On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we talk to the founder and CEO of Athletix Testing, Robert Novotny. Athletix offers hockey-specific performance testing and data analysis services to support the development of athletes, teams, and organizations in North America and Europe. In this conversation we talk: — How data & analytics have evolved to monitor player development — The benefits of sport-specific testing for athletes AND coaches — How standardization and comparable results increase athlete competitiveness — Entrepreneurship AND SO MUCH MORE Thank you to our sponsors Gel ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher bring another MAILBAG of awesomeness from your questions on social media. They cover: — When it’s the right time to change teams/coaches — Advice for coaches on setting expectations & team culture — How to help foster positive environments for players and organizations AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS! We love doing these episodes - so DM or email us your questions any time and we will get to them on the next MAI ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff and Topher talk about TRYOUTS! Often times called “the silly season” (for good reason), they offer a unique perspective from both the player side as well as the coach’s side, and how to handle the stress, uncertainty and opportunity presented. In this episode we discuss: — Players embracing what THEIR strengths are and being their best at THOSE things — How parents can help kids navigate the stress and pressure they’re feeling — What coaches look for during a tryout AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNut ..read more

At 17, he was a high school JV goaltender. He is now a starting goalie in the AHL. Tyler Parks is a true inspiration. On our podcast we talk ALL.THE.TIME about the importance of resiliency and sticking to it through all of the failures that come with trying to achieve something great. Tyler Parks is the embodiment of these values. As a relatively unknown, this podcast episode is one of our most downloaded of all time with how inspirational it was. We wanted to re-release it for anyone with a dream and needs a little bit of motivation. Enjoy!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff celebrate their 250th episode with friend, podcast listener, and NHLer, Paul Stastny! Stas and Vechs have been friends since they were playing squirts together - one has over 800 NHL points, has notched over 1100 NHL games, is a US Olympian and an NCAA National Champion (HINT: it’s not Vechs)! In this episode we discuss: — What it takes to have the kind of career Stas has had at the highest levels — How age and maturity change a players’ approach to the game — Mentorship, curiosity and brotherhood AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, it’s a Topher and Jeff “ASK ME ANYTHING” episode. They ask each other three questions, unrehearsed, with some epic answers. In this episode we discuss: — The advice we’d go back and give our parents — What does “hard to play against” look like? (HINT: relentlessness is key) — Essential habits to achieve being a high level player AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS - we do this podcast for YOU and appreciate you listening and sharing wi ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Brady Leavold about his INCREDIBLE journey from pro hockey to addiction to prison, and how he is now helping to ignite change in mental health and substance misuse in the hockey world. PARENTAL DISCRETION is advised as the conversation is real, raw and honest. In this episode we discuss: — Creating powerful conversations surrounding mental health and substance misuse — Brady’s response to the trauma of childhood abuse — Making a difference through The Puck Support Network Non-Profit Organization AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank y ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk about one of the most divisive topics in our sport: the cost of playing our great game. In this episode we discuss: — The financial barriers that exist in youth hockey — The costs involved in perpetuating those barriers — Questions parents can be asking to assess their families ROI AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS - we do this podcast for YOU and appreciate you listening and sharing with your teams, players, par ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff talk to Sam Cheema - the Director of the Ironbound Hockey program. Sam, who now lives in NYC, is a former pro player who grew up in the UK and was a member of Great Britain’s National team. In this episode we discuss: — Providing opportunities for players in non-traditional markets — A holistic approach to development — Motivation, accountability & growth AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS - we do this podcast for ..read more

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Topher and Jeff sound off on what it takes to play in the NHL - and how very improbable, statistically speaking, reaching that level is. A terrific and realistic conversation from two guys that have played, coached, and been around high level hockey their whole lives. In this episode we discuss: — The importance of goal-setting and consistency — Being intentional with your effort, energy and routines — Staying true to your why AND SO MUCH MORE! Thank you to our sponsors GelStx, Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, and IceHockeySystems.com. And th ..read more