Podcasts about youth hockey

On today's episode Interviewing Coach Kevin Kamenski of the Carolina Thunder The importance of youth hockey in the South We hope you enjoy! Please follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram @stormsurge_pod Email us at stormsurgecanespod@gmail.com Check out our website stormsurgepod.com

This week we spoke to Mark and Chris from the Hillsborough Hogs youth hockey (Triangle Youth Hockey of North Carolina - https://www.tyhnc.org/). We had an excellent conversation about their organization, how the Hurricanes have helped grow hockey in the NC, and what some of the issues facing them are. It was good to hear that the Canes don't seem to have taken the same imperial path of the Dallas Stars (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2025/08/01/nhl-dallas-stars-texas-youth-hockey-monopoly/84289184007/).I certainly learned some things about NC's youth hockey beginnings and culture, so be sure to tune in to hear more!

Can your child be a star on the ice and in the classroom?

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of a pro hockey player's journey?

Segment 1: Ilyce Glink, owner of Think Glink Media, joins John Williams to talk about if August is a good time to put a house on the market, current mortgage rates, why the government took a 10% stake in Intel, when the Fed is likely to cut interest rates, and how the market typically performs after the Fed cuts […]

Is your child's love for hockey fading?

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo again for part two in this two week series to discuss some of the common polarizing questions we hear about in youth hockey. Listen as we go back and forth about what is best for today's players. In this episode we talk about: — Is it best to be the top kid or bottom kid on a team — Coaching to the skill of the top or bottom players — All fun & games or all challenging — Practice to game ratio AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! PARENTS & RECRUITING 101 COURSES BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

In Hour 1 of Sports on a Sunday Morning, Tom Ackerman talks with Matt Farrell, CEO of U.S. Figure Skating, about the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships coming to St. Louis, a key Olympic qualifier featuring top athletes. Joe Pott fills in as host and interviews Randy Gersh, Vice President of the St. Louis Blues, about the inaugural U12 Icebreaker Tournament for girls hockey and the rapid growth of girls hockey in the St. Louis area. The hour also includes analysis of the St. Louis Cardinals' inconsistent season and pitching challenges following a tough loss to the Cubs.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful hockey parenting?

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo in this two part series to discuss some of the common polarizing questions we hear about in youth hockey. Listen as we go back and forth about what is best for today's players. In this episode we talk about: — Development vs winning — Professional model vs community model — Structure vs letting kids play — Hard coaching vs not coaching AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! PARENTS & RECRUITING 101 COURSES BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids?

What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed?On this special Ride to the Rink, We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker, fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear.

“Is my kid where they're supposed to be?”It's one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development.Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what's coming next, and how to support your child's journey without rushing the process.

(00:00)Intro (2:20)Youth Hockey (4:03)High school (18:09)USHL Sioux Falls (23:09)Section Final (26:37)NHL Outlook (34:02)Sioux Falls (34:45)Little Things (37:33)Badgers (40:37) Greatest Strengths (41:17)Dream Outcome

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Dave Hanson and his son, Christian Hanson. Dave is best known for his role as one of the Hanson brothers in the 1977 classic hockey movie, Slap Shot. This episode is a must listen for fans of the movie and for parents navigating the youth hockey journey. In this episode we talk about: — The importance of taking off your coaching/parenting hat and just being there for your kid — How much we encourage parents to get involved in any capacity — Not using a scholarship or contract to exclusively motivate your involvement in youth sports — A behind the scenes look from Dave Hanson on making the movie Slap Shot AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! PARENTS & RECRUITING 101 COURSES BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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.

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome a true icon in women's hockey—Sami Jo Small, three-time Olympian, two-time gold medalist, and a lifelong advocate for inclusion, purpose, and team unity.From being the only girl on the street in Winnipeg playing road hockey with her brother's friends, to starting in net for Team Canada, Sami's path wasn't just unconventional—it was groundbreaking.We explore:Her early days as “the girl goalie” and how inclusion, support, and street hockey shaped her identity.Why playing in boys' leagues taught her resilience—and what we can all learn from being “different” on the team.What her parents got right about letting her play—and how small decisions from adults can shape a child's future.Stanford, mechanical engineering, and club hockey on a men's team—how she kept joy in the game without the pressure of being seen.How she made Team Canada almost by accident, thanks to a chance meeting, a bold leap of faith, and one coach who believed in her.How it felt to be told she wouldn't start in the 2002 Olympic gold medal game—and how that moment shaped her understanding of roles, leadership, and humility.The myth of the “one goalie system” and how goalies can and should support each other.What it really means to be part of a championship team—and how we can teach this to our kids now, at every level of youth hockey.Why joy—not ambition—should drive a young athlete's development.Her daughter's decision to leave hockey and how Sami learned to support a completely different kind of journey.This episode is a masterclass in humility, perspective, and purpose. Whether you're raising a goalie, coaching one, or are one, Sami's story will change the way you see the game—and the people in it.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we welcome Matt Dumouchelle, creator of The Coaches Site's Hockey Factories Series, contributor to The Coaches Site Podcast, and Assistant GM of the Leamington Flyers. Drawing from years of global research into the world's best hockey development programs, Matt unpacks what great programs do differently.Whether you're a coach, parent, or program director, this conversation delivers deep insight on youth development systems, what it means to be aligned as an organization, and why the coach-player-parent triangle is more important than ever.

On this week's Block Party Podcast, presented by Jai Alai IPA, Greg Wolf and Braydon Coburn are joined by former Lightning forward John Tucker. They discuss his journey through the NHL, playing in Italy and Japan, his commitment to youth hockey development and the challenges and excitement of playing on an expansion franchise. Former Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk makes a surprise appearance as well.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of 32 Thoughts, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman begin the podcast by talking about the Calgary Flames crucial win over the San Jose Sharks as they try to claw themselves into the playoffs. They look around at the playoff races as we come down to the final couple games of the season (8:01). The fellas reflect on Ivan Demidov's Montreal arrival (12:17) and Kyle and Elliotte touch on the Blue Jackets crucial win on Sunday (17:43). On the flip side, they ponder whether the Washington Capitals are slipping heading into the playoffs (21:24) and the lack of any supplemental disciple following the Trenin-Forbort fight leads to a conversation about the job of heading the NHL Department of Player Safety (25:22). Kyle and Elliotte delve into the Rangers after their official playoff elimination (37:45) and Elliotte quickly touches on Rick Tocchet's future (48:13). Kyle and Elliotte rate their level of concern over some of the injured players heading into the playoffs (51:44) and The Final Thought focuses on Gabriel Landeskog's first professional games in years (1:01:00).Kyle and Elliotte answer your questions and respond to your voicemails in the Thought Line (1:09:44).In the final segment Kyle and Elliotte talk about the quickly changing landscape of junior hockey in North America as the first big transfer from the CHL to the NCAA has occurred (1:29:01). Email the podcast at 32thoughts@sportsnet.ca or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail.This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates

Tony Scott from the Youth Hockey Hub as heard Saturday on Beyond the Pond @KFAN1003

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down:How to get the RIGHT hockey advice—who should players trust? (6:30)Is the CHL taking over NCAA hockey? A serious look at how NCAA commitments are shifting. (14:00)Should you dominate your level before moving up? The debate on whether players move too soon. (25:00)CHL → NCAA → NHL—why this path is now possible and how new NCAA eligibility rules have changed everything. (39:00)With junior and college hockey evolving, players, parents, and coaches need to understand how these changes impact development, recruiting, and pro aspirations.Let us know what you think—how is the path changing from minor hockey to the CHL and NCAA on to PRO?*This episode experienced some technical difficulties with the audio stream - we will work to correct this*-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 

As we begin to wrap up our second season of working with multiple youth hockey organizations across North America, this week Topher and Jeff talk about the top 10 things they've learned about youth hockey this year. Special thanks to all of the organizations we have worked with in our Youth Hockey Organization Blueprint. If you feel like your organization or team could benefit from working with us, check out the referral link below! BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights from his work with the Boston Bruins and beyond. From the traits of successful NHL players to the critical role of sleep and nutrition, Neeld offers a treasure trove of advice for parents and coaches aiming to nurture young talent.

Tryout season is here, and whether you're heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we're here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice.We'll talk about:✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means for you✅ The importance of preparation, from gear checks to pre-tryout routines✅ What coaches really look for during tryouts✅ How being a great teammate can make a differencePlus, we've got advice for parents—because your role in this process is just as important! Whether this is your first eval or your tenth, this episode is packed with insights to help you skate onto the ice with confidence.

Tony Scott is as hockey crazy as Vineeta and he joined her on Friday to preview the Semi-Finals on The WCCO Morning News

Alex Moretto and So Money go live on March 4, 2025 to go through the full slate of games! Breaking down game by game, giving out best bets on sides and totals, finding player props and parlays, and adding to their futures portfolios. Please play responsibly. Must be 21+ and present in select states (for Kansas, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino) or 18+ and present in D.C, or Nineteen plus (19+) and physically located in Ontario. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call one, eight six six, five,- three one, twenty six hundred (1 866 531 2600) visit connex ontario dot ca. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat in Connecticut, or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY in New York. Make sure to subscribe to the Edge Work YouTube channel for more Hockey betting content and drop a like/rate five stars if you enjoyed The Edge Work team returns here EVERY weekday (Monday through Friday) at 10:30AM Eastern Standard Time with picks, previews, and predictions for the full slate of games for that day! Check out The Hammer Betting Network: https://thehammer.bet/ Follow The Hammer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHammerHQ  Follow Edge Work on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdgeWorkHQ Track the creators' picks: https://betstamp.app/u/EdgeWorkHQ Alex Moretto: https://twitter.com/alexjmoretto Matt Alber: https://twitter.com/malber9 Rob Pizzola: https://twitter.com/robpizzola So Money: https://twitter.com/SoMoneySports Zack Phillips: https://twitter.com/zackphill You can catch the show every day at 10:30AM EST LIVE right here on the Edge Work YouTube channel! You can catch Edge Work on YouTube and subscribe to follow it more easily. For those seeing it later, it is also going to be available on your favorite podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcast. Follow these and never miss out. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ #SportsBetting #BettingTips #TheHammer #Betting #BestBets #BettingPicks #BettingStrategy #Bets #Bet #FreeBets #FreePicks #BettingGuides #NHL #Hockey #NHLBetting #NHLPicks #PicksShow #HockeyBets #Toronto #Montreal #Chicago #NewYork #Vancouver #Edmonton #Calgary #Minnesota #Colorado #StLouis #Ottawa #nhlbettingtips #nhlbettingpicks #nhlplayoffs #stanleycup #TorontoMapleLeafs #NewJerseyDevils #CarolinaHurricanes #DallasStars #FloridaPanthers #SeattleKraken #EdmontonOilers #VegasGoldenKnights #NHLDraft #ChicagoBlackhawks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode, Javi sits down with Jim Haverstrom to explore a fresh approach to youth hockey coaching. Jim explains how his game-based, small-area practices transform the way young players develop skills and decision-making. Rather than isolating techniques, his methods use purposeful, in-game scenarios to build hockey IQ and foster creativity on the ice. He also shares strategies for communicating these innovative methods to parents, emphasizing long-term growth over immediate wins.Key Topics Discussed:✅ Transitioning from traditional drills to game-based, small-area practices✅ Using incentives in practice to promote passing, neutral zone play, and overall game sense✅ Achieving lasting behavior change even when incentives are removed✅ Communicating coaching methods effectively with parents to build patience and long-term vision✅ Identifying an athlete's challenge point through observation and guided discovery✅ Fostering autonomy and adaptability in young hockey players✅ Leveraging analogies from Nick Winkelman's book, The Language of Coaching, to simplify coaching conceptsResources & Mentions:

Parents Behaving Badly in Youth Hockey & The Phone Problem No One Talks About-In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down two major challenges in youth hockey: overinvolved parents and phone distractions.

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.    

Josh Levine discusses the various challenges facing youth hockey, including scheduling inconsistencies, locker room issues, rising costs, and the importance of multi-sport participation. He emphasizes the need for better scheduling practices, the impact of overtraining, and the significance of foundational skills in young athletes. Levine advocates for gamifying skill development to enhance engagement and learning among younger players, while also addressing the misconceptions parents have about athletic development. Connect with Josh Levine:

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle the factors shaping young athletes, from genetic influence to key decision-making moments in youth hockey. This episode is packed with insights for hockey parents, players, and coaches navigating the world of youth sports. Whether you're debating a big move or just trying to understand what makes a great athlete, this discussion offers valuable perspectives.-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE. 

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Mottau and Brian Yandle from The Rink Shrinks podcast. We are very excited to announce that they have joined our community to help bring positive change to the hockey world, so be sure to join us at Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com to not miss a moment of our collaboration! In this episode we talk about: — What the HTT community is and how to join — Jeff and Topher's hockey career and their path to starting the HTT — How the best players are the best athletes — How our goal is to make the game fun and make sure players want to come back AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!  And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Tony Scott from Youth Hockey Hub on Beyond the Pond @KFAN1003

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with Matt Dumouchelle, the creator of the Hockey Factories series and podcast via The Coaches Site. Matt's in-depth exploration into elite hockey development programs worldwide has uncovered the secret ingredients behind their success—not just in creating great players, but in cultivating outstanding people.Matt shares insights from his research, including the importance of community among coaches, redefining success in youth hockey, and how the world's top hockey programs prioritize development over immediate results. Whether you're a parent, coach, or hockey enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives.--Key Takeaways:1. Coaching Community: Top programs succeed through constant coach collaboration across age groups.2. Redefining Success: Success is more than wins—it's about character, skills, and a love for hockey.3. Culture Matters: Programs like Frolunda focus on pride and long-term development over short-term results.4. Patience Wins: Gradual, long-term growth is more effective than instant success.5. Free Improvements: Positive culture and coach collaboration are impactful and cost nothing.--Practical Tips for Coaches and Organizations:• Build Coaching Unity: Regular meetings ensure aligned goals and best practices.• Broaden Winning: Measure success through growth, engagement, and teamwork.• Highlight Off-Ice Success: Celebrate players' academic and personal achievements.• Promote Position Versatility: Let kids try multiple roles for well-rounded development.• Supportive Parents: Guide parents to prioritize long-term growth over immediate results.--#HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyFactories #YouthHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team! This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools. Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnCHave 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 this week's episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into a crucial lesson for young players: how to keep your emotions in check and stay present, no matter what happens on the ice. Using relatable examples and practical advice, they explore how a few seconds of frustration—or celebration—can derail your performance if you let it. Learn why “being a goldfish” and practicing emotional awareness are key skills for hockey players and athletes alike. Whether you're scoring big or bouncing back from a mistake, this episode will teach you how to stay focused, control your mindset, and keep improving every shift.Tune in to hear why we believe in you—and why you should too!--Key Takeaways:1.The “12-Second Rule”: Don't let a few seconds of frustration or excitement dictate your entire game.2.Be a Goldfish: Let go of mistakes and move on quickly—just like the best players and goalies do.3.Balance Good and Bad Moments: Celebrate or process emotions briefly, then refocus on the game.4.Practice Emotional Awareness: This teachable skill can be honed both on and off the ice.5.Staying Present: Whether it's during a game, at school, or with family, the key to improvement lies in emotional awareness and mindfulness.--Practical Tips for Players:•After a mistake or success, take 15-30 seconds to acknowledge it, feel your emotions, and let it go.•Review game film with a focus on learning, not reliving mistakes or getting stuck on highlights.•Practice emotional control in everyday life to build resilience on the ice--#HockeyMindset #RideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team! This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools. Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnCHave 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 #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.

Send us a textJoin us for a captivating conversation with Topher Scott, co-host of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, as we delve into the essence of leadership in youth hockey. Discover how actions speak louder than words and why authenticity and self-awareness are game-changers for young athletes. Topher shares his personal journey as an undersized player who defied the odds to lead at the USHL and NCAA levels, providing invaluable insights for players and parents facing similar challenges. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and embracing one's true self, both on and off the ice.Through engaging anecdotes and thoughtful discussions, we tackle the nuances of physical development in hockey and the unique advantages late maturers can bring to the game. Learn why scouts and coaches should look beyond physical attributes to appreciate a player's understanding of the game and competitive spirit. Embrace the underdog mentality as a catalyst for personal growth, nurturing resilience and mental toughness in young athletes. Our conversation highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment in youth sports to inspire a growth mindset and long-term success.Explore the transformative impact of authenticity in leadership roles, as Topher reflects on his own experiences at Cornell. We discuss how embracing one's true nature can lead to a more cohesive and motivated team environment, emphasizing the value of self-reflection and understanding one's identity. With stories of perseverance and the celebration of team success, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how personal growth and authenticity drive excellence in hockey and beyond. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with insights to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

This week Topher and Jeff continue their heated discussion from our latest FRIDAY FACEOFF episode on AAA Mite Hockey. We had so much to say on that episode, that we had to keep it going and transition into the topic of the professionalization of youth hockey. In this episode we talk about: — The pressure to perform and how it's making kids fall out of love with the game — Encouraging kids to diversify their skills by playing other sports — Making it despite the system, not because of it AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!  And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites! If you'd like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out! Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank