Muther Puckers

It's a doozy!  Sauna and Cold plunges- speaking of heat- Charissa Thompson is under a lot of it-- for good reason.   I don't want to type her name to give you more views or anything, but I have to be part of the movement to take " Made Up Journalists" like you out of real Journalism.  Follow up on the arrest for Manslaughter for the death of Adam Johnson.Kudo's to USA Hockey on risk mitigation steps you are taking!Like, subscribe and rate please!Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

Hello Mama's-I was out last week thanks to a nasty virus so that's why you didn't hear from me!  However, as bad as I still sound I felt compelled to share an episode honoring Adam Johnson and the 23 other hockey players who have died during a game.  I talk about mitigating risk inside our call to action "NHL make neck guards mandatory" cries.  USA Hockey and Hockey Canada already have rules on equipment and guess what- you'll hear ALL of the equipment they require.   You may be surprised. So our call to action is different than what you think and listed below are contact information on "who to call".  Contact information for the governing bodies of ice hockey in various countries can change over time, and it's often best to visit their official websites or use internet search engines to find the most up-to-date contact information. However, I can provide you with some general guidance on how to find contact information for these organizations:Hockey Canada:Website: Hockey Canada ContactEmail: You can typically find contact emails for specific departments on their website.USA Hockey:Website: USA Hockey ContactEmail: Information on how to contact specific departments and staff members is available on their website.Russian Ice Hockey Federation (FHR):Website: FHR Contact InformationEmail: Contact information for various departments and officials is available on their website.Swedish Ice Hockey Association (Svenska Ishockeyförbundet):Website: Svenska Ishockeyförbundet ContactEmail: Contact information for different departments can be found on their website.Finnish Ice Hockey Association (Suomen Jääkiekkoliitto):Website: Contact InformationEmail: Specific contacts and departments can be located on their website.Czech Ice Hockey Association (Český Svaz Ledního Hokeje):Website: Contact InformationEmail: Email addresses for various departments and officials are typically provided on their website.Slovak Ice Hockey Federation (Slovenský Zväz Ľadového Hokeja):Website: ContactEmail: Specific contacts and department emails can be found on their website.German Ice Hockey Federation (Deutscher Eishockey-Bund):Website: DEB ContactEmail: You can find contact information for various departments and staff members on their website.Swiss Ice Hockey Federation (Schweizerischer Eishockeyverband):Website: Contact DetailsEmail: Contact information for different departments is available on their website.Austrian Ice Hockey Federation (Österreichischer Eishockeyverband):Website: ContactEmail: Email addresses for specific departments and contacts are typically provided on their website.For the contact information of other national governing bodies of ice hockey, you can follow a similar approach by visiting their official websites and looking for dedicated "Contact" or "About Us" sections, where you'll often find contact details for various departments, officials, and specific inquiries. Please note that contact information may change, so it's a good practice to verify the details on their official websites.

This week Lew shares why you need to get your hotel rooms early in NY, tournaments abound and other non hockey related topics.  We talk about new rules in Canada and fan fights.  Dan Mayes joins and we talk about growing up in Detroit playing hockey and moving into coaching.  There's good insights from Coach around Juniors/18U hockey and college commitments.  As always, subscribe and share.  Reach me at julie@mutherpuckers.com

Bambi Moms- there's a lot of you out there- THANK GOODNESS you found the greatest sport ever to teach your kiddo/s!!!!!  This episode I cover:Getting your player dressed (Canada you're in there too!)PracticesGamesOff IceTry OutsTournamentsTalking To CoachesWhat makes a "Next Wayne Gretzky"Meal Prep- HINT-I give my 3 go to Meal Prep recipes/ideas!Car- it's more than the cupholders.  Let me know your ideas and suggestions for helping the Bambi Moms!!  julie@mutherpuckers.com

We talk about the National Championship game, the banner will be hung this week and move into the “Hunger Games” of Hockey, Recruiting , the Portal, and NIL, Coaching philosophies of development and “Embrace the Grind” and how Coach is able to pull the best out of each of his players to make a team that works like a team should. This is a great episode for parents, players and other coaches to hear from one of the winningest coaches in College Hockey.  Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

This week means we are officially out of the hockey jersey numbers as we enter triple digits of episodes of Muther Puckers. 100 episodes. Wow. What amazing guests I have met and learned from and to you listeners- THANK YOU! Hearing your feedback and the amount of downloads that continues to rocket is just amazing that you are getting something out of this podcast that serves you. Let's see what the next 100 episodes can bring forward!  Meet Jen Wheaton on this weeks' 100th episode. This is our capstone topic in the September focus of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Jen has a very specific approach to helping to support players and their families through body and breath work to impact the mind and ultimately the game they love to play. We delve into how Jen gets the athlete in touch with how they have been solving complex problems forever: Their Bodies.  Take a listen and give your feedback to julie@mutherpuckers.comFollow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebook

The 99th episode is a great one- for all to listen to. Rob Thorsen is a dad who has been impacted by suicide and shares how his son Hayden lived and connected and how that drives Rob and his family today to inspire everyone to Reach Out. Check In. Make Contact. The message gets further awareness through the HT40's initiative with The Shoulder Check (Shouldercheck.org) and the Shoulder Check Showcase that included 28 NHL players and a 2006 birth year game honoring what Hayden was all about.  This episode may be emotionally challenging for some, so please take care of yourself while listening. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide please seek help from a mental health professional or use the suicide crisis line 988 on your phone.  Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.comThe Crisis of LonelinessYou Are Not Alone---Because we are Here with you. HT40 FoundationReach Out. Check In. Make ConnectionThe Shoulder check. Shoulder Check Showcase Ben PrentissDAF Media. DAF Foundation

Continuing on with Septembers' focus on Mental Health and Suicide Awareness, Danielle Demko is joining to share her knowledge and experience in raising a goalie son from California that made it to the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks.  Danielle shares stories around when Thatcher had to make big decisions for his hockey career and how she worked through that experience. Tips on mental health support and building resiliency in our kids as well as ourselves along with many wise words from someone who has a lot of amazing experiences to share.  Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com#YouthHockey#HockeyMoms#HockeyParenting#KidsHockey#YouthSports #MomLife

To help raise awareness for Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention, I have invited Larry and Denise Sprung to help us all learn more about this topic.  Larry has been a long time Board Member and now sits on the investment and financial committee.   Denise's brother, Keith Milano had bipolar disorder that caused him to die by suicide and works with her husband to raise awareness and education to help anyone who needs the help.  I'm honored to have such good friends to help me learn about a topic that is very awkward for me and hopefully you'll learn by the end of this episode that it shouldn't be awkward.  Resources:American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: AFSP.orgMore Than Sad-- Education resource for schools/parents/teachersKeith Milano Memorial Fund Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com#YouthHockey#HockeyMoms#HockeyParenting#KidsHockey#YouthSports #MomLife

Guess what, Muther Puckers?  I reached equilibrium and maybe even a little more on the upside this week.  How?  Well, listen in!Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com#YouthHockey#HockeyMoms#HockeyParenting#KidsHockey#YouthSports #MomLife

This one's a heart tugger---how do you handle sending your kid off to billet?  Well, here's a what, why and tools to help you through. I'm here for you Mama's!!!

This week we continue our Transfer Portal talk with Northeastern University Head Coach, Jerry Keefe!  Thanks so much Coach, for spending time with Lew and I talking Hlinka- Gretzky,  BeanPot, NU Powerplay , 3 outstanding True Freshmen and how the Transfer Portal is hitting Northeastern. From Lew and Julie: Horse racing-Joel Quennevlle/Eddie OlczykFind your passion- or something you can make money doingTarget- it's the place of memories and mom tearsNo more hitting in hockey!?Video Games- good or bad?Julie makes a promise on this episodeCoach, Lew and JulieU18 preview before Hlinka Gretzky and Jerry's son was over playingImportance of the Power Play“Don't coach your players to the portal“. Jerry KeefeNortheastern and the PortalPatrice BergeronAnd MUCH more!Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com#YouthHockey#HockeyMoms#HockeyParenting#KidsHockey#YouthSports #MomLife

Here we go!  New season, new guests.  Rested and renewed!  This week Brad Schlossman, longtime hockey writer for the Grand Forks Herald and now "Keeper of the Portal" talks with Lew and I about the changes with the Transfer Portal and the affect it is and will possibly have on college hockey.  Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald's circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year once. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.You can follow Brad for all the great writing he offers. Brad SchlossmanTwitterXFacebookFollow Muther Puckers onTwitterXInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com#YouthHockey#HockeyMoms#HockeyParenting#KidsHockey#YouthSports #MomLife

I love seeing everyone do well, and be happy so it makes me SO happy that my dear dear friend, Jamie Free, is also my audience's favorite guest in all of Muther Puckers history.  Is it the amazing nutritional advice- or the story about Jamie's youth that haunts him every day that drew you to hear this episode?  All I can say is that Jamie Free is one of the best humans out there and it's obvious every one of you recognize that as well!I'll be back next week with brand new episodes and we talk Transfer Portal and more! Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

You know the Mama Bear that is: Amy Jones!  Mom to 3 adult boys and 2 of them are playing in the NHL and on the same team!  When we recorded this Seth was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Caleb was playing for the Oilers.  Now they are both in Chicago hoping this off season trade mania is going to bring some playoff hockey caliber hockey this season for the Blackhawks.  This was our first time sitting down to chat and you will LOVE learning about all the things she shares.  Building strong men, bonding with your adult children, saying what you believe.  Amy is one of my favorites and I'm so glad that you get the chance to listen in.Email/DM me for which episode you think is #1 and you could win a chance at a free Muther Puckers T Shirt! Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

Jeff Lovecchio and Topher Scott still have The Hockey Think Tank going and they've both gone through amazing changes over the last three years since I've interviewed them separately.  (Topher's Episode 12 can be listened to also!) Jeff is getting married!  He may even already be married once this drops- CONGRATULATIONS!Topher was at U of Michigan this last season  as Director of Hockey Operations and participated in that Big 10 Championship and Frozen Four run while seeing @Adam Fantilli get the Hobey Baker AND drafted! He is heading back to Chicago to continue promoting positivity in Hockey! Big Thanks to Jeff and Topher for the support for Muther Puckers, Positive Hockey and being just great people!  Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

So much has happened in Lance's world since we did this episode almost exactly two years ago!  Becoming the only father and dual son legacy's playing Gopher Hockey, Rem with 123 games in the NHL and with the Canadians now.  Rhett the youngest son, drafted by the Canadians and if he starts playing will join brother Rem in the current trend of brothers playing together in the NHL.  Coach Lance has started his own podcast: The Hockey Journey and is sharing his education, motivation and information for the hockey players in the world.  He also has great guests and is able to bring you details around his own training company: OnlineHockeyTraining.comThanks Coach for being part of Muther Puckers! Follow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

I kick off 5 weeks of the most listened to episodes of Muther Puckers.  Interesting is that my very 1st episode is the 5th most downloaded.  There are at least 10 downloads a week of this first episode and I love that you all are interested in learning why I started this podcast!Welcome to the new listeners and to the regulars- thank you for continuing to download and listen.  It's fun to see how far I've come in 3  1/2 years from beginning this podcast.  Learning to edit, find the right guests and share important information to make your journey in hockey entertaining, educational and engaging.  Don't forget to email me at julie@mutherpuckers.com with what you think the #1 most downloaded episode is for a chance to win a Muther Puckers T Shirt!  

The end of this journey has come and it's time to hear what makes the MN parents trophy winners alongside the New England District.  Such a great episode and thanks to Ty from MN for sharing all the secrets about the State of Hockey.  Thank you to Kaneh Tree (Puckers20 for a discount!) for sponsoring these daily updates!

DJ Arctic IN Da HOUSE!  Kick off the pod with a rap from our own DJ Arctic!  Team Pacific sharing how West Coast Hockey became dominant and is in the Naty Camp Championship Game on Day 6.  

Holy Turkey- My kid scored 4 goals in one game at Naty Camp!Great MN vs MI game and MA vs Pacific game.  What a day of hockey!  

By tomorrow this will be a full report about Parent Camp- but for today I still cover a couple of games and a few things going on with the players.  Otherwise, it's about the Parents Day.Enjoy! 

Be warned: This is an episode fueled by Blanton's.  

Weigh in'sSmoothiesParentsSafety MeetingsLet's GOOOOO Naty Camp has been kicked off! 

This week, one of my favorite remedies ever gets a deep dive for you to learn from.  Phillip Foltz from Kaneh Tree CBD gives you a graduate level understanding of the Endocannibinoid System, CBD facts, CBD for different ailments, CBD for youth athletes and more.  Check it out and pass it on! Click to get to Kaneh TreeFollow Muther Puckers onTwitterInstagramFacebookEmail at: julie@mutherpuckers.com

How does a hockey player turn into a lawyer and use that to become a coach, an official and the Girls Development Manager for USA Hockey?  Quite the powerhouse this week with Kristen Sergeant from her time at Connecticut College to CU-Boulder and USA Hockey.  We talk about the growth of the girls game, have BREAKING NEWS on rules changes or staying the same this season and should your kid take time off in the summer?All this and so much more with the conversation on today's episode! 

This week we get into the National Development Camp- sometimes called "Naty Camp" or "The Festival".  Learn about the process, the camp and the old, new way USA Hockey is handling the U17's this year.  Scott Paluch shares all the details along with some great stories from his playing and coaching days. We talk about All the great players that came out of Bowling Green,  as well as Eddie Oczyk, Gino Cavallini, Tony Grant, Lane Hutson and so many more.We even broach the topic of "Politics in Hockey".  Listen in- it's a good one!  

This week I go into the Eulogy writing exercise and surmise on who will still be alive to read it when I'm 120- because that's how old I'm living until!Lots of feedback on last weeks' episode so some additional comments within on Juniors or any level of play.The goals of USA Hockey and all other Governing Bodies of Sport across the globe in the quest for medals.Overview of the summer schedule for Muther Puckers and a Big Happy Birthday to my brother!All of this AND a NEW SPONSOR!!  Welcome J. Rockett Audio Designs and thank you for your sponsorship! 

Listen in to hear the rules of thumb going into 17,18 year of hockey.  JuniorsCamps- should you or shouldn't youWhat to expectCoaches and how they can help or hurt

Breaking news from USA Hockey about the National Camp set up for this year--hint- we've already talked about it on the show with Lou Vairo, but this is a major change in the Camp.Cost of summer campsNHL rule change suggestions from Craig ButtonSean Mitton has co-authored two books on the legendary Summit Series “The Goal That United Canada” and “When Canada Shut Down” . He moderated a speaker's panel at the Hockey Hall of Fame with Hockey Night in Canada legends. He's been interviewed by over 35 media outlets including CBC The National, Breakfast TV, Sportsnet, NHL Siirus XM and Postmedia.During the last 20 years he has developed the skill of Question Based Mapping creating over 1,000 mind maps that help in strategic planning, speaking, writing, research and goal setting to name a few applications. The one commonality is that each Mind Map is one page!

It's our favorite day of the year and I bet many of you will be in rinks!  Here's to all of the Muther Puckers and their littles that made them Mom's in whatever version that means.  Happy Mother's Day! 

We were going to do this episode in Rooster's famous garage last year but never got to it, so we benefit from technology so we can still get the history of Shattuck- St. Mary's and stories about legends who played there.  Stories about:Sidney CrosbyJonathan ToewsTy Gretzky and his Dad- that's Wayne World Jr's and Shattuck- St. Mary'sJoe Casey- part of the fabric of SSM HockeyListen, subscribe and share your feedback!  

Join Lew and Julie this week as they break down:Brits yelling at their wives in the gymVisors vs CagesViolence in the gameHelmet TechJuniors and why they don't start until age 18Cost of the gameCost of the ExperienceTicket costsDonate to your favorite National Governing Body of Sport to support Youth Sports- Including USA Hockey! Tell us what you think: Rate, Like, Subscribe! 

If you want to hear about some of your favorite NHL'ers (Jonathan Toews, TJ Oshie , Matt Cullen and more), North Dakota Hockey and about Junior Hockey and the Fargo Force, listen in to  the 2 time Clark Champion Coach and current Fargo Force GM, Cary Eades.We talk about the draft process, what's unique about playing in Fargo, how Juniors helps your player to not just be a Freshman Hockey player in college, but an Impact Freshman Hockey Player in college.  Really fun conversation!

Listen in as we talk about what Tom's done in Nashville to bring success to his team and building something special for the boys he coaches.  Different coaching stylesHow I saved Tom's face with my funny boneThe cost of hockey- will it be the demise of the greatest sport? Kids are asked to play for their “why” so what is the “why” of the owners/directors/organizations? Do they live it?Jr Hockey landscape- pay to play will be something we talk about in depth coming up. ACHA hockey vs D3 or Juniors...Pay to Play junior leagues.  Of course, some laughs-because with a personality as big as Murphy's you can't leave without some laughs.  

Listen in as Lew and Julie breakdown USA Hockey National Championships from every bracket.  The busters, the busted, the winners, the players.  Hear about history being made and about 1000 players names and thoughts.Please Like, Subscribe and 5 star the show- it's a good one! 

Stay calm in the eye of the end of season storm.  Listen in to how the Districts started with Lou Vairo and Lew Mongelluzzo and Naty's! 

It's been a crazy 10 days in our world so you get a brief update and then an out take from Lou Vairo on Jim Craig in 1980 Olympics and the importance of a goalie.  Subscribe/Like/Rate 5 Stars. :)Mahtomedi to my Spittin Chiclet's friends.  

This is a good one if you want to understand the whole world of Juniors!  Hear from Tony Gasparini, GM of the Sioux Falls Stampede and former scout for the LA Kings as he tells about:Life with his Dad- Legendary UND Coach, Gino GaspariniGrowing up and playing goalie Life in Minnesota hockey- State Championships and raising a son and daughter in hockeyWhat a Scout looks forWhat the Draft looks likeRebuilding and building programsHow a GM works within JuniorsAre more Canadians to the US?  Tony has thrown down a challenge!!!Get your notebook out and take notes!  

You asked Questions?  We gave Opinions.  Everything from:ReligionPersonal Oath's NTDP4 year olds being too old to learn hockeyCrazy parents

Parents- this is for you!  We talk how not to be the crazy parent and what to do with yourself after your kids stop playing youth sports.  Hint: "Get a Life" is the main theme!  Whitney loves sharing stories that help other people feel less alone, so she made a career out of it. After spending time in politics and public relations, she started freelance writing and her own personal blog, Playdates on Fridays, in 2015. She is known for her vulnerable, relatable, and humorous posts about raising her three teenage daughters who are close in age. She also brings an authentic and realistic voice to topics such as marriage, mid-life, and mental health. You may have seen her work on Today Parents, Good Morning America, Huffington Post, Yahoo!, Her View From Home, Scary Mommy, Pop Sugar, and her own personal social media pages where she has nearly 250k+ followers. In addition to freelance writing, she has created content for a wide-variety of online publishers, businesses, and non-profits, grown social media pages to more than 1M+ followers, and co-manages the successful blog Parenting Teens and Tweens.She recently launched a gratitude journal for teen girls and their moms, and her work is published in five anthologies (with another coming out in 2022).She is a serial volunteer for her kids' schools and athletic teams, loves fancy coffee with little hearts made from cinnamon and foam, and never turns down long dinners with good friends. She binge-watches too many Netflix series with my teenagers and crime dramas with her husband, and rarely misses a walk with her extremely disobedient dog, Jax.

Here's a side of the 1980 Olympics you haven't heard before- spoiler alert- this has better stories than the movie!- How Lou and Herb Brooks met-How the team was picked-How the style of play was influenced-How the Russian team was flustered in Lake Placid- outside the rink-Surprise qualities of the best coaches-Was it a Miracle?-Jim Craig-Mike Eruzione-Reflections

This week, The Hockey Apostle, Lew Mongelluzzo and I talk Trivia and cheaters (wrongly named Mother Puckers) Beanpot, and dig into the ADM with Lou Vairo.Some names and stories include:Colleen Howe (Gordie's wife)Bob ManciniHerb BrooksDave PetersonKenny MartelLearn how today's ADM model was started! 

Take a listen as we dive into stories around the 2002 Olympic Games (I was there--kind of!) World Juniors including bit about this year's team, World Championships teams and Hal Gill, Steve Hines, Brian Gianta-- speaking of Brian Gianta- how Coach Vairo learned from and shares with every coach out there: "You pick the kid, you play the kid, you trust the kid"....Everybody plays.Can't wait to hear your feedback as The Hockey Apostle, Lew Mongelluzzo, and I talk to USA Hockey Legend Lou Vairo.  

Listen into the "Godfather of US Hockey", Lou Vairo and the Hockey Apostle, Lew Mongelluzzo as we get a history lesson on the life of one of the most influential personalities, coaches and men in the world of hockey.  

This week CBS Hockey Analyst and World Junior Analyst, Dave Starman, and NHL Scout, Lew Mongelluzzo, join Julie to talk World Juniors.  There may or may not have been an inordinate amount of time dedicated to the Macon Whoopee's.- Name a name from USA Hockey and they are discussed this episode- Dave has some outside the box thinking on how to improve the tournament-Lew shares his visit to the 100th Anniversary of the Honey Baker Rink at Princeton-Julie just holds onto her seat as she listens to all the great information Dave and Lew share

With the move to Michigan- there's a lot to cover in the first few months that I'm sure all hockey parents can understand since everyone has made it to HockeyTown at some point in their travel hockey career.  One more quick hit before bringing in some great interviews starting next week! Enjoy! 

Welcome Julie Bardownsky back to the podcast world after over a year of being MIA. What has she been doing?  Where has she been living and what can she tell you about living in the State of Hockey?????  Listen in to hear all about it.  10 things learned while living in the State of HockeyTier 1 run to NationalsNew day job for JulieDedicated season.... 

We may have a few tidbits about nutrition for your youth athletes, but more importantly we talk about you and your athletes relationship with food and with themselves.  Such important topics covered with this weeks' guest, Coach Jamie Free.  I'm not crying, you're crying!  

It's me-- back in Nashville for the week!  I talk about Hockey hair, the Assassin and listener feedback on the new rules!  Let's have a quickie this week!

Ladies--It's time to learn how to be a better you while raising your kids with "Becoming Me While Raising You" author, Kim Muench, talks about her experiences and how they have led her to become a Conscious Parenting Coach.  From her childhood to becoming a mother at age 18 and guiding her oldest son through alcohol addiction and raising 4 other kids.  The ride has helped guide her to getting her voice back so she can be heard.  Can't wait to hear how this impacts you as I know it impacted me!