The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

Latest Episodes:

SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO YOU BECOME A BETTER SKATER? Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph asks Vechs for his best advice on how to become a better and faster skater over the summer.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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Always Be Learning: Cultivating Curiosity with Guest Phil Osaer, Former Pro Goalie - EP 413 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Phil Osaer, who played college hockey at Ferris State University, played over 12 years professionally, and then went on to have a great career in coaching and scouting for multiple NHL teams. He is currently the Director of Athlete Development at Suburban Sports Group.

In this episode we talk about:

— Reduced accountability because kids can easily hop teams

— How as a coach, you must “always be learning”

— How the best coaches are curious about other sports & why

— How to tell if a goalie has hockey sense

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!

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HTT MERCH

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - MERCYHURST FOLDING?! Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Mercyhurst University men’s ice hockey program folding. They have not disclosed why the program folded, but the way it happened really disappointed us. Listen for the inside scoop on how poorly the situation was handled.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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SHORT SHIFTS - THE STANDARD Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about “The Standard,” which is an excerpt from Matt Ford’s website that outlines what he learned from Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the top hockey prep schools in the country. True to its title, this is what we believe should be the standard for all coaches.

THE STANDARD

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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5 Tips for Parents to Help Navigate the Youth Hockey Journey - EP 412 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to give our best advice to all of the hockey parents out there. The hockey world can be tough to figure out, whether you’re new to the sport, experiencing a different level, or if you are just feeling like you still haven’t found your way. We’re here to help you navigate that journey.

In this episode we talk about:

— Putting yourself around the best people

— Running your own race

— Finding the positive in every situation

— That it’s all about communication

— The power of finding your why

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!

X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank

TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank

Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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

FRIDAY FACEOFF - SIDNEY CROSBY PUTTING CHAIRS AWAY?! Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Sidney Crosby and his most recent show of character. After the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins took their team picture, captain Crosby stayed to help staff clean up the chairs. We are strong believers in the phrase, “how you do anything is how you’ll do everything.” It’s no coincidence that Crosby is an elite hockey player and a class act.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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

Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear

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SHORT SHIFTS - T.J. HUGHES FOR HOBEY BAKER Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about T.J. Hughes being named one of the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player in the country. Listen for our thoughts on why we believe he deserves this award and what message it would send to the future hockey generations if he wins.

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

IG: @HockeyThinkTank

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You Might Win a Lot, but Are You Learning How to Win? With Guest Chris Pronger, NHL Hall of Famer - EP 411 Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff bring back the one and only Chris Pronger - NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and 2-time Olympic Champion with over 18 years in the NHL - to talk about learning how to win.

In this episode we talk about:

— How newer hockey generations have taken a step back with hockey IQ

— Kids needing to learn how to be sandpaper

— Why learning to win matters more than just winning

— Prioritizing communication skills

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!

Chris Pronger's New Book: Earned

JOIN HTTU TODAY!

HTT MERCH

IG: @HockeyThinkTank

X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank

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Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - HOW TO DEVELOP MORE RINK RATS?! Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how we can develop more rink rats, because those are the players that are more likely to make it far in their hockey journey.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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

Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear

IG: @HockeyThinkTank

X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank

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Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO YOU GENERATE OFFENSE WHEN THE OPPOSING DEFENSE IS LOCKDOWN Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how when you get to the playoffs, it can seem that it is a lot harder to score. So, how do you create offense when the other team’s defense is lockdown?

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

IG: @HockeyThinkTank

X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank

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Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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