Manastersky: www.tjmanastersky.com @tjmanastersky Gary Bowman: www.propelhp.com @_PerformanceLab Brad Flynn: @BMF14

I am joined by Mark Wick, a college hockey coaching veteran for over 30 years at Augsburg College, St. Scholastica, and Wisconsin Superior. As impressive as his commitment to college athletes has been in his career, what he is doing to create awareness about mental health and helping guide athletes and coaches alike to improve their mental health will be his legacy. We embark on an open conversation that covers the following topics: -Mark’s incredibly powerful personal story -Mental health challenges for leaders and athletes -Strategies to support positive mental health Visit www.tjmanastersky.com for more content on leadership, development, recruiting, and strategy and tactics.

I am joined by Vladislav Bespomoschnov, who is the Learning and Development Coordinator at the Sport Institute of Finland in Vierumaki as well as a lecturer and researcher at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. Vlad wrote the article, Coaching Philosophy and Methods of Anatoly Tarasov the father of Russian Hockey. Tarasov led his team to 3 Olympic gold medals, 9 World Championships, and 18 National Championships. he was also the first European to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Together we unpack many of the lessons we can learn from Tarasov and apply it to today’s coaching environment. The major themes we discuss include: 1. Learning from other sports 2. Mentorship 3. Process Orientation 4. Emotional Intelligence 5. Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Bruce Crowley is a Behavioral Scientist and Executive Coach working with elite athletes, coaches, and corporate teams. Bruce has specific experience with expediting the performance of NCAA hockey teams. In our conversation we discuss the following topics: -Performance under pressure -The power of language and word choice -Connecting with athletes during isolation -Vulnerability -Creating conditions to motivate www.tjmanastersky.com

Welcome to the first Curry College Hockey Coaches’ Clinic. Each alumni presenter spoke for around 15 minutes followed by open discussion with the group. Our participants ranged from current players, agents/advisors, scouts, and coaches from youth, Jr, college, and professional and coaches from other sports. We also had over 4 countries at the clinic adding to the diversity of thought. Alumni Presenters and Topics: 0:00 Welcome and intro by Head Coach, TJ Manastersky 1:00 Communication and Building relationships - Ryan Warsofsky ‘11 Head Coach, Charlotte Checkers, AHL 35:15 Transition from College to Pro as a player - Billy McCreary ‘07 Head Coach, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks, NAHL 56:00 Transition from Player to Coach - Lionel Mauron ‘19 Assistant Coach, Ohio University 1:28:25 Building culture - Matt Pinchevsky ‘06 Assistant Coach/Dr. Player Development, Maine Nordiques, NAHL 2:03:15 Overtime – Organic hockey talk. People didn’t want to go home!

I am back with Gary Bowman from Propel Human Performance as we tackle chapter 4, Check the Ego from the book, Extreme Ownership by Jocko WIllink and Leif Babin. Main talking points: -Identify when ego is good and when it is destructive -Creating a culture of checking the ego -Competitive edge of confidence For more coaching, leadership, and development content visit www.tjmanastersky.com For human performance programming visit www.propelhp.com

Gary Bowman joins me to dive into chapter 4 of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin and we focus on the concept of "believe". Main talking points: -Common reasons for lack of "buy in" -Strategies for captains and coaches to maintain a high level of trust and belief in the mission -Use of data/statistics to drive conversations For more coaching, leadership, and development content visit www.tjmanastersky.com For human performance programming visit www.propelhp.com

Zach McKelvie is the Associate Head Coach with the Army West Point hockey team. After graduating from West Point as a stand out hockey player, he spent 2 years on active duty before returning to hockey, playing the AHL. In our conversation we go deeper into his story as well as the following: -Leadership lessons from the preeminent leadership institution in the world, West Point -Thayer Method: reverse learning as a way to prepare for upcoming games -Commander’s Intent -Recruiting challenges and rewards in recruiting to Army West Point

Spiros Anastas has a coaching journey that has brought him through junior, college/university, and professional levels in the NCAA D3 & D1, BCHL, AHL, USports, ECHL, and International competition. Spiros has had a rapid rise in the coaching ranks and has tremendous experiences. He opens up and speaks honestly about the good and the bad and his authenticity comes through. Major themes that emerge from this conversation are the importance of character, networking and relationships in coaching and the lessons learned on along the journey. The main topics we cover include: -From player to coach: coaching your teammates at Lebanon Valley College -Opportunity of a lifetime at Western Michigan University: working with Jeff Blashill and Andy Murray -Taking a chance: leaving Lethbridge University for the ECHL and getting fired -Landing on your feet: back home with the Brampton Beast

It pays to be a winner! In Part 2, Gary Bowman joins me to analyze the principles of chapter 2, No Bad Teams, Only Bad Leaders. of Extreme Ownership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin and apply it to high performance, coaching, leadership and life. Topics discussed: -The true role of culture and team chemistry -Standards that win -Cumulative advantage to winning For more coaching, leadership, and development content visit www.tjmanastersky.com For human performance programming visit www.propelhp.com

We are analyzing the book, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babon, extracting the principles and applying it to high performing sports teams, leadership in coaching and to help players perform their best. In part 1, we look at following concepts: -Extreme ownership as a mindset and competitive advantage. -Stoic principles to help remove emotion from decision-making. -Responsibility of team captains. This structure in itself is a tip of the cap to Jocko. On the Jocko Podcast he will often read excerpts of a book, passage or manuscript and apply it to military strategy, leadership and business. We are excited to go deep into his lessons with a spin off of his style and add our own flavor. For more coaching, leadership, and development content visit www.tjmanastersky.com Gary Bowman is a leading expert in health and human performance. His company Propel Health and Human Performance specializes in hockey performance, one-on-one executive coaching, and performance consulting. Learn more here: www.propelhp.com

Matt Stajan played over 1000 games in the National Hockey League, sustaining an elite level of performance over 16 years. Stajan shares incredible insight on the following topics: -Overcoming adversity -Resilience, adaptability, & confidence -Passion and drive -Leadership in the NHL -Player Development

I connect with Wes to examine career development in hockey. The main themes we discuss include:• Positive impact of varied roles within and also outside of the hockey and sports industry • Positive impact of varied roles within and also outside of the hockey and sports industry • Preparing for failure • Building your brand • Growing your network

Dr. Gary Bowman is a former college hockey player and professional strength coach in the American Hockey League. He currently oversees Propel Health and Human Performance www.propelhp.com We cover the keys to unlocking human performance: -Empowering young athletes to take responsibility of their development -Re-thinking fitness testing -Gaps in player/coach communication -Recruiting and the evaluation process -Selecting a college from the perspective of the prospect -Sustaining high performance and a nod to Jocko Willink! -Propel Human Performance www.propelhp.com

Chris DePiero has been a Coach, Scout, Manager, and Athletic Director across all levels of hockey including high school, university, Jr. A, Major Junior, NLA, NHL, and the IIHF. His range of experiences provides a truly unique perspective on player development and leadership. Topics we dive into include: -What separates a world-class player? -Coaching John Tavares and Andrew Cogliano -Building an elite team through player evaluation -Developing captains -European development model -Leadership truths -Assessing coaching opportunities

Conversation about leadership in coaching with Ryan Warsofsky, Head Coach of the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. Ryan is the youngest Head Coach to be hired in pro hockey since 2002.

Steve Wiedler has been a key piece on the coaching staff led by Eric Lang that has orchestrated a remarkable turn around at American International College. In 3 years, AIC went from last place to first place and playoff champions including a stunning run in the NCAA tournament. In the 2019-20 season, they repeated as regular season champions of the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Unfortunately, with the shortened season due to the COVID-19 crises we will never know if they could have repeated as playoff champions. Our conversation goes into detail on topics such as performance character and what we look for in recruiting. We also discuss evaluating character and many of the challenges we face in trying to build a successful team and culture.