The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

Breaking Down the New Development League with Guest Mike MacMillan, USA Hockey National Coach-In-Chief - EP 438

This week Topher and Jeff bring on USA Hockey’s National Coach-In-Chief, Mike MacMillan, to talk about the new Development League. This new league is one of the many majo

FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW DO YOU GET THROUGH AN INJURY?

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how to best get through an injury, both mentally and physically. And then when you’re almost ready to return,

SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO YOU TURN AROUND A BAD GAME?

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener’s question: how do you turn around a bad game when you’re in the middle of it? Tune in for our best advic

The Path to Playing Juniors, Scouting for Different Skill Levels, & Having the Ability to Self Correct with Guest Tony Gasparini, USHL Sioux Falls Stampede GM - EP 437

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Tony Gasparini, the current General Manager of Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League. Gasparini’s long hockey career

FRIDAY FACEOFF - LACK OF PARENT EDUCATION IN YOUTH HOCKEY

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the lack of parent education in youth hockey. We commonly find that this is the

SHORT SHIFTS - USING THE BACK OF THE NET

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about using the back of the net in two different ways: on the breakout (with your own net) and in your offensive zone

Prioritize Fun First & Development Will Follow, with Guest Pete Lenes (Swaggy P), Elev802 Owner - EP 436

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Pete Lenes, Elev802 Hockey Training owner and famously known on Instagram as Swaggy P. During his 10-year professional hockey career, L

FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TRANSITIONING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what you should know and how to handle transitioning to the next level, whether it's AA to AAA, high school to

SHORT SHIFTS - 5 KEYS TO PRACTICE PLANNING

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to share the 5 keys he’s learned from some of the game’s best coaches to planning and executing a successful practice. TEN MI

Bigger Than the Game: Life Lessons Learned Through Hockey - EP 435

This week Jeff is back from paternity leave and joins Topher to talk about things bigger than the game. Hockey, and sports in general, teaches us great life lessons that

FRIDAY FACEOFF - STAY-TO-PLAY MODEL

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the most controversial topics in youth sports: the stay-to-play model.

SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO PLAY A 1-ON-1 DEFENSIVELY

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on HTT teammate and former college coach Matt Thomas to talk about how to play a 1-on-1 defensively. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOC

Keys to Finding Success in Your Hockey Journey Regardless of Your Level, with Guest Greg Rallo, AHL Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach - EP 434

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Greg Rallo, AHL Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach. Rallo played only one year of Tier 1 hockey before playing junior hockey in the Nor

FRIDAY FACEOFF - SPONSOR MY ATHLETE

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on Mandy Holmes to talk about her company, Sponsor My Athlete. With the rising costs of youth sports, many families are get

SHORT SHIFTS - DRILL DESIGN & PRACTICE PLANNING WITH IHS

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on Chris Howard from Ice Hockey Systems to share the ultimate resource for coaches. We discuss 3 important things to focus on

Stories and Observations From A Lifetime in Hockey, with Guest Gordie Stafford, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Former Head Coach - EP 433

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Gordie Stafford, current Mental Performance & Mindset Coach and former Head Coach of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s women’s ice hockey team. S

FRIDAY FACEOFF - PRIVATE EQUITY IN YOUTH SPORTS

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a hot topic in the youth hockey world: private equity. With rising costs and stay-to-play requirements, many f

SHORT SHIFTS - FAVORITE BATTLE DRILLS

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite battle drills. We’re feeling fiery today, so let’s get that battle level up!! TEN MINUTES ON THE C

Qualities of Successful Youth Hockey Directors, Presidents, Coaches, & Parents, with Guests Matt & Steph, HTT Teammates - EP 432

This week Topher and Jeff bring on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the top qualities of the most successful youth hockey directors, presidents, coaches, and pare

FRIDAY FACEOFF - CREATING BUY IN FOR YOUR CLUB

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the major challenges hockey clubs face: buy in. An organization can have