The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FRIDAY FACEOFF - COLLEGE HOCKEY TRANSFER PORTAL?! Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the changing college hockey landscape. In this three part series, we first talk about the transfer portal: what it is and how it will drastically affect college hockey going forward.

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - REST & RECOVERY?! Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about almost every youth player’s least favorite aspect of hockey: rest and recovery. What you do off the ice is just as, if not more important than what you do on the ice. Listen as we talk best practices to make sure you’re 100% ready to go every time you hit the ice.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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SHORT SHIFTS - MIDDLE OF THE ICE Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about why the middle of the ice is so important and how we should be talking about it to our players, both offensively and defensively.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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Hockey Academies: Let’s Discuss the Pros & Cons With Guest Shawn Pauly, GForce Sports Academy Director - EP 373 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Shawn Pauly, former University of Connecticut men’s ice hockey player and now Director of GForce Sports Academy. We fundamentally recognize that everyone has a different path in hockey and there is not a specific journey that will make you more successful. The reality is more hockey academies are opening across the country and many parents are curious if that environment would be a good fit for their player. We hope this episode gives parents and players some insight and helps weigh the pros and cons of sports academies.

In this episode we talk about:

— Not always looking for scouts when you’re playing and finding the fun first

— The questions parents should ask if they are considering an academy

— A day in the life of an academy student: the pros and cons

— FOMO in hockey, and truly finding the best fit for you

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!

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - BENCHING PLAYERS?! Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about benching players. We answer the how, when, and why questions about this development and discipline tool. It can be a tough subject for coaches and parents to navigate, so let’s get into it.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

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SHORT SHIFTS - PASSING Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about passing. It is one of THE most important elements of the game, so let’s dive into everything passing.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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Concussion Prevention, Detection, & Treatment With Guests Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard, Bearmind Tech - EP 372 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard from Bearmind Tech. As former players significantly impacted by concussions, Walsky and Falbriard founded Bearmind Tech to help with concussion detection and improving brain injury management. So many concussions either go undetected entirely, or receive delayed treatment. Bearmind’s monitoring device was designed to change that.

In this episode we talk about:

— How 70% of concussions are diagnosed after games, meaning that most players continue playing, not realizing they are injured

— How we rush too quickly into body contact with our current development model

— How playing multiple sports creates critical thinking skills

— Best practices for concussion treatment

— The loneliness in concussions

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!

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Bearmind Tech Website

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - FINDING YOUR NEW LOCKER ROOM?! Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a post Vechs shared to his Instagram about finding your new locker room. As hockey players, we get so used to always having a team, that when we stop playing it can feel lonely. Having people that resonate with you is so incredibly important, so get out there, and find your new locker room.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

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SHORT SHIFTS - STICK BATTLES Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about stick battles. We are seeing a trend toward using stick battles over checking to create turnovers, so let’s talk about how to win them.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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Breaking Down the Latest Hockey Buzzword, “Development,” With Guest Jon Lounsbury, Player Development Coach - EP 371 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jon Lounsbury, player development coach for multiple NHL players and owner of 11 Hockey. We have heard about the word “development” being thrown around frequently and big promises from coaches to develop players, but what does that even mean? In this episode we discuss Lounsbury’s take on how to truly help players develop and thrive.

In this episode we talk about:

— Giving the game back to the kids by asking what they want

— End-of-season exit meetings and giving specific, constructive feedback

— Ditching the ego and recognizing that every year is a new year to try something new if things didn’t work

— Developing versatile players

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.