Podcasts about hockey coach

In episode #305 and finale for season 8, we had the pleasure of being joined by Calgary Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen for a live interview at our TCS Live coaching conference. As a player, the Vernon, BC native won a gold medal with Canada's U18 team, along with back to back golds at the World Junior Championships. He turned pro with the Colorado Avalanche organization, was named Captain of the Hershey Bears in just his second pro season, and would go on to play over 300 NHL games with the Avalanche, Atlanta Thrashers, and Anaheim Ducks.  He jumped right into the coach arena following his retirement. First in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons before being promoted to the Columbus Blue Jackets and eventually, being named the club's Head Coach in 2021. Today, he is on Ryan Huska's staff with the Calgary Flames.  There are so many take-aways from this final episode of the 2024-2025 season of Glass and Out.  Listen as he shares how he's learned to lean on his faith, why the standard needs to be the standard, and the importance of blooming where you're planted.

In episode #304, we revisit our conversation from 2022 with Dan Muse, freshly named new Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time of this interview, Muse was Head Coach of with the US National Development Program and prior to that he spent three seasons as an Assistant with the Nashville Predators. He most recently spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the New York Rangers. Muse has rounded all the bases in his career and is a self-described OG member of The Coaches Site. He also presented for us back in 2022 on The Importance of the Second Player in Puck Support. Listen as he shares his philosphy of TNT, why his playing career has never deterred him from his coaching aspirations, and the important of creating chaos in practice. And go Penguins!

In episode #303, we're joined by former NHL Head Coach and upcoming presenter at June's TCS Live coaching conference Greg Cronin. Cronin was recently let go as the Head Coach of the Anaheim Ducks after spending two seasons with the franchise. He has enjoyed a remarkable and nearly 40 year run as a hockey coach, which began at Colby College and includes playing a role in getting the US National Development Team Program off the ground. After eight seasons with the New York Islanders organization, he returned home to Boston as the Head Coach of Northeastern University, the program his father captained. He returned to the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was named Head Coach of the Ducks in 2023 after a successful run with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanches' AHL affiliate. You can catch Cronin at this June's TCS Live as he dissects individual skills on the forecheck. Listen as he shares the illumination of player development, his guide to creating reliable players, and insights into his forechecking philosphy.

In episode #302, we revisit one of our best talks from last year's TCS Live coaching conference from Cody Royle. Royle is a coach to some of the most accomplished coaches across multiple sports, along with being the author of three books, The Tough Stuff, Where Others Won't and his latest, Second Set of Eyes. He was a coach himself and has pivoted to providing coaches the sounding board and observations that nudge them towards discovering the best version of themselves. In his talk, “Coaches are Performers, Too,” Royle provides tremendous insight into the importance of coaches not possessing ego, who are willing to be coached themselves. He also provides a system that supports coaches and helps them in situations in which they are experiencing negative mental health symptoms or early burn out.  Listen as he shares why coaches are the greatest source of competitive advantage, how to improve the three primary skills of leadership and why even the best coaches need coaching.

In episode #301, we welcome upcoming presenter at this year's TCS Live and Executive Director of the New Jersey Devils Youth Foundation, Kate Whitman Annis. In her current role with the Devils, she is innovating how professional sports teams engage with their local fan base to raise funds and together, serve those in need in their local community. She has had a wide ranging career including several roles in the political arena, in addition to working with multiple organizations in leading their fundraising efforts. She is also a hockey coach at heart.  In addition to coaching her four boys, Annis was the head girls hockey coach at the Pingry School, the General Manager of the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League, and today is behind the bench of the Eastside High School Girls Varsity program. Listen as she shares the power that sports can have on young athletes, philosophy behind team goal setting, and learning to effectively explain a drill.

"My name is Craig Berube, and I'm the coach of the Maple Leafs." Black knuckleballers, Top 5 Names in Sports Who Connote Star Wars, and forcing Mero to choose between Dominicans and dollars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode #300, we celebrate the milestone with a very special guest: LA Kings Director of Goaltending Bill Ranford. Not only was Ranford one of the original presenters at our TCS Live coaching conference back in 2012, he'll be returning to the stage in June for this year's edition of hockey's premier coaching conference. And top it off, he is the childhood hero of our host Aaron Wilbur. Ranford has spent the last 19 seasons with the Kings, 17 as the goaltending coach and the last two as Director.  As a goalie, he led the 1990 Edmonton Oilers to a Stanley Cup with a Con Smythe performance. He also led Canada to the 1991 Canada Cup and helped his country capture its first Gold Medal in over 30 years at the World Hockey Championships 1994.  Listen he shares why detail and work ethic have to be the foundation of every player's game, giving new tools over change, and why goalie's need to have their own unique identity.

Jamilon (Jami) Muelders is a highly accomplished Field Hockey coach and athlete with extensive international experience.  With a journey that includes winning a World Cup title as a player in 2002, Jami is one of only three individuals in the hockey world to have the extraordinary distinction of becoming a world champion both on the field and from the sidelines. Currently the Performance Manager for the Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB), he oversees the U16 to U21 national youth teams, guiding coaches and staff while structuring their training programs. Prior to that, Jami led the Dutch women's national team, capturing the World Cup gold medal in 2022. His expertise also played a pivotal role in the German men's national team securing their own World Cup gold in 2023 as an assistant coach.  His coaching journey includes a European Championship gold medal and an Olympic bronze medal with the German women's team at the Rio 2016 Games, followed by a bronze medal with the Chinese women's team at the 2018 Asian Games. Most recently, Jami contributed to a silver medal for the German men's team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career. What sets Jami apart is his coaching philosophy, which harmonizes peak performance with personal well-being. This unique blend of playing and coaching experience not only highlights his profound understanding of the game but also underscores his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering winning mindsets. To further this philosophy, Jami continues to shape the future of sports as a master coach at the Johan Cruijff Institute, a Diplomcoach with the German Olympic Sports Confederation, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Elite Performance at Dublin City University. His research focuses on the intricate aspects of high performance and the layers of psychological safety within team sports, illustrating his dedication to exploring and improving athlete experiences. Connect at www.JamiMuelders.com BOOK A SPEAKER: Interested in having John, Jerry or both come to your school, club or coaching event? We are booking Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 events, please email John@ChangingTheGameProject.com to set up an introductory call. BECOME A PREMIUM MEMBER OF CHANGING THE GAME PROJECT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you or your club/school is looking for all of our best content, from online courses to blog posts to interviews organized for coaches, parents and athletes, then become a premium member of Changing the Game Project today. For over a decade we have been creating materials to help change the game. and it has become a bit overwhelming to find old podcasts, blog posts and more. Now, we have organized it all for you, with areas for coaches, parents and even athletes to find materials to help compete better, and put some more play back in playing ball. Clubs please email John@ChangingTheGameProject.com for pricing.  PUT IN YOUR BULK BOOK ORDERS FOR OUR BESTSELLING BOOKS, AND JOIN 2025 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS FROM SYRACUSE MENS LAX, UNC AND NAVY WOMENS LAX, AND MCLAREN F1! These are just the most recent championship teams using THE CHAMPION TEAMMATE book with their athletes and support teams. Many of these coaches are also getting THE CHAMPION SPORTS PARENT so their team parents can be part of a successful culture. Schools and clubs are using EVERY MOMENT MATTERS for staff development and book clubs. Are you?  We have been fulfilling numerous bulk orders for some of the top high school and collegiate sports programs in the country, will your team be next? Click here to visit John's author page on Amazon Click here to visit Jerry's author page on Amazon Please email John@ChangingTheGameProject.com if you want discounted pricing on 10 or more books on any of our books. Thanks everyone. This week's podcast is brought to you by our friends at Sprocket Sports.  Sprocket Sports is a new software platform for youth sports clubs.  Yeah, there are a lot of these systems out there, but Sprocket provides the full enchilada. They give you all the cool front-end stuff to make your club look good– like websites and marketing tools – AND all the back-end transactions and services to run your business better so you can focus on what really matters – your players and your teams. Sprocket is built for those clubs looking to thrive, not just survive, in the competitive world of youth sports clubs.  So if you've been looking for a true business partner – not just another app – check them out today at https://sprocketsports.me/CTG. Become a Podcast Champion! This weeks podcast is also sponsored by our Patreon Podcast Champions. Help Support the Podcast and get FREE access to our Premium Membership, with well over $1000 of courses and materials. If you love the podcast, we would love for you to become a Podcast Champion, (https://www.patreon.com/wayofchampions) for as little as a cup of coffee per month (OK, its a Venti Mocha), to help us up the ante and provide even better interviews, better sound, and an overall enhanced experience. Plus, as a $10 per month Podcast Super-Champion, you will be granted a Premium Changing the Game Project Membership, where you will have access to every course, interview and blog post we have created organized by topic from coaches to parents to athletes. Thank you for all your support these past eight years, and a special big thank you to all of you who become part of our inner circle, our patrons, who will enable us to take our podcast to the next level. https://www.patreon.com/wayofchampions  

Author and ultimate hockey mom Amy Stuart recommends three mystery reads she couldn't put down; The former NBA player and fan favourite talks about his debut memoir; author Scaachi Koul reflects on calling people ‘dog' too much; and Talia Kliot gives her CBC Books staff pick on this episode of The Next Chapter.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom RyanBluebird, Bluebird by Attica LockeThe Hunter by Tana FrenchSucker Punch by Scaachi KoulR.O.L.E. Player by Jerome WilliamsThe Soccer of Success by Ciarán McArdleThe Science of Self-Discipline by Peter HollinsJulie Chan is Dead by Liann ZhangHome and Away by Amy Stuart and Mats Sundin

In episode #299, we welcome upcoming presenter at this June's TCS Live, Grizzlys Wolfsburg Head Coach Mike Stewart. At the time of this recording, he is currently preparing for his fifth season leading the Grizzlys. He has a unique origin story as a player that includes his mother discovering a loophole that would enable him to enroll at Michigan State University, without a high school diploma, and leading to being drafted in the first round by the New York Rangers. Following his retirement due to injury, he would immediately jump behind the bench as an Assistant Coach with Villacher SV of the Austrian ICE Hockey League. Now 15 seasons later, Mike has spent the bulk of his coaching career in the DEL. He remains a student of the game, and is engaged with the challenge of leading the Grizzlys, a smaller market club in a league with no salary cap, to DEL title. Listen he shares why the best coaches are the best thieves, why passing is a lost art, and why North America should adopt Olympic-sized rinks

In episode #298, we're joined by Bethany Brausen, Head Coach of the University of St. Thomas Women's program. Brausen just completed her first season with St. Thomas after taking over as interim Head Coach in November and being name full-time coach just a few months later. She is also in the process of completing her PhD in Organizational Leadership Policy & Development, and as you're about to hear, her education in leadership and organizational development is clearly woven into how she's building the Tomies program. Following her playing career that included captaining the University of Minnesota, she joined Brad Frost's staff with the Gophers as an Assistant Coach for 5 seasons, before moving across town to St. Thomas. Brausen will be joining us as a speaker at the upcoming IIHF Coaching Symposium, hosted in Stockholm during the Men's World Championship. Stay tuned for that presentation on The Coaches Site! Listen she shares why players need to create a self-governing culture, what we get wrong about real leadership, and the importance of understanding that every person has their own story.

In episode #297, we welcome former NHL Goalie Coach Mike Valley and Founder of The Goalie Guild Justin Goldman. The two are good friends who collaborated on the books The Power Within, which includes 3 volumes, and Embracing the Grind. Each book shares personal interviews and stories from the best goaltenders on the planet and provide a guide for aspiring goalies looking to navigate what has generally been an undefined path to the top of the profession. While the books focus on goaltending, they also provide real world solutions for dealing with the tough stuff that comes with reaching any noteworthy goal or achievement. Valley played professionally as a goaltender and had the role of Goalie Coach for the Dallas Stars from 2009-2017. He is also a former presenter at TCS Live. Goldman is a former goaltender, writer for NHL.com and Founder of The Goalie Guild, the world's only non-profit organization dedicated to developing goalies and goalie coaches of all levels. Listen as they share how the position of goaltending has evolved, why we need to redefine what "winning" is, and how to find your power within.

April 16, 2025 ~ Pat Ferschweiler Western Michigan Men's Ice Hockey Coach talks to Rick and Sue Snyder about their national championship.

On today's show, Pat is LIVE from Sacramento ahead of WWE Monday Night Raw, while Darius Butler, AJ Hawk, and the boys are back in Indianapolis as they recap yesterday's electric Masters that saw Rory McIlroy finally capture his elusive Green Jacket after a drama filled up and down final round, they chat about their experiences at Big Night AHT, look at the NBA and NHL playoff situations, and everything else happening around the sports world. They're also joined by several incredible guests including Chris "Soly" Solomon of No Laying Up to recap the Masters and Rory's win, Ian Rapoport to update us on everything happening around the NFL including Derek Carr potentially being out for the season, Josh Pate of CBS Sports to discuss the Nico Iamaleava situation at Tennessee and where he might wind up next, the greatest goal scorer of all-time, Stanley Cup Champion, 3x Hart Trophy Winner, Conn Smythe Winner, and countless other accolades, Alexander Ovechkin, and lastly, Head Coach of the newly minted National Champion Western Michigan Broncos men's hockey team, Pat Ferschweiler. Make sure to subscribe to youtube.com/thepatmcafeeshow or watch on ESPN (12-2 EDT), ESPN's Youtube (12-3 EDT), or ESPN+. We appreciate the hell out of all of you. We'll see you tomorrow, cheers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode #296, we welcome Head Coach of the Minnesota High School State Champion Moorhead Spuds, Jon Ammerman. Our team at The Coaches Site had the chance to take in the State Championships in person and boy, did it ever live up to the hype. The Spuds defeated the Stillwater Ponies 7-6 in the culmination of an incredible run by Moorhead. As a born and bred Moorhead-native, Ammerman has witnessed the magic of the State Championship as a fan, player and coach. In addition to his role as Head Coach, he is also a teacher at Moorhead High School. As a result of this year's success, he was named Minnesota State Class AA Coach of the Year. Listen as he shares the roller coaster journey that led to the championship, how Moorhead and Minnesota have built success through community-based hockey, and why coaching isn't about the destination but the journey.

Sarina joins the zoom live and Rod brings on a special guest Christian Long

In episode #295, we chat with Jeff Tambellini, who is the Director of Player Development for the Seattle Kraken. He will be sharing how he develops long-term player development plans for the prospects of the Seattle Kraken at this June's TCS Live. Secure your seat now and see him live in person! The former 1st round pick of the Los Angeles Kings played nearly 250 NHL games with the KIngs, Islanders and his hometown Canucks, before wrapping up his career in Europe. From there Tambellini would step behind the bench, first with his alma mater University of Michigan and then returning to his roots in the BCHL as the Head Coach and GM of the Trail Smoke Eaters. He then graduated into a scouting role with the Tampa Bay Lightning before joining the Kraken in his current role in 2022. Listen as he shares why you need to get your players hooked on getting better, why processing speed is an underappreciated skill, and what we can learn from championship teams in other sports.

In episode #294, we welcome back a man who requires no introduction (but we'll give one anyway): Player Development Coach Daniel Broberg. He is the founder of DB Hockey Factory and is regarded as one of the top development coaches in the game,travelling the world extensively to work with players, teams, clubs of all levels, and is sought after by some of the the top players in hockey to tweak and refine their skills. We recently collaborated on the course with Broberg, 7 Steps From Basic Skills to Smooth Power, provides you with a blueprint for building a foundation in your players that will not only enhance their fundamental skills, but also empower them to read and react to whatever the game gives them and tap into the full spectrum of their creativity. Check it out here. And on top of that, he will be presenting on-ice at this June's TCS Live coaching conference for the first time ever. Save your spot to meet him in person! Listen as he shares the importance of posture in skill development, why players need to face adversity on their own, and why finding the state of "flow" is the key to building elite players.

The guys are joined by head coach of UConn Men's Hockey, Mike Cavanaugh, to discuss the team's success on the Power Play, individual efforts of certain players and there expectations going into the Hockey East conference tournament and their first ever bid to the NCAA tournament.

In episode #293, we welcome good friend of The Coaches Site, Dave Smith. Two days before we were scheduled to record this podcast he notified us that he had been relieved of his duties as the Head Coach of RPI. Despite that, he agreed to join the pod with his only request being that we focus on the future and the positive experiences he enjoyed during his eight season's leading the RPI program. Previous to his time with RPI Smith spent 12 seasons as Head Coach at Canisius College. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Coach for seven seasons split between Miami University (Ohio), Bowling Green, and Mercyhurst. He is now going to start a new chapter in his coaching journey and will again relish in the opportunity to build and lead a team. We hope that this conversation will give other coaches hope and help them navigate the curveballs that the game throws at them. Listen as he shares the message he left his players with after being let go, why the royal road has changed offensive hockey, and why it all starts with following you passion.

CAS 3-14-1-2025 Garrett Raboin-Augustana Hockey Coach by Calling All Sports

In episode #292, we welcome Tappara Head Coach Rikard Grönborg. Last time we spoke with Grönborg, he and the Swedish National team were coming off back-to-back Gold medals at the World Championships, while he was also preparing to speak at TCS Live in 2019. His presentation on the evolution of coaching and player development in Sweden is a must watch. You can check it out at The Coaches Site. Grönborg was then hired by the Zurich Lions heading into the 2019-2020 season, his first opportunity to coach a club team in professional hockey. He would lead the Lions to first place in the NLA standings prior to his first season being cut short due to the COVID pandemic. From Zurich, he would head north to Finland, joining Tappara, and in the process, become the first non-Finnish coach to coach in the Liga. In his first season, he would lead Tappara to a league Championship. Now in his second season, he's managing a younger roster, but also an organizational shift focused on sports science and homegrown talent. Listen as he shares why he's always accepted the challenge of trying something different, how to get players out of their comfort zone, and how to encourage your players to make decisions.

CAS 3-11-1-2025 Brady Pinney-SF Flyers Girls Hockey Coach and Adriana Clark-Flyers Senior by Calling All Sports

Another remarkable Minnesota Boy's Hockey Tournament in the books and the Moorhead Spuds are on top of the AA world! We chatted with Jon Ammerman who led the way coaching this group of kids to the championship win over Stillwater on Saturday night! He discussed the journey, the big moments of this week's tournament and the sell out crowd last night - even outdoing some NHL arenas!

In episode #291, we continue our trip through Europe with a visit from HC Davos Head Coach Josh Holden. Davos is of course the home of the Spengler Cup, a tournament that Holden and HC Davos won last season (his first with the team), the 16th in the club's history. After a playing career in North America that saw Holden drafted 12th overall in 1996 by the Vancouver Canucks and spend time with Carolina and Toronto, he would travel overseas and evetually settle in Zug, Switzerland. Zug would also be where he got his start in coaching, joining Dan Tangnes' staff the season following his retirement. During his five seasons as an Assistant Coach, the club would capture one Swiss Cup and back to back NLA Championships. Listen as he shares the difference between skills-skills and game-skills, the mentality of being "all in today," and what he learned from the infamous bench incident at the Spengler Cup.

CAS 3-3-1-2025 Garrett Raboin-Augustana Hockey Coach by Calling All Sports

In episode #290, we welcome current Head Coach of EV Zug Dan Tangnes. He grew up in Norway and represented his country internationally at the U20 level, and eventually made his way to Sweden where he would turn pro. Tangnes started coaching in the Rogle academy and eventually would work his way up to coaching Linkoping HC in the SHL, Sweden's top league. From there, he would join Zug in 2018 and lead them to a regular season title in his first season. He continued to invest in relationships and along with his players, created a culture that would support Zug capturing back to back NLA Championships in 2021 and 2022. Next season, he will be returning to Rogle to become their next Head Coach. In the meantime, he's focused on bringing a third Championship to Zug. Listen as he shares why filtering information down to what matters most is a key skill for coaches, why playing a possession game comes down to the players without the puck, and why integrity needs to come first before wins and titles.

CAS 2-27-2-2025 Tony Sandbulte-Luverne Boys Hockey Coach by Calling All Sports

Mike Claiborne kicks off the hour with Bernie Miklasz to discuss the latest on the Cardinals, including spring training updates, key position battles, and the state of the bullpen. Bernie also dives into broader topics like baseball's upcoming season and ownership strategies. Later in the hour, Coach Josh Schertz, head coach of the Saint Louis University Billikens, joins to talk about the Billikens' recent performance, the impact of injuries, and what the team needs to do to finish the season strong. They also chat about the importance of community support and the challenges of maintaining home court advantage in today's game. To wrap up Hour 1, Claibs talks Blues hockey and the team's current performance.

In episode #289, we're joined Cognitive Behavioural Sports Specialist Larissa Mills for a very important conversation. Whether it's social media, sports betting, pornography or any number of other apps designed to highjack the focus of your players, smart phones have become an opponent we're all grappling with. Mills holds a BA in Sociology, Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Education, specializing in brain functionality and learning mechanisms. She is the Founder of the Mental Game Academy, an organization committed to empowering athletes, specifically by helping them overcome addiction to their phones. She also gave a talk last year's at TCS Live on How Phones and Social Media Impact Athlete's Brains and Hockey IQ. Listen as she shares why confidence is directly linked to phone usage, why gambling and porn have become a major issue for today's youth, and solutions for coaches on handling these many issues.    

In episode #288, we welcome former NHL Head Coach Don Granato. He is of course a member of possibly the most accomplished hockey family to come out of United States.   He got his start coaching in 1993 with the Wisconsin Capitals of the USHL, and since then has been getting his reps in across a multiple of leagues and levels, most recently as the Head Coach of the Buffalo Sabres. And as you'll hear, there may not be a better person to have a conversation about player development with. His story of how he positioned himself to enhance world class talent is fascinating.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and I sense you're going to leave with pages of notes.  Listen as he shares why experimenting in practice is key for team growth, why coaching less should be the objective, and the incredible story of switching from goalie to player.

In episode #287, Head Coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds Derek Laxdal stops by. His coaching career has seen him climb from the now defunct Western Professional Hockey League, to the Central Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, to the Western Hockey League, the American League and finally, to the show. During that time, he's successfully navigated the ebbs and flows of his coaching journey with his trademark optimism and enthusiam. Today, Laxdal is the Head Coach of the AHL affiliate to the Seattle Kraken. No different than any other team he's coached, he has the ‘Birds in contention as they make their way towards another playoff run.  Listen as he shares why the skill of defending is lacking in today's young player, how to change the narritive after a tough loss, and how to stay optimistic through the challenges of a coaching career.

In episode #286, we're joined by John Weisbrod, former NHL executive, scout and NBA GM. Yes, you read that correctly.  After a playing career that saw Weisbrod win a National Championship at Harvard and attend the San Jose Sharks first training camp, he pivoted to a career in team building at just 25 years-ols. After getting his start in Albany of the AHL, he would travel to Orlando where his time with the  IHL's Solar Bears resulted in him being named the GM of the Magic for one season. Following that, he would return to hockey, spending time as a scout and Assistant GM with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. You're going to want to hear Weisbrod's story. He might just be the most interesting man in hockey.  Listen as he shares the story behind running an NBA franchise, key lessons while working under Lou Lamoriello and why hockey sense runs throughout the Hughes family.

In episode #285, we welcome Head Coach of the Windsor Spitfires, Greg Walters, someone who has thrived on his ability to be consistent and has never had a losing season. He is currently in his first season with the Spitfires following a year suspension that involved an inappropriate altercation with another Owen Sound employee. In this episode, he shares what he learned from that experience and we believe it's something that all coaches can benefit from hearing. Following eight seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Sarnia Sting to begin his coaching journey, Walters took over the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Jr A league for eight seasons, guiding them to 295 wins, a league championship and earning himself both coach and executive of the year honors. He would then return to the OHL as a Head Coach in Oshawa and Owen Sound, before landing in Windsor following the aforementioned suspension. Listen as he shares what he learned from incident that led to his suspension and the work he's done to overcome it, why good defence starts with breaking out the puck, and creating a culture of quality and self-evaluation.

In episode #284, we're joined by the Manager of Goalie Development for USA Hockey, Steve Thompson. It's no secret that the US has become a bit of a goaltending factory. For example, last season, of the goalies who played a minimum of 15 games in the NHL, four of the top six, seven of the top 11, and nine of the top 20 in save percentage were American. As Thompson explains it, this surge in goaltending development starts with focusing at  the grassroot levels. The native of Alaska played college hockey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and immediately jumped into developing the next wave of goalies upon graduation. As you're about to hear, Thompson's enthusiasm for the position is contagious, and much of what he offers from a development perspective applies to players of all positions. Listen as he shares why retention should be a youth coaches number one measure of success, why every goal against is an opportunity to learn, and the importance of keeping your goalies in mind during practice planning.

For episode #283, we welcome former TCS contributor and current Head Coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth women's program, Laura Schuler. Schuler has enjoyed a remarkable and diverse career that has seen her be on the forefront of the evolution of the Women's game as both a player and coach,  including leading some of the most talented teams, both internationally and at the NCAA level. That includes being named the Head Coach Canada's National Team in 2015 and leading the program to a Silver medal at the 2018 Olympics. Make sure to check out her TCS series, Finding the Details with Laura Schuler for a break down of the the key details and habits that are critical to creating consistency in your team's play. Listen as she shares why hockey is one the best labrotories for life lessons, why coaches should be focusing on tendencies in prescouts, and becoming a threat by creating a predictable structure.

Happy New Years! For episode #282, we thought we'd kick off the second half of the season by going back and looking at our most popular content on The Coaches Site from this past year. And to help us reflect on our biggest year yet, we've recruited our Director of Content, Derek Jory. You know how great teams have “Glue Guys” or teammates that ensure everyone feels important and that the rink is a destination? Well, Derek is that person on our TCS team. He has a unique background in that he spent 13 years with the Vancouver Canucks as their lead content writer for their website and social media channels. He is also is the MC of TCS Live and has become the star of the show with his wardrobe, larger than life hair and dad jokes. Listen as we look back at the top 5 articles, TCS Live presentations, community content, and podcasts of the year. If you want to learn what goes on behind the scenes at The Coaches Site, you're going to enjoy this episode.

For episode #281, we're joined by a very special guest to help get you all set for this year's World Junior Championships. As a part of TSN's WJC coverage, Ray Ferraro had a front row seat at the tournament for 12 consecutive seasons. During that time, he saw some incredible players and games, and is here to share some of those highlights. Ferraro is of course a former NHL player who suited up for over 1,200 games. He currently works for ESPN and is one of the best analysts in hockey, and more than anything, is as passionate about the game as they come. Listen as he shares standout teams and players during his time broadcasting the tournament, his broadcasting origins, and some incredible travel stories. 

In episode #280, we welcome Todd Nelson, Head Coach of the Hershey Bears and reigning winner of the Louis AR Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding coach. Nelson and the Bears are coming off back-to-back Calder Cup championships and looking to add a third consectuvie this season. He is only the third person to capture the trophy as a player, an Assistant Coach and a Head Coach, and overall has been a part of eight championship teams throughout his playing and coaching career. Having already made three stops in the NHL, twice as an Assistant Coach with Atlanta and Dalals and once as a Head Coach with Edmonton, we wouldn't doubt his call up to the top league is coming soon. Listen as he shares why creating a family atmosphere is key to team culture, why you need to have a purpose to every drill, and why winning is the best form of development.

In episode #279, we're joined by Craig Custance, who is the Head of Creative Development at The Athletic. Custance recently released his second book, The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams, which features in-depth interviews with some of the top team builders in hockey, including Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello, and many more. The book showcases the unique path each of these individuals has taken to  land in their current roles, the challenges they've faced in their careers and the decisions that have led them and their teams to the pinnacle of the sport. Custance got his start in hockey by covering the Atlanta Thrashers for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and joined ESPN in 2011 as a National Hockey writer. In 2017, he joined The Athletic and has played a pivotal role in growing the company into a global sports brand that today serves over 11 million subscribers. Listen as he shares key lessons learned from hockey's top builders, the traits that all great leaders have in common, and future GM's to watch out for.

Running a small business can feel like being trapped in something you built with your own two hands. The chaos of juggling everything—operations, employees, finances—becomes overwhelming, and the "golden handcuffs" of success tie you to a life you can't easily escape. It's hard to step back when the business depends so much on you, even though it's draining the energy you need to grow or enjoy life outside of work. It's a tough spot, balancing the pride of what you've achieved with the weight it puts on your shoulders. Michael McLean is a multi-millionaire business owner, author, speaker, and business coach who has taught thousands of highly successful men how to achieve their goals in today's business world while maintaining an incredible lifestyle. As the celebrated "Merchant of Truth" in the coaching and consulting industry, he is known for his "no-nonsense, kick-butt" approach. Michael is the author of the book "Ways To Un-Fu#k Your Life In The NEXT 30 Days" and hosts a daily video newsletter where he shares his insights on marketing, entrepreneurship, and living life on your own terms. Today, Michael talks about his career from a hockey coach and team owner to a successful entrepreneur in the insurance business. Stay tuned! Resources Michael McLean on YouTube: Former pro-hockey coach turned 8-figure entrepreneur. BadAss husband, father, business & marketing coach. Brass Balls Secrets: Discover What 117,763 Elite, Driven & Generous Men Are REALLY Saying About Michael McLean. The Michael McLean Show on Spotify Podcasts

In episode #278, Kim Weiss, Video Coach of the Colorado Eagles, stops by to chat. She is a trail blazer who has relied on one tried and true method to advancing in her coaching career: learning how to make the players better. Previously, she would become the first female to earn a win as a Head Coach in North American junior hockey with the Maryland Black Bears and was also named an Assistant Coach with the mens team at Trinity College, her alma mater, making her the first female to coach at the NCAA level on the male side. In addition, Weiss is a two-time TCS Live presenter, covering Strategy for OT and Shootouts and Incorporating Wall Play into Practice. Listen as she shares advice for aspiring female coaches, why coaching is all about helping players get better and why wall play is an undertaught skill.

Are you on the path to prep school? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" explores the critical decisions and skills that shape a successful hockey career. From preparing for prep school hockey to mastering self-advocacy, our hosts provide valuable insights for both players and parents. Discover how surrounding yourself with better players can elevate your game, and gain wisdom from Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker's unique coaching philosophy. Whether you're considering a hockey-focused prep school or one with diverse sports options, this episode offers guidance to help you make informed choices.--Key Discussion Points- Preparing for Prep School Hockey- Balancing Academics and Athletics- Self-Advocacy for Young Athletes- Playing with More Skilled Teammates- Brianna Decker's Coaching Philosophy- Choosing the Right Prep SchoolText The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

In episode #277, we had the pleasure of being joined by Duante' Abercrombie, who will be leading Tennessee State University as Head Coach in their inaugural season as a Div. 1 hockey program next season. In the process, TSU will become the first HBCU(Historically Black College or University) hockey program in history. A glance at Abercrombie's resume leaves no doubt that he is the right person to lead the Tigers. That includes his time as an Assistant Coach with Stevenson University, becoming just the fourth coach of colour at that time in the NCAA. Professionally, he spent the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations and has also been a part of several NHL BIPOC programs, spending time with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes. Last year, he was nominated for Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his work with the Washington Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and the Rising Stars Academy. Listen as he shares what the new role at TSU means to him, how hockey can be used to connect people of all backgrounds, and the importance of wanting someone else to win more than you do.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves, who always lose in Toronto but managed to do it in a very disheartening way on Thursday. Something is broken with this team, and fixing it doesn't appear to be simple. The Wild, meanwhile, continued their scorching start. They are 9-1-2 on the road after a 5-3 win over Edmonton. 10:00: Gophers men's hockey coach Bob Motzko joins the show for a look at his team, which like the Wild is off to a strong start. Motzko gets into the pressure of coaching a perennial contender, the joy of coaching, the pain he still deals with and his love of other Minnesota teams. 29:00: Three levels of football come into focus for the weekend.

In episode #276, we welcome Ottawa Senators Assistant Coach Ben Sexton, who presented at TCS Live 2024 on the fundamentals of the penalty kill. After retiring early from his playing career due to concussions, Sexton fell into the coaching arena when Mike Valluci, his Head Coach with the Wilkes-Barrie Penguins, offered him the opportunity to join the coaching staff while he was recovering from his injuries. The following season he stepped behind the bench full time with the AHL's Belleville Senators. Three seasons later, he was promoted to the big club, where he and the rest of Travis Green's staff are looking to lead the Sens to the post season for the first time since 2017. Listen as he shares why today's players are having trouble processing the game, why teams need to believe in their structure and details, and embracing the philosophy of thinking like a player and acting like a coach.

In episode #275, we're revisiting one of the highlights of last year's TCS Live conference. International speaker, best-selling author and Founder of the Changing the Game Project John O'Sullivan took to the stage to share how to take your coaching from transactional to transformational. O'Sullivan has dedicated his life to enhancing the experience kids have with youth sports by educating and inspiring the adults in the equation, namely their coaches and parents. He's been featured on CNN, ESPN and NBC Sports, along with speaking at TEDx, and to the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Wrestling, USA Swimming, US Ski and Snowboard, Ireland Rugby and Australian Rugby League. And with that in mind, Our team at The Coaches Site are excited to announce that we have collaborated with John on a course focused on the How To's of Transformational Coaching. You can learn more about the course here. Listen as he shares why great coaches win the relationship game, why we must be outcome aware but driven by process, and why every coach has the ability to change a person's life for the better.

In episode #274, we sat down with Bert Gilling, Head Coach of Mount Royal University, at Hockey Calgary's Leadership Day. The event brings together hundreds of coaches from across Calgary to kick off the season, break bread over dinner, hear technical presentations, a keynote speaker, and of course the Glass and Out Podcast.  In 2014, Gilling was named the Head Coach of Mount Royal University, a program he has turned into a perennial contender in Canadian University Hockey or USports. Currently, the Cougars are tied for first place in the Canada West Conference and off to a 7-1 start. Listen as he shares how to design an optimal practice environment, building two-way relationships with your players, and the need for more mentorship in youth hockey.

In episode #273, we're honored to welcome Army West Point Head Coach Brian Riley. At the end of this season, Riley, who has been the Head Coach at Army since 2004, and prior to that an Assistant Coach for the program for an additional 12 seasons, is retiring.  Combined with his father, who coached at Army for 36 seasons, and brother Rob, who coached 19 seasons, the Riley family has spent for over 75 consecutive seasons in charge of the Black Knights program. To say that the Riley family is a part of the DNA of the United States Military Academy would be an understatement. Listen as he shares what makes West Point the preeminent leadership insitution in the world, carrying the responsibility of honoring every player's legacy, and why creating the power of of one is the key to overcoming any obstacle.

In episode #272, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks at the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association's Fall Clinic for a live interview. Prior to being named the GM, Hendricks spent five seasons as the Wild's Assistant Director of Player Development. Of course, prior to that he suited up for over 600 NHL games, spending time with the Avalanche, Capitals, Oilers, Jets and Wild. Growing up, he captained Blaine High School to a Minnesota State Championship and if you've never spent time in Minnesota, that is a HUGE deal in that part of the world. Listen as he shares what makes hockey in Minnesota so special, why there's no forward button on player development, and why small area games are key, even at the NHL level.