The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FRIDAY FACEOFF - OUR THOUGHTS ON THE OLYMPIC AFTERMATH?! Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the aftermath of the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic teams winning gold and the phone call with US President Donald Trump.

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 - CHANGING LANES ON THE RUSH Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question: what are our thoughts on changing lanes on the rush, and how can it create better timing and space for players without the puck?

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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There Is No Set Path to Playing at the Junior Level & Above, with Guest Glenn Hefferan, USHL Commissioner - EP 406 Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Glenn Hefferan, the commissioner of the United States Hockey League, which is the top junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. If you or your player has dreams of playing at this level, this episode is for you.

In this episode we talk about:

— How development is more important than wins & losses

— The need to be more positive about our sport

— Families feeling the pressure to play 70+ games a season

— What the average qualities of a USHL player are

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!

JOIN HTTU TODAY!

HTT MERCH

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHEN DO YOU KNOW IF IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON?! Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about knowing when it is time to move on from a coach, team, or organization. We are strong proponents of battling through adversity, but also acknowledge that in some situations it is best to walk away. Let’s talk about it.

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 - BEING HARD TO PLAY AGAINST Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what it means as a player to be hard to play against.

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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How to Get the Best Out of Your Hockey Players with Guest Ryan Carter, Former NHL Player - EP 405 Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Ryan Carter, former NHL player and current member of the Minnesota Wild broadcast team. Carter grew up playing youth hockey & college hockey in Minnesota, played over 470 games in the NHL, and eventually won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks.

In this episode we talk about:

— The importance of practicing playing physically

— Asking yourself if you are coachable

— What players are motivated by nowadays

— Playing hockey for the right reasons

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!

JOIN HTTU TODAY!

HTT MERCH

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

FRIDAY FACEOFF - EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT PATH?! Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how everyone has a different path in their hockey journey. You should only compare yourself to the version of yourself you were yesterday.

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

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

SHORT SHIFTS - HOW DO I KNOW I DID A GOOD JOB THIS YEAR AS A COACH? Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to know whether or not you did a good job as a coach this year. It can be difficult to evaluate your performance, so we give some tips to help you reflect.

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

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

Increasing Accessibility & Affordability in Hockey with Guest Zechariah Thomas, Swift Hockey Founder - EP 404 Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Zechariah Thomas, CEO and founder of Swift Hockey. Swift Hockey is the fastest growing stick brand in the ice hockey world and their mission is to increase affordability and accessibility in our sport.

In this episode we talk about:

— How Swift Hockey started and their mission in making hockey more affordable

— Being a first generation hockey player and navigating the hockey world

— The importance of volume and repetition when you practice

— What it’s like competing against the biggest hockey gear companies

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!

JOIN HTTU TODAY!

HTT MERCH

SWIFT HOCKEY STICKS

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FRIDAY FACEOFF - HATE TO LOSE OR LOVE TO WIN?! Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the phrases “hate to lose” vs “love to win.” Which one suits you best and what does it say about you as a player or coach?

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

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

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